Line level

What does Line level mean?

Line level is a Term used in audio engineering to refer to the nominal signal level of a balanced audio signal, typically sent over a three-pin XLR cable or a TRS connector. It is typically between -10 to +4 dBV (decibels relative to one volt), with 0 dBV being one volt. Line level signals are used to connect professional audio equipment, such as microphones, mixers, amplifiers, and speakers.

Line level signals are typically used for long-distance transmission, such as over a stage or between different rooms in a building. This is because line level signals are Less susceptible to noise and interference than unbalanced signals, which are More commonly used for Short-distance transmission, such as between a guitar and an amplifier.

Applications

Line level is important in technology today because it provides a standardized way to connect professional audio equipment. This makes it easy to connect different pieces of equipment from different manufacturers, and to ensure that the signal levels are compatible.

Line level signals are also used in a variety of applications, including:

• Sound reinforcement: Line level signals are used to connect microphones, mixers, amplifiers, and speakers in sound reinforcement systems. This allows the sound to be amplified and distributed to a large audience.
• Recording: Line level signals are used to connect microphones and other audio sources to recording equipment. This allows the audio to be recorded and played back.
• Broadcasting: Line level signals are used to connect audio sources to broadcasting equipment. This allows the audio to be broadcast to a large audience.

History

The history of line level can be traced back to the development of the telephone. In the early days of telephony, unbalanced signals were used to transmit audio over long distances. However, these signals were susceptible to noise and interference, which made it difficult to communicate over long distances.

In the 1920s, balanced signals were developed to address the problems with unbalanced signals. Balanced signals use three wires to transmit audio, with the two signal wires carrying the audio signal in opposite polarity. This cancels out noise and interference, which makes balanced signals much more resistant to noise than unbalanced signals.

Line level signals were developed as a way to standardize the signal levels of balanced audio signals. This made it easy to connect different pieces of equipment from different manufacturers, and to ensure that the signal levels were compatible.