---
title: "Audio Levels"
date: 2025-06-11
source: "https://telegra.ph/Audio-Levels-06-11"
tags:
  - "telegraph"
---


Signal Type Level (approx) In dBu In dBV Voltage (RMS) Description

**Mic Level** Very low –60 dBu to –62 dBV 
between 1 and 10 mV Raw mic output; needs a preamp

**Instrument Level** Low-mid –20 dBu to –22 dBV
around 100 mV Electric guitar/bass, unbuffered

**Consumer Line Level** Standard –10 dBV to –7.8 dBu

around 316 mV Home stereo, computers, etc.

**Pro Line Level** Hot +4 dBu to 1.78 dBV

around 1.23 V Mixers, studio gear, PA systems

**Headphone Level** Variable

0 to +10 dBu

–2 to +8 dBV

0.7 to 2.0 V High enough to drive speakers or ears