Blackbird Academy: Electrical Levels in Audio Production

A decibel is used to measure the operating level (intensity of sound or electrical output) produced by a piece of gear.

Audio gear has two categories: professional and consumer. What differentiates them is the intended use.

The electrical output level of a microphone is very low. It’s output measured in millivolts by the symbol - mV.

When audio signal is raised to a professional line level, it can be directly routed to other professional gear such as compressors, EQs, converters, consoles, and the inputs of powered speakers.

Guitar. Bass. Guitar Pedals. Electronic Keyboards. All consumer audio device with high impedance, unbalanced outputs referenced at -10dBV.

The signal is recorded. Its time to hear your product. But first, it must travel through another transducer (a speaker or set of headphones) to send the signal through the air once more en route to your ears.

Here, in this final video you’ll see a recap of the Electrical Levels in Audio Production course.