Audio Level Converter

Methodology

How it works

Use this converter when two pieces of audio equipment describe signal levels in different units. Choose the unit printed in the specification, enter its value and read all three equivalent representations. The reference buttons load 4 dBu, −10 dBV, 0 dBu or 1 V RMS. These are comparison examples, not recommended settings for every device. Changing the input unit keeps the number you typed and interprets it in the new unit; it does not convert the input field. The output always identifies each unit so that you can copy a complete result into an advance note. The calculation first converts the input to RMS volts. For dBu, V = 0.775 × 10^(level/20); for dBV, V = 10^(level/20). It then derives dBu and dBV from that voltage without rounding intermediate values. This tool deliberately uses the conventional rounded 0.775 V reference. At 4 dBu, the result is approximately 1.228 V RMS and 1.786 dBV. At −10 dBV, it is approximately 0.316 V RMS and −7.786 dBu. The difference between those two example levels is 11.786 dB, not 14 dB: their reference voltages differ. Enter −120 to 60 for either decibel unit, or 0.0000001 to 1000 for RMS volts. Negative dBu and dBV are valid: they mean a voltage below the reference. Zero dBu is also valid and equals 0.775 V RMS. Zero volts cannot produce a finite logarithmic result, so zero, negative voltage, empty fields and values outside the supported range clear the results and disable export. Small nonzero values use scientific notation to avoid appearing as zero. Display precision is not a claim about measurement accuracy. Peak and peak-to-peak voltage are included only as a sine-wave reference. Music and other waveforms can have different crest factors, so their peaks cannot be inferred from RMS alone. This page does not estimate loudspeaker power, acoustic sound pressure or digital full scale. Read the equipment manual to find its actual nominal level, maximum input, output capability, load conditions and digital calibration. An equivalent numerical level does not establish connector compatibility or available headroom. Copy, download or print the result with its input unit and calculation assumptions. Clipboard errors offer a text-download alternative. Inputs remain in page memory and clear on refresh; no account or measurement upload is needed. Use the result as a shared reference during an advance conversation, then confirm the actual signal path and equipment settings during the system check.