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Collaboration, Voice & AV · Foundational

Microphone Level (Mic level)

The very low signal voltage produced by microphones, typically around -60 to -40 dBu, which needs a preamplifier.

Definition

Microphone signals are millivolt-level and vulnerable to noise, so they are carried on balanced cables and amplified by a mic preamp to line level before further processing. Preamp gain must be set correctly at the first stage to achieve good gain structure. Feeding a mic-level signal into a line input results in very low volume.

Example

A handheld dynamic microphone produces about -50 dBu when a person speaks at a normal level.

Exam tip

Signal levels from lowest to highest: mic, line, speaker. Mic level always needs a preamp.

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