What is the difference between +4dBu and -10dBV?

[Silas]

Can you tell me what the difference is between +4dBu and -10dBV?

 

[Nyikadzino]

+4 dBu and -10 dBV are both units of measure used to express the strength or level of an electrical signal. The difference between them is the reference level against which the signal level is measured.

+4 dBu is a measurement of the level of an electrical signal relative to a reference level of 0.775 volts. This reference level is commonly used in professional audio and video equipment, and is often referred to as "pro audio level."

-10 dBV, on the other hand, is a measurement of the level of an electrical signal relative to a reference level of 1 volt. This reference level is commonly used in consumer audio and video equipment, and is often referred to as "consumer level."

In general, the -10 dBV reference level is lower than the +4 dBu reference level, so a signal that measures -10 dBV will be weaker than a signal that measures +4 dBu. However, the actual difference in level between the two signals will depend on their specific levels relative to their respective reference levels.

 

[Mufushwa]

Nyikadzino, which reference level (dB SPL, dBFS, +4/-10) is used for the following: sound, digital audio, analog audio?

 

[Nyikadzino]

Nyikadzino, which reference level (dB SPL, dBFS, +4/-10) is used for the following: sound, digital audio, analog audio?

The reference level for sound measurements depends on the sound and its context. Take, for example, dB SPL, which is used to measure sounds in the air, such as the volume of a person's voice or the loudness of the music concerts. This reference level is based on the threshold of human hearing and is typically set at 0 dB SPL at 1,000 Hz.

On the other hand, there's dBFS, which is used to measure digital audio signals. This reference level is based on the maximum level that a digital audio signal can have without distortion, and it's usually set at 0 dBFS. And then there is +4 dBu and -10 decibel Volt, which are used to measure analog audio signals.

These reference levels are based on commonly used levels in professional and consumer audio equipment, respectively, and are typically referenced to voltage levels of 0.775 V and 1 V, respectively. So, the reference level used for a given measurement depends on the sound, the equipment, and the context.