What is line input on a mixer?

A line-in (line input) is an audio socket that is found on audio interfaces, computer sound cards, and some mixers. It’s used to connect an external audio device such as an instrument, microphone, or CD player (remember those?).

What is a good input impedance?

Zero input impedance would allow one to feed any amount of current into a load without it absorbing any power. In cases where one wants to sense voltage without absorbing power, infinite impedance is thus the ideal; conversely, if one wants to sense current, zero impedance is the ideal.

Are line level inputs balanced?

Lastly, a line level signal can either be balanced or unbalanced. Unbalanced line inputs and outputs are generally only the 1/8″ and RCA plugs connections that you see. RCA plugs can only ever carry a mono, unbalanced signal.

What is the impedance of line level?

100 to 600 ohms
Line outputs usually present a source impedance of 100 to 600 ohms. The voltage can reach 2 volts peak-to-peak with levels referenced to −10 dBV (300 mV) at 10 kΩ. The frequency response of most modern equipment is advertised as at least 20 Hz to 20 kHz, which corresponds to the conventional range of human hearing.

Are mixer outputs line level?

Both mic and line level audio refer to the voltage level of an audio signal. Wired and wireless microphones are typically connected to mic-level inputs, while most other audio devices — such as mixers and outputs of mic preamps — use line level.

Is high impedance good or bad?

In general: High impedance sources provide high voltage but low current. Equal impedance between source and headphones is good for portable power requirements, but not necessarily for sound quality.

What is the advantage of having high input impedance?

The high impedance ensures that it draws very little current. It is the amplifier’s task to convert a low energy, voltage-driven signal into a higher-voltage output signal. Low impedance circuits can be dangerous because of the high current draw that they produce. Op amps avoid this by having very high input impedance.

What impedance is a line level input?

around 10 kΩ
The impedance of a line input is typically around 10 kΩ.

Can you use XLR for line level?

The standard XLR 3-pin output connector on most mics can carry mic-level signals or line-level signals. The 1/4″ connectors are used for low-level guitar outputs as well as speaker inputs from a power amp, which are drastically different levels.

What is low impedance?

Low impedance is in a range of approximately 4 to 16 ohms. Low impedance speakers are used in various sound systems such as household stereo system and car audio system. High impedance usually means an impedance of several-hundred ohms to several-k ohms.

What is the impedance of a mixer?

For instance, if you connect a microphone to a mixer, your microphone has an impedance of less than 200 Ohms. The input impedance of the XLR balanced connector of a mixer or preamp is between 1500 – 3000 Ohms. This ensures an excellent current flow between the two devices.

What is a line input on a mixer?

On mixing boards this is an input to a channel that is specifically designed for line level signals. Unlike the XLR microphone input, which is designed for low level mic signals, line inputs are usually 1/4 inch connectors, and are quite often unbalanced, though this will vary depending on the mixer.

Why is impedance matching not used in line level circuits?

As cables between line output and line input are generally extremely short compared to the audio signal wavelength in the cable, transmission line effects can be disregarded and impedance matching need not be used. Instead, line level circuits use the impedance bridging principle, in which a low impedance output drives a high impedance input.

What happens if you connect a line level to a mic?

Connecting a line-level source to a mic-level input will cause the sound to be loud and distorted because the line-level signal is much stronger than what the mic input will accept. (Note: Inputs and outputs on some higher-end mixers are mic and line level switchable.)