Calculate level (dBu or dBV) to voltage (VRMS)


This calculator converts a given signal level in dBu or dBV to the appropriate voltage level for sinusoidal waveforms.
Just enter either a level in dBu or in dBV, depending on your reference level.
Example: your manual specifies you need a signal level of -24 dBu. You can calculate the corresponding voltage here.

PLEASE NOTE: levels are as follows:

0 dBu uses 0.775 Volt as base level. This is the professional level. Standard is +4dBu = 1.228V.
0 dBV uses 1 Volt as base level. Used in domestic environments. Standard is -10dBV = 0.316V.


Since dBu is referenced to a smaller value, the same voltage will always come out 2.2 dB higher when referenced to dBu than when referenced to dBV.
For example, 6 V = 15.56 dBV, but 17.78 dBu.


What is the level in dBu:
dBu
or
What is the level in dBV:
dBV

Please fill in one of the fields!
Appropriate voltage level will be calculated below.

If you have used the calculator on this page, please click the 'Like Button' below to show me how many times people have used this page. Thank you very much!


This page has been liked 304 times.
A big thank you to all the people that used the page and pressed the like button. I really appreciate it!!

Support my work with a coffee ☕


Some background: dBu vs. dBV

What is dBu? A logarithmic voltage ratio with a reference voltage of V0 = 0.7746 volt ≡ 0 dBu. It has a 'reference level' of +4dBu ~ 1,23 V. The studio recording level (pro audio) of +4 dBu means a voltage of 1.228 volts.
What is dBV? A logarithmic voltage ratio with a reference voltage of V0 = 1.0000 volt ≡ 0 dBV It has a 'reference level' of -10dBV ~ 316 mV. The home recording level (consumer audio) of −10 dBV means 0.3162 volts, that is −7.78 dBu.

The maximum undistorted level of audio amplifiers is +18 dBu. In USA it is +24 dBu.

Domestic gear with a −10 dBV level is usually unbalanced. Studio gear with a +4 dBu level is always balanced. 0 VU = +4 dBu.
The level difference between +4 dBu studio level and −10 dBV consumer level is Δ L = 11.78 dB (12 dB).
The level difference between dBu level and dBV level is Δ L = 2.2 dB.
0 dBV equals 2.2 dBu or 0 dBu equals −2.2 dBV.