Simple Explanation

A standard signal level used in home and semipro audio gear. It equals 0.316 volts and is quieter than professional studio levels.

Concise Technical Definition

A reference signal level equal to 0.316 Vrms (root-mean-square voltage), commonly used in consumer and semi-professional audio equipment. It is 10 decibels below 1 volt (0 dBV).

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Think of it like a "quiet mode" for audio gear—less powerful than studio signals but still clear enough for typical home use.

Industry Usage Summary

Widely used as a standard line-level reference in consumer and TASCAM-format gear. While lower than the +4 dBu level used in professional studios, it remains common in home recording and AV systems.

Engineering Shortcut

–10 dBV = 0.316 Vrms; common consumer line level.

Full Technical Explanation

–10 dBV is a standardized audio signal level defined as 10 decibels below 1 volt (0 dBV), which equals 0.316 volts RMS. It is the nominal operating level for many consumer and semi-professional audio devices, particularly in formats like RCA connections and TASCAM equipment. While lower than the +4 dBu (1.23 Vrms) level used in professional audio systems, –10 dBV is sufficient for clean audio transmission in shorter cable runs and non-commercial setups. The difference in level means care must be taken when interfacing –10 dBV gear with +4 dBu systems to avoid mismatches or signal degradation.