Apps & Tools

dB Converter

Convert between dBu, dBV, voltage, and linear gain factor, plus an approximate dBFS conversion using a selectable calibration reference.

Enter Any One Value

dBu

dBV

Voltage (Vrms)

Linear Gain Ratio

dBu = 20·log₁₀(V / 0.7746V) | dBV = 20·log₁₀(V / 1V) | dB (gain) = 20·log₁₀(ratio)

Approximate dBFS (Digital)

Calibration Reference (0 dBFS = )

Equivalent dBFS—

This maps an analog reference level to 0 dBFS and expresses your entered level relative to it — actual gear calibration varies, treat this as an estimate, not a precise measurement.

Common Reference Levels

0 dBu0.775 V

0 dBV1.000 V

+4 dBu (pro line level)1.228 V

-10 dBV (consumer line level)0.316 V

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Knowledge Base

Why There Are So Many Different "dB" Units

dB is always a ratio, never an absolute unit on its own, dBu and dBV differ only in what voltage they treat as their 0 dB reference point (0.775V and 1V respectively), which is why the same real-world voltage gives a different-looking number in each. dBFS is different again: it's relative to a digital system's maximum representable value, with no fixed voltage meaning until you calibrate it against real analog gear.

Why +4 dBu and -10 dBV Exist

+4 dBu became the standard reference for professional balanced audio gear. -10 dBV became the standard for consumer and prosumer unbalanced gear. This is also why connecting professional and consumer-level gear directly can introduce noise or level mismatches without a proper interface between them.

dBFS Calibration Is Convention, Not Physics

Unlike dBu/dBV (fixed by definition), a digital system's 0 dBFS has no inherent real-world voltage until a manufacturer or engineer calibrates it to one, different studios and equipment manufacturers have historically used different calibration points, which is why this tool asks you to pick a reference rather than assuming one universal answer.

FAQ

Q: Why does my interface's meters show a different dBFS than my outboard gear's dBu meter for the same signal?
A: They're likely calibrated to different reference points. Check your interface's specific calibration documentation rather than assuming a universal standard applies.

Q: What's a "linear gain ratio"?
A: The plain multiplication factor a signal is scaled by. A gain ratio of 2 doubles voltage (a +6.02 dB change). A ratio of 0.5 halves it (a −6.02 dB change).