This guide will show you five different ways to convert your line-level signal to a mic-level signal. There are MANY different reasons that you might want to do this; here are some examples.

• Connect an audio mixer to another audio mixer
• Connect an audio mixer to a video camera
• Connect a DJ controller to an audio mixer
• Connect an audio mixer to the mic input on an in-house sound system (hotel, church, school)

Quick Answer: We need to reduce the line level signal by 25dB using a line level input, DI Box, audio mixer pad, in-line XLR pad, or a camera interface. 

Line Level vs Mic Level

A line-level audio signal is much stronger than a mic-level signal. Let’s take a quick look at the output levels:

• Line Level: 0dB – +4dB
• RCA Level: -10dB
• Mic Level: -30dB -50dB

In practical terms, we need to reduce the line level signal by 25dB to make it compatible with a mic-level input. If we don’t reduce the signal, the input channel will clip, and your audio will sound distorted and degraded. You will also risk damage to some of the components of your audio mixer. 

Option 1: Line-Level Input

The easiest way to connect a line-level signal to your audio mixer is to connect it to a line-level input. This means you don’t have to “convert” or “reduce” the signal.

You can use a simple ¼” TRS cable to connect your line-level source’s output to the line-level inputs on your audio mixer. 

This will only work if you have a line-level input on your audio mixer. If you don’t, you can use one of the other options below. 

• TRS Cable: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable

Option 2: DI Box

A DI Box is a great tool that every audio engineer should have. A DI box will do two things for you:

1. Reduce line-level signal to mic-level signal
2. Balance your audio signal

The DI box will reduce the output and balance your audio signal to run a long distance (up to 1000’) while protecting the quality of your audio signal. 

If you’re using a line-level instrument like a keyboard or a DJ controller that is unbalanced, this is a great option. 

You can connect your line-level output to a DI Box using a ¼” cable and then use an XLR cable to connect the DI box to a mic-level input on your audio mixer or audio interface. 

Option 3: Audio Mixer Pad

If you’re connecting a line-level signal directly to an audio mixer, you can use the built-in pad on the input of your audio mixer (if it’s available). Depending on the manufacturer, the pad will reduce the audio signal by 20, 25, or 26dB. 

This is a great option available on most audio mixers over $500, which means you don’t need any outboard gear. 

You can try the next option if your audio mixer doesn’t have a built-in pad. 

Option 4: In-Line XLR Pad

An in-line XLR pad is a great option for converting a line-level signal to a mic-level signal. There are many different options available:

• 10dB pad
• 15dB pad
• 20dB pad
• 25dB pad
• 50dB pad
• Adjustable Pad

Our favorite XLR pad is the Shure A15AS In-Line Switchable Attenuator/Pad. This device lets your switch between 15dB, 20dB or 25dB to give you flexibility, depending on your needs. 

To use an in-line XLR pad, you need to connect your line level output to the XLR pad, then connect the XLR pad to your mic-level input. 

• Shure In-Line XLR Pad: https://currentprice.io/xlr_pad
• XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable

Option 5: Camera Interface

You must use a dedicated camera interface if you’re connecting a line-level source to a DSLR-style camera. A camera interface gives you many tools to help manage the audio signal, including a built-in attenuator for line-level signals. 

You can connect your line-level source (audio mixer) to the camera interface using an XLR cable and then connect the camera interface to the camera using a ⅛” TRS cable (usually included with the interface). Make sure that you have  “line” selected on the input and then adjust the volume as desired. 

We recommend these camera interfaces, depending on your budget:

• Kopul CMX2: http://currentprice.io/kopul_cmx2 
• Tascam DR60D MKII: http://currentprice.io/dr60d 
• Sound Devices MixPre-3: http://currentprice.io/mixpre3 
• XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable

Convert Line Level To Mic Level FAQ

Convert Line Level To Mic Level Pricing

• Mackie ProFX6v3: https://currentprice.io/profx6v3
• Yamaha MG10XU: https://currentprice.io/mg10xu
• Scarlett 2i2: https://currentprice.io/scarlett_2i2
• Radial ProD2 DI Box: https://currentprice.io/radial_prod2
• Shure In-Line XLR Pad: https://currentprice.io/xlr_pad
• Kopul CMX2 (Camera Interface): http://currentprice.io/kopul_cmx2
• XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
• TRS Cable: https://currentprice.io/trs_cable
• Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
• Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
• Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: http://currentprice.io/psa1_plus
• Quality Acoustic Treatment Panels: http://currentprice.io/soundpanels 

Convert Line Level To Mic Level Topics

• 0:00 – Introduction
• 0:44 – Equipment Setup
• 1:52 – Pricing & Specs
• 2:04 – Line Level vs Mic Level
• 3:37 – What happens if we don’t reduce the volume?
• 5:20 – Option 1: Line Level Input
• 7:13 – Option 2: DI Box
• 9:18 –  Option 3: Audio Mixer Pad
• 10:37 – Option 4: In-Line XLR Pad
• 11:53 – Option 5: Camera Interface
• 12:59 – Final Thoughts