Bezugspegel specifications

Category : Lexicon

Level, which is used as a reference point when measuring or leveling (also called calibrating) systems. This is often specified in a standard or technical directive.

As a rule, phonograms containing signals recorded with the reference level are available for the level adjustment of recording or playback devices. Examples are measuring sound plates or measuring sound tapes. Furthermore, there are calibrated generators with which signals with reference level can be generated. These are installed in some devices as aids.

The reference level is usually not the maximum level that a device is capable of. The maximum level of a device (control limit) is the level up to which distortion-free or low-distortion processing of the sound signal is possible. If this level is exceeded, the distortions increase rapidly (overload). A certain distance is therefore maintained from the modulation limit in practice (headroom or modulation reserve) in order to have room for short-term signal peaks without them being distorted at the same time.

Depending on the application, there are different international or national standards and regulations for the reference levels. For the hi-fi sector, for example, the regulations on the line level apply, along with other standards, for example for microphones and turntables. The reference level is often specially marked on level indicators.

See also the Wikipedia articles: Reference level and calibration