- dBu
- A voltage level referenced to 0.775 Vrms; 0 dBu equals 0.775 Vrms.
- dBV
- A voltage level referenced to 1 Vrms; 0 dBV equals 1 Vrms.
- Vrms
- Root-mean-square voltage. Convert a voltage ratio to decibels with 20 × log10(ratio).
- dBFS
- A digital meter scale whose ceiling is 0 dBFS. It is not interchangeable with dBu or dBV without calibrated hardware information.
- Headroom
- The level difference between the measured or expected peak and an entered maximum.
- Sample delay
- A count of digital samples between matching transient positions; milliseconds equal samples ÷ sample rate × 1000.
- Acoustic arrival delay
- Time from a source to a microphone capsule. At 20 °C this reference uses approximately 343.42 m/s.
- Phase at one frequency
- Arrival delay multiplied by frequency and 360 degrees. It does not describe broadband room response.
Nominal, peak, and maximum specifications answer different questions. Record the exact device, connection, meter mode, sample rate, firmware/software state, and manufacturer source.
Follow the measurement guide before interpreting a calculator result.
Scope of this reference
Define dBu, dBV, Vrms, dBFS, headroom, samples, milliseconds, and microphone arrival delay. Use Guitar Recording Level & Latency Reference to make a repeatable decision for this named task, not to impose one specification on every instrument.
Practical example
0 dBu is 0.775 Vrms, while 0 dBV is 1 Vrms and 0 dBFS is a digital ceiling rather than an analog voltage. At 48 kHz, 480 samples equal 10 ms; the same 480 samples last a different time at another rate.
Record the conditions
For Guitar Recording Level & Latency Reference, write down instrument type, tuning, installed strings, relevant hardware, climate when material, physical datum, unit, tool resolution, and the result before and after change. A result from this reference is comparable only when its method travels with the number.
Verification checklist
- For Guitar Recording Level & Latency Reference, confirm the starting state and exact question.
- Repeat its critical measurements from the same reference.
- Compare its result with direct observation and applicable maker documentation.
- Change one reversible variable where the task permits.
- Retest the named symptom and preserve unresolved exceptions.
Related workflow
- pedal insert headroom checker — continue when that page answers the next unresolved measurement or decision.
- round trip alignment calculator — continue when that page answers the next unresolved measurement or decision.
- dual mic phase alignment planner — continue when that page answers the next unresolved measurement or decision.
Limits
Guitar Recording Level & Latency Reference cannot inspect hidden structure, material condition, service history, or player technique. Stop this reference workflow for electrical hazards, abnormal resistance, structural movement, conflicting readings, or unplanned material removal.