What's the difference between "pro" and "consumer" line levels? Is it ok to plug an instrument into a line level input? What's the difference between peak and RMS levels? In the long-awaited return of our "Explain Like I'm 5" podcast series, Peterson and new DIYRE team member, Chris, explain the basics of audio levels. Download the mp3 or subscribe via iTunes Topics discussed: Can you damage equipment by plugging the wrong thing in? In analog audio Volume = Voltage The difference between peak and RMS volume RMS is a way of measuring AC as if it were DC The most common levels you'll encounter in the studio: +4dBu, pro line level (1.22V) -10dBV, consumer line level (.316V) Mic level Instrument level Tangent: why are microphone output levels so low? Subscribe to the DIYRE podcast