What is the low voltage level that comes out of a microphone when someone speaks into it?

The low voltage level that comes out of a microphone when someone speaks into it is referred to as mic level. This level typically ranges from -60 to -40 dBu, which is much lower than line level, making it suitable for connecting directly to amplifiers or mixing consoles when additional amplification is required.

Microphones convert sound waves into electrical signals, and due to their design, they output weak signals that need to be amplified to line level for further processing. This characteristic defines mic level as distinct from line level, instrument level, or speaker level, which represent different signal strengths and purposes in audio systems. Understanding this concept is crucial for managing audio signal flow appropriately in any AV system setup.