Use a line-level converter when connecting unbalanced consumer equipment, such as an AV receiver, laptop, or media player, to balanced professional audio equipment, or when connecting balanced outputs to unbalanced inputs. Converting between formats can help match signal levels and improve resistance to electrical noise, especially across longer cable runs or in outdoor audio systems.

Line-level converters bridge consumer audio equipment and professional amplifiers or processors by converting unbalanced consumer-level signals to balanced professional line-level signals, or the reverse. This supports connections between formats such as RCA or 3.5-millimeter audio and XLR while helping reduce susceptibility to external electrical noise.

Choose a line-level converter that changes unbalanced signals to balanced before the long cable run, since balanced lines help reduce pickup from external electrical noise. Confirm that it matches your source and destination levels, supports the required channel count, and provides the right connections, such as RCA, 3.5-millimeter, XLR, or terminal blocks.

Choose a line-level converter with enough channels for the number of audio paths in the installation, such as two-channel, four-channel, or eight-channel configurations. Match the connections and signal levels, including balanced or unbalanced inputs and outputs, consumer or pro line level, and mic-level sources that may require preamplification or phantom power.