Why do I need a line output?

The line output is an analog output of the acoustic signal that does not require additional processing. Such a connector in a personal computer is designed to connect additional acoustic equipment, such as headphones, active speakers, sound amplifiers and the like.

Appointment

The line output is a standard interface designed to transmit analog signals to various audio devices. Most often, this connector duplicates the signal fed to the input of the active speakers. The line output allows you to simultaneously connect not only speakers, but also other audio devices to the sound source. This connector is used to connect devices that have a line-in input. That is, the level of the input signal is proportional to the output level of the device with which the connection is made.

Connector design

On the sound cards, the line output is represented by a jack connector ("mother") of green color. It is located at the back of the personal computer. On modern PCs, duplicate line-out and microphone connectors are often output to the front or side panels, which is very convenient for connecting headphones. These jacks are connected directly to the sound processor or sound card of the computer. But most laptops do not have line-in and out-connectors, but there are sockets for connecting a microphone and headphones. The level of the analog signal at the output of the headphones corresponds to the level of the line output. There are usually such sockets on the front or left side of the laptop. Also, the line-out and microphone-in connectors of a personal computer can be found on the multimedia keyboard. These jacks are located on the side panel.

Linear output of the radio

In car and consumer playback devices, the line-out connectors are structurally different from the PC connectors. That is, the level of the acoustic analog signal is the same, but the type of connectors is used to use a different one. For the organization of a line output in such audio devices, the "tulip" type jacks (RCA standard) are used. If the radio is producing a stereo signal, then two "tulips" of different colors (red and white) are installed on its case (on the rear panel), corresponding to the left and right channels. And if the audio device is intended for the output of a quad-sound, then four sockets of the "tulip" type are installed. The RCA line output from the radio is not the only one, in such devices it is customary to install a jack connector on the front panel for headphone output. If a headphone jack is inserted into this socket, the acoustic signal to the RCA-type output is blocked and the speakers will not play the sound.

Conclusion

Summing up, we note that the system of connectors corresponding to the line input and output allows creating a whole network of different acoustic devices that will work together. They can complement each other and amplify the acoustic signals.