The line output is an analog output of an 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, speakers, sound amplifiers and more.
Appointment
Line out is a standard interface designed to transmit analog signals to various audio devices. Most often, the signal supplied to the input of active speakers is duplicated on this connector . 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 input. That is, the input signal level is proportional to the output level of the device with which the connection occurs.
Connector Designs
On sound cards, the line-out is represented by a green (jack) type connector. This socket is located in the back of a personal computer. On modern PCs, redundant line-out and microphone jacks are often output to the front or side panels, which is very convenient for connecting headphones. These jacks connect directly to the sound processor or computer sound card . But most laptops do not have linear input and output connectors, but there are jacks for connecting a microphone and headphones. The level of the analog signal at the headphone output corresponds to the level of the line output. These sockets are usually located on the front or left side of the laptop. Also, the line-out and microphone-in jacks of a personal computer can be found on the multimedia keyboard. These sockets are located on the side panel.
Radio line output
In automotive and household playback devices, line-out connectors are structurally different from PC connectors. That is, the level of the acoustic analog signal is the same, but the type of connectors is usually used different. To arrange a linear output in such audio devices, “tulip” sockets (RCA standard) are used. If the radio provides a stereo signal, in this case two “tulips” of different colors (red and white) are installed on its body (on the rear panel), corresponding to the left and right channels. And if the audio device is designed to provide a quad sound, then four “tulip” sockets are installed. The RCA line output of 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 such a jack , the acoustic signal to the RCA-type output is blocked and the speakers will not produce sound.
Conclusion
Summing up, we note that the system of connectors corresponding to the linear input and output allows you to create a whole network of various acoustic devices that will work together. They can complement each other and amplify acoustic signals.