I have measured the voltage of some files with an oscilloscope, and they max out at 1.2v pk-pk when I set my volume on loudest.
However, how can I make sure that's the maximum voltage that's possible?
Would there be any case where it would produce more voltage?
I'm going to hook it up with a digital-analog converter, and I don't want to burn it.
I guess I could always check the signal with an oscilloscope before I connect it to the DAC, but that would be too much of a hassle…
Also, I read that I should be looking at the RMS voltage because that will determine whether it'll burn it or not. Why is that?
Best Answer
First: DAC or ADC ? DAC makes no senses in your question here.
Second: you could always protect the input of the things you want to plug into your soundcard. Basic over voltage protection is easy achieve with a zener diode and a resistor.
Third: In fact input protection is compulsory here. You are talking about hot plugging something. Which means manipulation of the connectors, connecting things that are not at the same potential during the plugging etc. This is where a ESD discharges from the user or between the components may destroy your device. It's not a problem for the sound card which should be correctly protected otherwise it wouldn't have passed the norms.