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The decibel scale4/21/2024 Therefore, the ratio between 10 watts and 100 watts is 1 Bel. Using the log function of the calculator, we find that the log of 10 is 1. Say we want to find the ratio in Bels between 10 watts and 100 watts.ĭividing 100 by 10 gives us the ratio between them, which is 10. Then find the log of that number by entering that number and pressing “log” on your calculator. To do this, simply determine the ratio between the two powers by dividing the second power by the first power. This formula can be solved using a calculator with the “log” function. Power 1 is the reference power and Power 2 is the power being measured. Here is a helpful chart that defines the 0 dB reference point in common audio applications: dBm, dBu, dB SPL, etc.).įor the majority of audio professionals, it is most important to understand decibels as they relate to electrical power (dBm and dBW), electrical voltage (dBV and dBu), analog and digital audio meters (dBVU and dBFS), and sound pressure level (dB SPL). Each application has its own suffix (i.e. Common 0 dB Reference Points in Audioĭecibels can be used to describe quantities that relate to many things, including light, sound, radio waves, and electricity.įor many applications of the decibel, there are standardized reference points for defining 0 dB in absolute terms. Values greater than that reference point are written as positive numbers, while values lesser than that reference point are written as negative numbers. Decibel values above unity are positive and decibel values below unity are negative.Īs you’ll see in the following section, each application of the decibel has its own 0 dB reference point. In the case of a fader on a mixing console or in a DAW, unity gain is the 0 dB reference point. Pulling the fader below 0 dB will attenuate, or reduce, the signal. Pushing the fader above 0 dB will boost the signal. If the fader is placed at the 0 dB mark, or unity, it simply allows the audio signal to pass through. This statement is more meaningful, because it draws a comparison between the level of the drums and the level of the guitar. You could instead say, “the drums are 20 dB louder than the guitar”. That’s because the decibel, alone, has no value.ĭecibels are only meaningful when describing the ratio between two quantities. “The drums are 120 dB”, is an incomplete statement. When using decibels, you will always be comparing two values. This chart shows a side-by-side comparison of sound pressure levels presented as pascals and decibels:Ģ.) Using Decibels Requires a Reference PointĪ decibel is a way of describing the ratio between two quantities. It’s much easier to compare sound pressure levels when they are written in decibels, instead of pascals. The ratio between these values is 1:10,000,000! Humans are capable of hearing pressure changes from as subtle as 20 micropascals to as extreme as 20 pascals. The pascal is a unit of measurement that describes air pressure in absolute terms of force per square meter. When an absolute value is used to discuss sound pressure level, it becomes very challenging. They allow simple numbers to express values that would normally require many more digits.įor example, humans are capable of perceiving a vast range of sound pressure level, from subtle to extreme. That’s why the decibel is so commonly used to describe acoustical power, electrical power, and sound pressure level.ĭecibels are logarithmic. The decibel compares two numbers that differ by many digits and represents the ratio of those numbers with a smaller, simpler number.ĭecibels are especially useful when comparing numbers that vary by several orders of magnitude. In this section, you’ll learn how the decibel simplifies calculations and communication in audio. 1.) Decibels Can Represent Large Ratios With Simple Numbersĭecibels are used in several applications within the audio production industry.
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