Re: Help understanding decibles
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,270
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,270 |
Engine_Joe:
Yes, +/-3 dB is quite a notable and audible difference, because with a frequency range specified that way, there could be a 6-dB discrepancy, which could be quite audible depending on where in the audio spectrum the anomalies occur. For example, there might be a 3-dB lift at 900 Hz followed by a 3-dB dip at 1.5 kHz, so there would be 6 dB between the peak and the dip.
In measurements and listening tests correlated to the measurements, it's really crucial to try and keep the frequency response within a +/-1.5 dB window through the midrange from about 800 Hz to 4 or 5 kHz. Our hearing is particularly acute in that range, and we can easily detect larger aberrations (like 3 dB) in listening tests. After measuring and testing dozens of speakers, the models that adhered most closely to the +/-1.5 dB "window" through the mids were highly rated in the double-blind listening tests. This is simplified for the sake of clarity, but smooth, flat midrange response is crucial to speakers being judged natural and uncolored in listening tests.
Regards,
Alan Lofft, Axiom Resident Expert (Retired)
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Re: Help understanding decibles
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,270
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,270 |
kaid,
The subjective measurements of sound intensity are fairly well established. For example, "twice as loud" normally represents a 10-dB SPL increase, which would require 10 times as much power. "Somewhat louder" is a 3 dB increase, whereas 6 dB is "significantly louder." A change of 1 dB SPL is considered the smallest change in sound pressure that's consistently detectable. And of course, the term is derived from that brilliant guy, Alexander Graham Bell (the "bel" part of "decibel"). If you want to read more on the decibel, go to the Axiom archives and click on "The Nature of Power."
Regards,
Alan Lofft, Axiom Resident Expert (Retired)
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Re: Help understanding decibles
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Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 43
buff
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buff
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 43 |
Thanks for clearing that up Alan.
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Re: Help understanding decibles
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76
old hand
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OP
old hand
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 76 |
Just found both of your articles in the archive. Well written! I think your explanation found in both articles has helped me understand decibels and Watts, on a more practical level.
Thanks.
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Re: Help understanding decibles
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 828
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 828 |
It's very special, because, as you can see--the numbers all go to 11. Right across the board. Eleven, 11. . . . And most amps go up to 10? Exactly. Does that mean it's louder? Is it any louder? Well, it's one louder, isn't it? It's not 10. You see, most blokes are going to be playing at 10--you're on 10 on your guitar, where can you go from there? Where? I don't know. Nowhere! Exactly! What we do, if we need that extra push over the cliff, you know what we do? You put it up to 11. Eleven. Exactly. One louder. Why don't you just make 10 louder, and make 10 be the top number, and make that a little louder?........
"These go to 11,"
classic
------------------------------------------------ Leave the gun, Take the canolis.
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Re: Help understanding decibles
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,016
connoisseur
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connoisseur
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,016 |
i think they are looking for another drummer for their reunion tour?
bigjohn
EXCUSE ME, ARE YOU THE SINGING BUSH??
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Re: Help understanding decibles
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 649
aficionado
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aficionado
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 649 |
Beat me to it! Doh!
M22ti mains, EP175 sub, VP150 center, QS4 surrounds
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