SPL and Loudness Are Not The Same Thing
Sound Pressure Level (SPL) measured in dB can be measured using a sound meter and is dependent on the distance from the source. Doubling the distance from the source measures a 6 dB reduction. Sound Pressure is also measured in pascals.
Sound Power (in watts or dB) - is the rate at which sound energy is emitted per unit of time. Adding two of the same sound waves together (coherent signals) results in a 6 dB increase in sound power. Adding two different (incoherent) signals of the same power results in a 3 dB increase. Two different electric guitarists playing at 85dB each in the same space: 85 + 85 = 88 dB.
Sound Intensity is calculated by sound power (watts) per unit area.
Loudness is the psychological description of the magnitude of auditory sensation corresponding most closely to the physical measure of sound intensity. The listener may describe higher limits as being uncomfortable, but the reaction may not necessarily be related to the SPL value. Perceptually, a 10 dB increase is recognised as sounding twice as loud.
Sound Power (in watts or dB) - is the rate at which sound energy is emitted per unit of time. Adding two of the same sound waves together (coherent signals) results in a 6 dB increase in sound power. Adding two different (incoherent) signals of the same power results in a 3 dB increase. Two different electric guitarists playing at 85dB each in the same space: 85 + 85 = 88 dB.
Sound Intensity is calculated by sound power (watts) per unit area.
Loudness is the psychological description of the magnitude of auditory sensation corresponding most closely to the physical measure of sound intensity. The listener may describe higher limits as being uncomfortable, but the reaction may not necessarily be related to the SPL value. Perceptually, a 10 dB increase is recognised as sounding twice as loud.
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That Bloody Woman - SC Audio Engineer
Young guys ask me ‘what do I need to do to do what you do?’And I tell them ‘first, learn to listen'
Bryan Bell, FOH engineer