Comparing Decibel and Voltage Levels in Sound Experiment

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on converting voltage levels to decibel levels in a sound experiment using the formula GdB = 20 log V, where GdB represents the decibel value and V is the voltage in volts. Participants clarify that the experiment involves measuring sound output from a speaker connected to a power supply while varying the voltage from 0V to 12V. The conversation emphasizes the relationship between voltage input and sound amplitude, suggesting that the amplitude of sound can be calculated using A = 10(GdB/20).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound measurement concepts, specifically decibels.
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions and their applications in sound engineering.
  • Basic knowledge of electrical concepts, particularly voltage and its effects on sound output.
  • Experience with audio equipment, including speakers and signal generators.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the relationship between voltage and sound amplitude in audio systems.
  • Learn about the implications of speaker size on sound output and decibel levels.
  • Explore advanced sound measurement techniques, including the use of sound level meters.
  • Investigate the conversion of decibels to watts for speaker performance analysis.
USEFUL FOR

Audio engineers, sound technicians, and anyone conducting experiments in acoustics or sound measurement will benefit from this discussion.

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Hey I am writing an experiment which has a speaker connected to a power supply playing a continuous note. a decibel reader reads the volume from 0v to 12v. i know that as the voltage goes up so does the decibels but what theorem can i use to compare this with the results that will be recieved? thanks:smile:
 
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To convert voltage into decibels:
G_{\mathrm{dB}}=20\log V

Where G_{\mathrm{dB}} is the value in decibels and V is the voltage measured in volts.

Thats log base 10 by the way :-p
 
Eidos said:
To convert voltage into decibels:
G_{\mathrm{dB}}=20\log V

Where G_{\mathrm{dB}} is the value in decibels and V is the voltage measured in volts.

Thats log base 10 by the way :-p

How would i use this? i am really confused atm lol :confused:

does it depend on the speaker size or not.
 
Ok, start slowly.

What are you trying to measure?

My understanding is that you are playing a pure tone from a signal generator into a speaker. Then what?

I thought that the 0v to 12v was a voltage out across the speaker terminals that you wanted to convert to decibels.
 
A db to watt per speaker might be better.
 
Eidos said:
Ok, start slowly.

What are you trying to measure?

My understanding is that you are playing a pure tone from a signal generator into a speaker. Then what?

then by a decibel reader i read the decibels from the speaker and and turn the voltage up and record the decibels again.
 
Ok, so the decibels are from the sound and you want to find out the amplitude of the sound as a function of the amplitude of the voltage put into the speaker.

Is that right?

If it is:
A=10^{\frac{G_{dB}}{20}} will give you the amplitude of the sound. The amplitude of the voltage is a known quantity then since you are putting that into your speaker.
 
Last edited:

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