How Do Decibels Determine Perceived Loudness and Amplifier Gain?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between decibels, perceived loudness, and amplifier gain in audio systems. To determine the sound level of a 6000 Hz tone that matches the loudness of a 100 Hz tone at 50 dB, one must consult the loudness chart provided by the University of New South Wales. Additionally, the gain of a stereo amplifier can be calculated using the formula β = 10 * log10(P_{out}/P_{in}), where P_{out} is 150 W and P_{in} is 1 mW, resulting in a gain of 40 dB.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of decibel (dB) scale and its application in audio
  • Familiarity with loudness curves and their significance in sound perception
  • Knowledge of power calculations in audio systems
  • Basic mathematical skills for logarithmic calculations
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the loudness chart from the University of New South Wales for detailed frequency and intensity relationships
  • Learn about the calculation of gain in audio systems using the decibel formula
  • Explore the concept of loudness perception and its implications in audio engineering
  • Investigate different amplifier types and their efficiency in power output
USEFUL FOR

Audio engineers, sound designers, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of sound perception and amplifier performance.

leospyder
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Can someone help me with the following questions (I have no idea where to begin in either case). There are no questions that follow these same types of concepts in the book problems.

1) A 6000 Hz tone must have what sound level to seem as loud as a 100
Hz tone that has a 50 dB sound level?

2) In audio and communications systems, the gain, denoted by b, in
decibels is defined as

[tex]\beta = (P_{out}/P_{in})[/tex]

where [tex]P_{in}[/tex] is the power input and [tex]P_{out}[/tex]
is the power output. Assume a particular stereo amplifier will put out 150 W of
power for an input of 1 mW. What is its gain in dB?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
1)http://www.phys.unsw.edu.au/~jw/dB.html
look at the chart under "Loudness, phons and sones". All the dots on any curve are combinations of frequency with corresponding intensity have the same loudness. So you need to find on which curve (100Hz, 50dB) is, and see where the 6000Hz line intersects that curve.
2) Just divide the output power by the input power
 

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