Units of sound pressure level, example: 120 dB re 20 μPa

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the calculation of sound pressure levels using the formula RL = 20log(Vrms) - OCV, specifically addressing the value of OCV at -211 dB re μPa/V. It is confirmed that -211 dB is an acceptable input for the equation without conversion to standard units, as it serves as a reference point. The logarithmic scale is emphasized, with 120 dB re 20 μPa being a standard reference for sound pressure levels. Additionally, the importance of frequency weighting in sound measurements is highlighted, particularly around 2 to 4 kHz.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of sound pressure level (SPL) measurements
  • Familiarity with logarithmic calculations in acoustics
  • Knowledge of frequency weighting in sound measurement
  • Basic proficiency in using equations involving decibels
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of sound pressure level (SPL) calculations
  • Learn about frequency weighting methods in acoustics
  • Explore the implications of using logarithmic scales in audio measurements
  • Study the relationship between voltage and sound pressure in audio systems
USEFUL FOR

Acoustic engineers, audio technicians, and anyone involved in sound measurement and analysis will benefit from this discussion.

rwooduk
Messages
757
Reaction score
59
I am trying to do a calculation using a value of -211dB re uPa/V , are these SI units? i.e.

if OCV = -211db re uPa/V

and I have

RL = 20log(Vrms) - OCV

Do I need to convert the OCV to standard units before putting it in the equation?

Wiki isn't so clear about this:

Such large measurement ranges are conveniently expressed in logarithmic scale: the base-10 logarithm of 1012 is 12, which is expressed as a sound pressure level of 120 dB re 20 μPa. Since the human ear is not equally sensitive to all sound frequencies, noise levels at maximum human sensitivity, somewhere between 2 and 4 kHz, are factored more heavily into some measurements using frequency weighting.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
ahhhh its just a reference, you just put in -211
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
1K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
22K
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
10K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
23K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
11K