Decibels

decibel

ˈdɛsɪbɛl/

noun

plural noun: decibels

1. a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound or the power level of an electrical signal by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale.

   • (in general use) a degree of loudness.

     “his voice went up several decibels”

    

The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit used to express the ratio of two values of a physical quantity.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decibel

So in our application when we talk about decibels we are referring to the ‘acoustic decibel’ howevcer a decibel can also be used to also measure elecronics. optica and video and digital imaging.

There reaches a point in decibel levels where permanent damage can occur to our hearing.

Decibel Levels

Decibel Level 2

For each level there is an amount of time we can listen to a specific range before damage occurs.

Decibel and hearing damage against time

Many venues and event will; have a licence that will set the maximum decibel level for that event and often a hand held meter will be used for this purpose.

Handheld Decibel Meter

It is worth noting that we should not confuse decibel level with frequency. Some venue may also have a

• Power Cut Noise Limiter
  • This device constantly monitors the levels and will cut power if the limit is reached.
• Automatic Volume Controller
  • As its name implies this device monitors the levels and will adjust the volume accordingly.