Sound Pressure Level

Sound level is usually defined in terms of something called Sound Pressure Level (SPL). SPL is actually a ratio of the absolute, Sound Pressure and a reference level (usually the Threshold of Hearing, or the lowest intensity sound that can be heard by most people).

SPL is measured in decibels (dB), because of the incredibly broad range of intensities we can hear.

SPL can be measured with a Sound Pressure Level Meter, available from some consumer electronics stores for fairly reasonable prices.

It's a lot more complicated than that, so if you're technically inclined and want to learn more about sound, check out the incredibly detailed "Handbook for Acoustic Ecology".

Less technically adventurous people might want to browse around the lastest Google hits for "Sound Pressure Level".



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