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Sound Pressure Level (SPL) - Svantek Academy
Sound Pressure Level (SPL) - Svantek Academy
Sound Pressure Level (SPL) - Svantek Academy
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Can sound pressure level (SPL) measurements indicate the
potential for hearing damage? ()
How does the frequency of sound affect sound pressure
level (SPL) measurements? ()
The reference value for SPL (Sound Pressure Level) is the minimum sound pressure level that
can be perceived by the human ear, which is equal to 0 dB SPL. This corresponds to a sound
pressure of 20 µPa (micro Pascals), which is also known as the threshold of hearing. The
reference is used to calculate the difference in sound pressure levels between the measured
sound pressure and the minimum audible sound pressure. The sound pressure levels are
expressed in dB SPL, which is a logarithmic measure of the sound pressure level relative to the
reference pressure.
When measuring sound, it’s important to accurately capture the variations in sound pressure level,
which can fluctuate rapidly. Historically, analog sound meters couldn’t keep up with these
fluctuations, resulting in erratic readings. To address this issue, two detector response
characteristics were standardized: Fast (F) and Slow (S).
The Fast detector response has a time constant of 125 milliseconds, which allows for a fast-reacting
display response that can accurately measure not too rapidly fluctuating sound levels. On the other
hand, the Slow detector response has a time constant of 1 second, which gives a slower response
that helps average out the display fluctuations on an analog meter.
Modern sound level meters with digital displays overcome the problem of fluctuating displays.
However, they still use Fast and Slow detectors as they are often dictated by the standard upon
which the measurements are to be based.
Slow time-weighting is commonly used for measuring sound levels in workplaces, Fast time
weighting is used in environmental noise monitoring. Impulse time-weighting is used for
measuring impulsive noise (https://svantek.com/services/impulse-noise/), such as from machinery,
gunfire, or explosions because it captures the peak level of the sound.
LAF and LAS are commonly used weighted sound pressure levels in modern acoustic
standards, such as IEC 61672. LAF stands for “A-weighted sound level, fast time weighting,”
which is a measure of the sound pressure level that is adjusted to account for the sensitivity
of the human ear to different frequencies. LAS stands for “A-weighted sound level, slow”
which is similar to LAF but uses a slow time weighting. Both LAF and LAS are commonly
Intensity, on the other hand, is a measure of the amount of sound energy that passes through a
given area in a given time. It is usually measured in watts per square meter (W/m2). Intensity is a
measure of the energy that a sound wave carries.
Loudness is a subjective perception of how intense a sound is. It is influenced by many factors,
including SPL and frequency, as well as the sensitivity of the human ear. Loudness is usually
measured in units called phon.
How does the SPL change with the distance from the source?
The sound pressure level (SPL) of a sound wave decreases as the distance from the source
increases. This is because sound waves spread out in all directions as they travel away from the
source, and the energy in the wave is distributed over a larger and larger area. The decrease in
SPL with distance is known as sound attenuation.
The rate of sound attenuation depends on many things, such as the frequency of the sound
wave, the size and shape of the source, and the environment in which the sound is traveling.
However, as a general rule, the SPL decreases by 6 decibels (dB) for every doubling of the
distance from the source.
For example, if the SPL of a sound wave at a distance of 1 meter is 80 dB, it will be 74 dB at a
distance of 2 meters, 68 dB at a distance of 4 meters, and so on. This means that how loud a
sound seems to depend a lot on how close you are to the source. When measuring and
controlling noise levels in different places, it is important to keep this in mind.
Sound Pressure Level (SPL) has various applications, some of which include:
1. Environmental noise monitoring: SPL is used to measure and monitor noise levels in the
environment, such as noise pollution in urban areas, industrial noise, and transportation
noise.
2. Occupational noise monitoring: SPL is used to measure noise levels in the workplace to
protect workers from hearing damage and monitor compliance with occupational health
and safety regulations.
3. In audio engineering and production, SPL is used to measure and keep an eye on sound
levels in recording studios, concert halls, and other places where audio is made, so that the
sound quality and volume are always at their best.
4. Product testing: SPL is used in product testing, such as testing the sound output of speakers
and headphones.
5. Research and scientific studies: SPL is used in scientific studies to measure and analyze
sound levels, such as in studies of animal communication, the effects of noise pollution on
wildlife, and the impact of noise on human health.
sound pressure level to which the sound pressure level meter can be adjusted. The typical sound
pressure levels used for calibration are 94 dB or 114 dB (the choice depends on the acoustic
background).
Summary
1. SPL is a ratio of sound pressure and reference sound pressure, expressed in decibels
(dB).
2. SPL is measured in decibels (dB) and is a logarithmic scale.
3. The lowest sound pressure level that a human can hear is approximately 0 dB.
4. Prolonged exposure to sound levels above 85 dB can cause hearing damage.
5. SPL can be measured using a sound level meter (SLM).
6. Different types of processing, such as weightings (A, C, Z) or time constants (Slow, Fast,
Impulse), can be used on the signal to match human ear sensitivity to different
frequencies and durations of sound.
7. SPL decreases as the distance from the sound source increases.
8. The Equivalent Continuous Sound Level (Leq) is a common way of measuring SPL over a
period of time, and it takes into account both the sound pressure level and duration of
exposure.
9. Different sound sources have different typical SPL levels, such as a normal conversation
at 60 dB, a motorcycle at 88 dB, and a jet plane at 130 dB.
10. SPL is an important factor to consider in noise control and mitigation strategies, such as
engineering or administrative noise controls, personal protective equipment, and
community noise regulations.
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