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🎚️ Audio Engineering Converter

Professional audio tools for decibels, frequencies, and audio measurements

0 dB 40 dB 85 dB 120 dB 140+ dB
Safe listening level: 85 dB SPL is safe for extended exposure (8+ hours)

Common dB Levels

Converted Values

Power Ratio

316,227
times reference

Voltage Ratio

562
times reference

Pressure (Pa)

1.12
pascals

Safe Exposure

8
hours

Audio Frequency Spectrum

20 Hz
Sub-bass 250 Hz
Bass 2 kHz
Midrange 8 kHz
Treble 20 kHz
Air

A4 - Concert pitch reference tone

Musical Notes & Common Frequencies

Frequency Analysis

Wavelength

78.0
cm (in air)

Period

2.27
milliseconds

Musical Note

A4
closest note

Octave

4
scientific pitch

Common Tempos

Timing Calculations

Beat Duration

500
milliseconds

Samples per Beat

24,000
samples

Delay Time (1/8)

250
ms

Reverb Time

2.0
seconds

Audio Engineering Fundamentals

Understanding Decibels (dB)

Decibels are a logarithmic unit used to express ratios between two quantities. In audio, we use different dB scales depending on what we're measuring. The logarithmic nature means that every 3 dB represents a doubling of power, and every 6 dB represents a doubling of voltage or sound pressure level.

Common dB Standards

dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level) - Measures acoustic sound pressure relative to the threshold of hearing (20 μPa). This is what sound level meters read and relates to how loud something sounds.

dB FS (Full Scale) - Digital audio measurement where 0 dBFS is the maximum possible level before clipping. All signals are negative values (-6 dBFS, -12 dBFS, etc.).

dBu - Professional audio standard where 0 dBu = 0.775V RMS. Common in mixing consoles and studio equipment.

dBV - Referenced to 1 volt RMS. Often used in consumer electronics.

dBm - Power measurement where 0 dBm = 1 milliwatt into a specified impedance.

Decibel Calculations

Power Ratio: dB = 10 × log₁₀(P₁/P₀)
Voltage/SPL Ratio: dB = 20 × log₁₀(V₁/V₀)
SPL Formula: dB SPL = 20 × log₁₀(P/20μPa)
Adding dB: dB_total = 10 × log₁₀(10^(dB₁/10) + 10^(dB₂/10))

Hearing Safety Guidelines

Frequency and Musical Pitch

Frequency describes how many cycles per second a sound wave completes. In music, we perceive frequency as pitch - higher frequencies sound higher in pitch. The relationship between frequency and musical notes follows specific mathematical ratios.

Musical Frequency Relationships

Octave: f₂ = f₁ × 2 (doubling frequency raises pitch one octave)
Semitone: f₂ = f₁ × 2^(1/12) ≈ f₁ × 1.0595
Note Frequency: f = f₀ × 2^(n/12)
Where f₀ is reference frequency, n is semitones from reference

Audio Frequency Ranges

Digital Audio Fundamentals

Sample Rate determines the highest frequency that can be accurately reproduced (Nyquist frequency = sample rate ÷ 2). Common rates:

Tempo and Timing

Beats Per Minute (BPM) defines musical tempo. Understanding timing relationships helps with effects like delay and reverb that sync to musical time.

Beat Duration: Duration = 60,000 / BPM (in milliseconds)
Note Values: Eighth note = Beat Duration ÷ 2
Samples per Beat: (Sample Rate × 60) ÷ BPM

Quick Reference

dB Quick Math

+3 dB = Double power
+6 dB = Double voltage/SPL
+10 dB = 10× power
+20 dB = 10× voltage/SPL

Common Frequencies

A4 = 440 Hz (tuning)
1 kHz = test tone
60 Hz = mains hum (US)
50 Hz = mains hum (EU)

Audio Levels

Line level: -10 dBV (consumer)
Line level: +4 dBu (pro)
Mic level: -60 to -20 dBu
Speaker level: +10 to +30 dBu

Digital Headroom

Peak levels: -3 to -6 dBFS
RMS levels: -12 to -18 dBFS
Mastering: -1 dBFS peak max
Streaming: -14 LUFS target

Professional Applications

Live Sound: SPL meters ensure safe levels and venue compliance. Frequency analysis helps identify feedback and room problems.

Recording: Proper gain staging prevents clipping while maximizing signal-to-noise ratio. Understanding frequency content helps with microphone selection and placement.

Mixing: EQ decisions based on frequency ranges, compression settings based on dB relationships, and effects timing synchronized to musical tempo.

Mastering: Loudness standards (LUFS), dynamic range preservation, and frequency balance across the full spectrum.