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Chapter 7

Using the Decibel

by Don Davis

7.1 The Decibel

7.3 Concepts Underlying the Decibel and Its Use in Sound Systems

Converting Voltage Ratios to Power Ratios

The Decibel as a Power Ratio

The Decibel as a Power Quantity

7.4 Measuring Electrical Power

Expressing Power as an Audio Level

7.5 Levels in dB

Practical Variations of the dBm Equations

7.6 The Decibel in Acoustics—L_P, L_W and L_I

7.7 Acoustic Intensity Level (L_I), Acoustic Power Level (L_W), and Acoustic Pressure Level (L_P)

Acoustic Intensity Level, L_I

Acoustic Power Level, L_W

Acoustic Pressure Level, L_P

7.8 Inverse Square Law

7.9 Directivity Factor

7.10 Ohm’s Law

7.11 A Decibel Is a Decibel Is a Decibel

Older References

7.12 The Equivalent Level (

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