One of the most difficult-to-understand terms for newcomers (and even experienced enthusiasts) in audio and sound reproduction is the decibel, partly because it’s a measure of relative intensity or ...

In the radio-frequency (RF) microwave test and measurement world, engineers often deal with the power measurement unit of dBm instead of wattage (W). However, when entering the audio measurement arena ...

From the Richter scale to sound pressure, many modern units utilize the logarithmic “base 10” system. But to many engineers, the decibel (dB) remains one of the trickiest concepts of test and ...

In Decibels: Use with caution, I reviewed the concept of decibels as a ratio of two powers (and sometimes voltages). Decibels are also used to indicate absolute power and voltage levels by specifying ...

Editor's Note: We have strived to maintain accessibility in our Bring Science Home activities by limiting the required technology. We recognize technology is now more widely available than it was when ...