Decibel Basics: The Log Scale, Loudness, and Common Pitfalls
Understand what dB really measures, how loudness relates to level, and mistakes to avoid when reading numbers.
Blog
Practical, classroom- and field-ready posts about decibels, measurement, and hearing safety.
How to Measure Noise at Home and Work
A step-by-step playbook using phones and meters—plus calibration, weighting, and documentation tips.
Combining Sound Sources the Right Way
Learn to add dB the correct way, with realistic scenarios and the math behind the calculator.
Hearing Safety: Exposure, Protection, and Myths
Practical guidance on safe exposure times, selecting earplugs/muffs, and what the numbers actually mean.
Why Readings Change Indoors vs Outdoors: Room Acoustics & Distance
Distance loss, reflections, and absorption—why your readings vary and how to measure more reliably.
Suggested Reading Paths
Pick a path that matches what you care about most right now.
If you are new to decibels
Begin with the article on logarithmic scale basics, then skim the FAQ. Your goal is not to memorize formulas, but to get comfortable with ideas like “+3 dB is a doubling of power” and “+10 dB sounds roughly twice as loud.”
If you care about hearing safety
Focus on the hearing‑safety and exposure pieces. Compare their examples to your own listening habits—commutes, workouts, rehearsals, and events—and note where your routine might push you into higher‑risk exposure time.
If you record or mix audio
Read the guides on room acoustics and distance, then experiment with microphone placement while watching the meter. Small changes in position can have a bigger impact than many plug‑in tweaks.
Coming Back as Your Ears and Spaces Change
What feels loud or comfortable today may not feel the same a year from now. New neighbors, hobbies, jobs, or health changes can alter your relationship with sound. Saving a few key articles gives you a place to return when your questions shift, so you do not have to start from zero each time.
Using the Articles as a Menu of Experiments
Instead of trying to absorb every concept at once, treat each article as an invitation to run one small experiment. Adjust a speaker position, change a listening duration, add a rug, or try earplugs at a single event. Then decide whether that change is worth keeping.
Keeping a Short List of Favorites
As you read, notice which articles feel especially relevant to your life. Saving just two or three of them as bookmarks gives you an easy place to return when you need a refresher, without having to scan the entire list again.