Decibels

The Decibel is the basis of the audio industry. All levels of power, voltage
and sound pressure level (SPL) are expressed in dB form. 1 dB equals on
tenth of a Bell. It is also a ratio, and to have a ratio you must have 2
quantities. All this relates back to the ear, which can cope with values that
are vast and can operate over an energy range of 1 billion to 1. Therefore
we need something that is more manageable, yet realistic.
sae institute
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Logarithms glasgow, g41 1ej

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By expressing a number in power form we can make it smaller and fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
therefore more manageable, e.g:
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2
100 = 10 x 10 = 10
Thisweb:
numberwww.sae.edu
is known
1,000 = 10 x 10 x 10 = 10
3 as the ‘power’

6
1,000,000 = 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 = 10
12
1,000,000,000,000 = 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 x 10 = 10

‘Log’ is the number by which you need to power the base to achieve another number, e.g:

log10 100 = 2

This 10 is known as the ‘base’. It is this number that is raised to the power that gives you
another number, in this case 100. i.e. 10 to the power of 2 gives 100.

With a base of 2 this is the number that gets raised to a power to produce another number.
E.g.
Log2 8 = 3

i.e. 2 to the power of 3 gives 8 (or 2 x 2 x 2)

Note: All of our dB calculations use a base of 10.

Number Log
1 0
10 1
100 2
1,000 3
10,000 4

When you want to multiply numbers which are powered, then you can simply add the powers.
2 5 7
10 ! 10 = 10

= 100 ! 100,000 = 10,000,000

Also, when you want to divide numbers that are powered, you subtract the powers.
5 2 3
10 ÷ 10 = 10

= 100,000 ÷ 100 = 1,000

Note: A number to the power of 0 is always equal to 1. If we had a –ve power, then that
would represent a number that is less than 1.
SAE Institute Glasgow 2005
Relating these values to Powers (i.e. Watts)

2
100 W = 10 W
1
10 W = 10 W
0
1W = 10 W
-1
0.1 W = 10 W
-2 sae institute
0.01 W = 10 W
-3 85 - 87 portman street
0.001 W = 10 W kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
1W = 1W
0.1 W = 100 mW tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
0.01 W = 10 mW
0.001 W = 1 mW email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

web: www.sae.edu

The dB
Power Ratios
The dB has no unit attached to it. Instead it expresses a ratio between 2 values. For power
(Watts) use the following equation:

dB = 10 log Power1

Power2

The dB value is equal to ten times the log of power1 divided by power2. The result of this
formula is +ve if power1 is greater than power2, and –ve if power2 is greater than power1. E.g:

• We have 2 amplifiers, one is known as P1 with a power output of 60 Watts. The other
is P2 with a power output of 40 Watts. We can now express the power ratio between
them in dB form.

dB = 10 log P1

P2

= 10 log (60/40)

= 10 (log 1.5)

= 10 ! 0.176

= 1.76 dB (power ratio / logarithmic ratio)

Therefore a numerical ratio of 1.5 : 1 yields power or logarithmic ratio of 1.76 dB.

• If the values of the two amplifiers were changed to 90 W and 60 W:

P1 = 90 W, P2 = 60 W

dB = 10 log 90

60

= 10 log (1.5)

= 1.76 dB
SAE Institute Glasgow 2005
We can conclude that in both examples P1 is 1.76 dB more powerful than
P2.

Note: this dB value only expresses a ratio but does not give an
absolute value, since dB has no value on it own.

Find the ratios of these powers:

sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
1. P1 = 2 W, P2 = 1 W kinning park
2. P1 = 10 W, P2 = 5 W glasgow, g41 1ej
3. P1 = 200 W, P2 = 100 W
4. P1 = 10 W, P2 = 1 W tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
5. P1 = 1000 W, P2 = 100 W
email: saeglasgow@sae.edu
1.
dB = 10 log 2 web: www.sae.edu

= 10 log (2)

= 10 x 0.3

= 3 dB

2.
dB = 10 log 10

= 10 log (2)

= 10 x 0.3

= 3 dB

3.

dB = 10 log 200

100

= 10 log (2)

= 10 x 0.3

= 3 dB

We can conclude that whenever one power is twice another there will always be a 3 dB
difference between them.
4.
dB = 10 log 10

= 10 log (10)

= 10 x 1

= 10 dB

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 5.
dB = 10 log 1000

100

= 10 log (10)

= 10 x 1
sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
= 10 dB kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
We can conclude here that whenever one power is ten times another it will
always be 10 dB greater. tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

email: saeglasgow@sae.edu
Voltage, Current and SPL Ratios web: www.sae.edu

However the formula:

dB = 10 log Power1

Power2

Is only suitable for the ratio of one power to another.

When finding voltage, current or SPL (sound pressure level) ratios, a slightly different formula
should be used:
dB = 20 log Voltage1

Voltage2

Or

dB = 20 log SPL1

SPL2

Or

dB = 20 log Current1

Current2

Find the ratios of these voltages and SPL’s:

6. V1 = 2 V, V2 = 1 V
7. SPL1 = 10 Pa, SPL2 = 5 Pa
8. V1 = 200 V, V2 = 20 V
9. SPL1 = 1 mPa, SPL2 = 100 µPa

6.
dB = 20 log 2V

1V

= 20 log (2)

= 20 x 0.3

= 6 dB

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

 7.
dB = 20 log 10 Pa

5 Pa

= 20 log (2)

= 20 x 0.3

= 6 dB sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
kinning park
We can conclude that whenever one voltage or SPL is twice another there glasgow, g41 1ej
will always be a 6 dB difference between them.
tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
8.
email: saeglasgow@sae.edu
dB = 20 log 200 V
web: www.sae.edu
20 V

= 20 log (10)

= 20 x 1

= 20 dB

9.
dB = 20 log 0.001 Pa Remember to convert different
numbers i.e. mPa and µPa to the
0.0001 Pa same values. In this case they
have both been converted to Pa.
= 20 log (10)

= 20 x 1

= 20 dB

We can conclude here that whenever one voltage or SPL is ten times another it will always be
20 dB greater.

2 ! Power = 3 dB change

10 ! Power = 10 dB change

2 ! voltage, current, or SPL = 6 dB change

10 ! voltage, current, or SPL = 20 dB change

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

Useful Tables

The following tables can be derived from the above equations and have
been included for easy reference.

Power Level of P1 Level Relationship to 1 W (i.e. P2 = 1W)

1W 0 dB
10 W 10 dB
100 W 20 dB sae institute
200 W 23 dB 85 - 87 portman street
kinning park
400 W 26 dB glasgow, g41 1ej
800 W 29 dB
tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
1000 W 30 dB fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
2000 W 33 dB
email: saeglasgow@sae.edu
4000 W 36 dB
8000 W 39 dB web: www.sae.edu
10 000 W 40 dB
20 000 W 43 dB
40 000 W 46 dB
80 000 W 49 dB
100 000 W 50 dB

The value of using dB to express relative levels should be apparent here, since a mere 50 dB
represents a 100,000:1 ratio. For finding smaller dB values, the following may be helpful.

Power Level dB
1.00 0
1.25 1
1.60 2
2.00 3
2.50 4
3.15 5
4.00 6
5.00 7
6.30 8
8.00 9
10.0 10

The following table show dB levels for both power and voltage / SPL levels:

Numerical dB dB Numerical dB dB
Ratio Equivalent Equivalent Ratio Equivalent Equivalent
for Power for Voltage / for Power for Voltage /
Ratio SPL Ratio Ratio SPL Ratio
2:1 3 dB 6 dB 2.5:1 4 dB 8 dB
4:1 6 dB 12 dB 5:1 7 dB 14 dB
8:1 9 dB 18 dB 10:1 10 dB 20 dB
16:1 12 dB 24 dB 20:1 13 dB 26 dB
32:1 15 dB 30 dB 40:1 16 dB 32 dB
64:1 18 dB 36 dB 100:1 20 dB 40 dB
128:1 21 dB 42 dB 1000:1 30 dB 60 dB

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Expressing Gains and Losses in dB

Common Electronic Diagrams

1. INPUT OUTPUT

sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
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glasgow, g41 1ej

-20 dB tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551

PAD fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

web: www.sae.edu

TRANSMISSION LINE

2.

INPUT OUTPUT

-20 dB

ATTENUATION PAD

3.
INPUT OUTPUT

VARIABLE RESISTOR

4.

INPUT OUTPUT
+20 dB

OP AMP (Operational Amplifier)

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The bell and the decibel are used as units of attenuation or gain, expressing
the decrease in the power caused by a transmission line or piece of audio
equipment, or the increase in power caused by an amplifier.

Note – When using the calculator to determine dB gains and losses, divide
the output by the input.

dB = 10 log POUT
sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
PIN kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
1.
tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
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Input: 0.1 W Output: 0.001 W
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web: www.sae.edu

Attenuation?

When the input power to a transmission line is 100mW and the output power is 1mW.
Calculate the loss this would represent.

dB = 10 log POUT

PIN

dB = 10 log 0.001

0.1
= 10 log (0.01)

= 10 x - 2

= - 20 dB
.
If you calculate the output over the input, the calculator will automatically put a minus sign in
front of the result, if it is a loss. In the example, the power ratio is 100:1, therefore the
attenuation is -20 dB

2.

INPUT OUTPUT
+20 dB

OP AMP (Operational Amplifier)

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What is the gain of an amplifier in dB when the input is 2mW and the output
is 40mW.

dB = 10 log POUT

PIN

dB = 10 log 40
sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
2 kinning park
= 10 log (20) glasgow, g41 1ej

= 10 x 1.3 tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551

fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

= 13 dB email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

3. web: www.sae.edu
Input: 10 mV Output: 0.5 mV

Attenuation?

Calculate the attenuation in dB when an input is 10 mV and and output is 0.5 mV:

dB = 20 log VOUT

VIN

dB = 20 log 0.0005

0.01
= 20 log (0.05)

= 20 x - 1.3

= - 26 dB

Relating Power and Voltage Levels

If we have to find the power in a circuit, the most common formula we use is:
2
P= V

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

 1. If the Voltage in a circuit is 20 V and the resistance is 8 ", calculate
the power.
2
P= V

R
2
P= 20
sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
8 kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
P= 400
tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
8
email: saeglasgow@sae.edu
P= 50 W
web: www.sae.edu

If the voltage was doubled what would the new output power be?
2
P= 40

P= 1600

P= 200 W

Since power is proportional to the voltage squared, if you double the voltage, you get four
times the power.

Therefore doubling the voltage results in a power dB increase of:

dB = 10 log 200

50

= 10 log (4)

= 10 x 0.6

= 6 dB

2. Calculate the actual power that is delivered into an 8 " load by 10 V and 100 V
outputs. Then find the power ratio of the two powers.
2
P= 10

P= 100

P= 12.5 W

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

Using a tenfold increase in voltage:
2
P= 100

P= 1000

8 sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
kinning park
P= 1250 W glasgow, g41 1ej

Therefore a tenfold increase in voltage results in a power dB increase of: tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

dB = 10 log 1250 email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

12.5 web: www.sae.edu

= 10 log (100)

= 10 x 2

= 20 dB

From the previous example we can see that 100 V is 10 ! 10 V and when we refer back to
power values from which the dB is delivered we find that this represents a 20 dB power ratio.
This is why voltages use twice the multiplier before the log and the dB equation, and this also
holds true for current relationships.

dB = 20 log I1

I2

Relative Vs Absolute Level

The key concept is that dB in itself has no absolute value, it can only describe the value of
one quantity relative to another. However, when one absolute value is known it is possible to
find another absolute value when given a suitable increase or decrease in level expressed as
a dB value.

Expressing Gains and Losses

To find the power ratio of a circuit when the gain or loss is already known, a reversal of the
procedure is used.

Power Ratio = Antilog dB

10

For voltage and SPL ratios use:

Voltage / SPL Ratio = Antilog dB

20

Note the use of the Antilog (or Inverse log) function. This is used when converting dB values
to numerical values.

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When the ratio is known the output power can be calculated for a given
input or the input can be calculated for a known output by using the
following equations:

Input Value = Output Value

Ratio
sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
Output Value = Input Value x Ratio kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
Example 1:
tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
A signal provides 1 mW of power. If this is amplified by 23 dB then what is
the output power? email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

web: www.sae.edu
Input: 1 mW Output:?

+23 dB

Power Ratio = Antilog dB

10

Power Ratio = Antilog 23

10

Power Ratio = Antilog (2.3)

Power Ratio = 200 : 1

Output Power = Input power x Power Ratio

Output Power = 1 mW x 200

Output Power = 200 mW

Example 2:

The output signal of an amp is measured at 0.4 V. If it was attenuated by 17 dB then what is
the input voltage?

Input:? Output: 0.4 V

-17 dB

Voltage Ratio = Antilog dB

20

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

 Voltage Ratio = Antilog -17
Remember to
10 use the minus
sign here as the
Voltage Ratio = Antilog (-0.85) signal is
attenuated.
Voltage Ratio = 0.141 : 1

Input Voltage = Output Voltage sae institute

85 - 87 portman street
kinning park
Voltage Ratio glasgow, g41 1ej

Input Voltage = 0.4 tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551

fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

0.141 email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

Input Voltage = 2.83 V web: www.sae.edu

Calculating Overall Gain or Loss

When a circuit consists of several items of equipment the signal is subjected to both
power/voltage losses and gains. The overall gain or loss of the circuit is expressed in decibels
and is the difference between the sum of the gains and the sum of the losses.

Overall power gain or loss = Total Gain – Total Loss

When the total gain exceeds the total loss, the circuit has an overall gain. When the total loss
exceeds the total gain, the circuit has an overall loss. In many circuits the gain of
power/voltage due to amplification is arranged to equal the losses due to the attenuation of
lines, filters etc and the circuit is said to have 0 loss (unity gain). Under these conditions, the
output power/voltage level is equal to the input power/voltage.

Example:

Input -27 -22 -18 Output

+13 +16 +15

+26

Total Gain = 26 + 13 + 16 + 15 = +70

Total Loss = -27 + -22 + -18 = -67

Overall Gain = 70 – 67 = 3 dB

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

0 dB Reference Levels
dB on its own without being qualified means nothing. In the previous
examples two power, voltage or SPL levels were compared and a ratio
found between them. This was achieved by using one of the amplifiers as a
reference and comparing the other to it.

If, however, a known reference level is used, dB values can then be

changed from a relative to an absolute level, i.e. a value expressed in watts, sae institute
volts or SPL’s. 85 - 87 portman street
kinning park
In order to achieve this a number of reference levels have been glasgow, g41 1ej
implemented by various organisations so that dB values can express exact tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
quantities. Each of these reference levels are assigned a known quantity to fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
express 0 dB and are required so that dB values can be compared with
other readings and measurements. email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

web: www.sae.edu
The most common reference levels are as shown in the table below:

0 dB Reference Level Value

dBm 1 mW
dBW 1W
dBV 1V
dBv 0.775 V
dBu 0.775 V
dBFS (Full Scale) 0 dB (max level) to –96 dB for 16
bit digital audio
-5 2
dBSPL 20 µPa or 2 ! 10 N/m
dBA (A-weighted)

dBSPL
2
SPL (Sound Pressure Level) is a measure of pressure so Pascals (Pa) or Newtons per meter
2
(N/m ) are used.
2
1 Pa = 1 N/m

SPL does relate to the perceived loudness of sound though SPL’s are an exact measurement
of pressure whereas loudness is subjective and can vary between one person and another.

The ear is limited by the levels of SPL that it can cope with. These levels are known as:

• The Threshold of Hearing: This is the quietest sound we can perceive. It is the
equivalent of sound intensity levels measuring 1 billionth of a Watt. The level would
be the equivalent of hearing the blood running through your veins after spending time
in an anechoic chamber where your ears can adjust and make out low pressure
levels.

• The Threshold of Pain: This is the loudest sound we can stand. This may be referred
to between 120 and 140 dBSPL. For the purposes of the course 140 dBSPL will be
used though levels at 120 dBSPL and above will be unpleasant and can cause
serious hearing damage. Levels of around 140 dBSPL may be caused by a gun shot
at close range. Levels of 160 dB and above can easily burst an ear drum.

0 dBSPL Reference

0 dBSPL relates to the Threshold of Hearing and is equal to 20µPa or 0.00002 Pa, whereas
the threshold of pain is 140 dB SPL equivalent to 200 Pa.

0 dBSPL = 20µPa (or 0.00002 Pa)

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Example

For SPL equations we can use 20 dB increments as tenfold increases in

SPL’s

0.00000002 Pa = -40 dBSPL

0.000002 Pa = -20 dBSPL
0.00002 Pa = 0 dBSPL
0.0002 Pa = 20 dBSPL sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
0.002 Pa = 40 dBSPL kinning park
0.02 Pa = 60 dBSPL glasgow, g41 1ej

Note: The –ve dB values represent SPL values lower than the tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
reference level and not negative SPL’s
email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

web: www.sae.edu
Sound Intensity
Sound intensity is the power of sound per unit area and is therefore
2 2
measured in Watts per metre (W/m ).
2
Sound Intensity = Pressure

Rho

Rho is the air resistance that remains constant at a value of 400.

2
Intensity (W/m ) Pressure (Pa) dB SPL
-12
1 ! 10 0.00002pa 0dB SPL
-10
1 ! 10 0.0002pa 20dB SPL
-8
1 ! 10 0.002pa 40dB SPL
-6
1 ! 10 0.02pa 60dB SPL
-4
1 ! 10 0.2pa 80dB SPL
-2
1 ! 10 2pa 100dB SPL
1 20pa 120dB SPL
100 200pa 140db SPL

As can be seen from the above table a 20 dBSPL increase results in a tenfold increase in
pressure and a one-hundredfold increase in intensity.

dBA
dBA very similar to dBSPL. dBA is an A-weighted measurement. It still describes sound
pressure levels but with reference to the perceived loudness of sounds to the human ear.

Example

A 50 Hz and 1 kHz sound wave are measured at 60 dB SPL. The two dBA measurements
would be different, for the 50 Hz wave it would be around 40 dBA whereas the 1 kHz would
be heard at 60 dBA. This means that we perceive the 50 Hz wave to be lower in loudness
than the 1 kHz wave since the ear is less sensitive to lower frequencies (remember the
Fletcher-Munson Curves) even though they are at the same SPL.

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

dBm
dBm was first set as a standard by the IRE (Institute of Radio Engineers).
The term dBm expresses an electrical power level and has no direct
relationship to voltage or impedance. The typical circuit in which dBm was
first measured was a 600 " telephone line.
Telephone Line
0.001 W dissipated sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
600 " kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej

2 tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551

P= V fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

R email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

web: www.sae.edu
V = # (P x R)

V = # (0.001 x 600)

V = # (0.6)

V = 0.775 V

It so happens that 1 mW power is dissipated when a voltage of 0.775 V is applied to a 600 "
line. It is for this reason many people mistakenly believe that 0 dBm is equal to 0.775 Volts,
but this is only the case in a 600 " circuit.

0 dBm Reference

The 0 dBm is a power reference level and equates to 1 mW.

0 dBm = 0.001 Watt

Example

For power equations we can use 10 dB increments as tenfold increases in power levels

0.00001 W = -20 dBm

0.0001 W = -10 dBm
0.001 W = 0 dBm
0.01 W = 10 dBm
0.1 W = 20 dBm
1W = 30 dBm

Note: The –ve dB values represent powers lower than the reference level and not
negative power levels

dBu
Most modern audio equipment is sensitive to voltage levels. Power output is not a real
consideration except in the case of power amplifiers. As we know dBm expresses a power
ratio. The voltage can be calculated if the impedance is known but this complicates things and
dBu was created to simplify matters. dBu is a more appropriate term for expressing output
and input voltages (Note: the voltage represented by dBu is equivalent to that of dBm if the
dBm figure is derived with a 600 " load. However the dBu value is not dependant on the load

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

(hence the u for unloaded meaning it if free from the load impedance), therefore 0 dBu is
always referenced at 0.775V.

0 dBu Reference

The 0 dBu is a voltage reference and equates to 0.775 V.

0 dBu = 0.775 Volts

sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
Example kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
For voltage equations we can use 20 dB increments as tenfold increases in
voltage levels: tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

0.00775 V = -40 dBu email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

0.0775 V = -20 dBu
0.775 V = 0 dBu web: www.sae.edu
7.75 V = 20 dBu
77.5 V = 40 dBu
775 V = 60 dBu

Note: The –ve dB values represent voltages lower than the reference level and not
negative voltage levels

dBu was specified as a standard in order to avoid confusion with another voltage related unit,
dBv.

dBv
dBv (Note the lower case v) is used by NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) to denote
the voltage value corresponding to the power indicated in dBm – (0 dBv is referenced at
0.775 V). This was convenient because dB values would tend to be the same as though dBm
was being used, provided that the output was specified to achieve 600 ". This made is easier
to compare dBv specifications with products that were specified in dBm.

0 dBv Reference

The 0 dBv is a voltage reference and equates to 0.775 V.

0 dBv = 0.775 Volts

Example

For voltage equations we can use 20 dB increments as tenfold increases in voltage levels:

0.00775 V = -40 dBv

0.0775 V = -20 dBv
0.775 V = 0 dBv
7.75 V = 20 dBv
77.5 V = 40 dBv
775 V = 60 dBv

dBV
dBV (Note the capital V) was introduced to as a reference by the IEC (International Electro-
Technical Commission). This is a term, which describes an output that uses no load, i.e. an
open circuit or an insignificant load, such as the typical high impedance outputs of modern
consumer audio equipment.

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0 dBV Reference

The 0 dBV is a voltage reference and equates to 1 V.

0 dBV = 1 Volt

Example

For voltage equations we can use 20 dB increments as tenfold increases in sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
voltage levels: kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
0.01V = -40 dBV
0.1 V = -20 dBV tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
1V = 0 dBV
10 V = 20 dBV email: saeglasgow@sae.edu
100 V = 40 dBV
1000 V = 60 dBV web: www.sae.edu

dBW
dBm is useful when dealing with very small power levels, such as the output of microphones
(that can be around one millionth of a watt) and the level of signal processors. But it is of no
use when dealing with the multi-hundred watt outputs of large power amplifiers typically found
in live sound environments. Hence dBW was introduced.

0 dBW Reference

The 0 dBW is a power reference and equates to 1 W.

0 dBW = 1 Watt

Example

For power equations we can use 10 dB increments as tenfold increases in power levels

0.01 W = -20 dBW

0.1 W = -10 dBW
1W = 0 dBW
10 W = 10 dBW
100 W = 20 dBW
1000 W = 30 dBW

Converting Numerical Values to dB

Since we now have the reference values for all the dB values we can now convert numerical
values in to dB values that still maintain an absolute reference, since they are relative to a
known quantity.

The two equations required for this are:

dBm and dBW = 10 log P1

Ref

dBu, dBv, dBV and dBSPL = 20 log V or SPL

Ref

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Example 1

A console’s maximum operating power is 0.12 W. What is the maximum

operating level expressed in dBm?

1 mW
dBm = 10 log P1

Ref sae institute

85 - 87 portman street
Remember to keep kinning park
dBm = 10 log 0.12 both units the same, glasgow, g41 1ej
either in mW or in tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
0.001 this case W fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

= 10 log 120 email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

web: www.sae.edu
= 10 ! 2.08

= 20.8 dBm

Example 2

A signal level is measured at 0.065 V. What is this expressed in dBu?

0.775 V
dBu = 20 log V1

Ref
Both values
dBu = 20 log 0.065 expressed in V

0.775

= 20 log 0.084

= 20 ! -1.08
This is a negative value since
= -21.5 dBu the original voltage level was
lower than the reference level

Example 3

A SPL is measured at 0.37 Pa. What is this expressed in dBSPL?

20 micro Pa
dBSPL = 20 log SPL1

Ref
Both values
dBSPL = 20 log 0.37 expressed
in Pa
0.00002

= 20 log 18500

= 20 ! 4.2

= 85.3 dBSPL

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

Converting dB Values to Numerical Values
It is also possible to convert values from dB back to numerical values. In
order to do this it is necessary to use the Antilog (or inverse log) function.
The following formulas should be used:

Power = Antilog dBm / dBW x Ref

10
sae institute
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Voltage / SPL = Antilog dBu / dBv / dBV / dBSPL x Ref kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
20
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Example 1
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Express 13 dBm in mW:
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Put the
Power = Antilog dBm x Ref appropriate
reference value
10 in here. For
dBm it is 1 mW
Power = Antilog 13 x 1 mW

10

Power = Antilog 1.3 x 1 mW

Power = 20 x 1 mW

Power = 20 mW

Example 2 Part A

A console’s maximum output level is +24 dB. This statement is meaningless since the zero
reference for dB is not specified.

Example 2 Part B

A console’s maximum output level is +24 dBm. This means that the output level is 20 dB
higher than the reference level (for dBm this is 1 mW).

Power = Antilog dBm x Ref

10

Power = Antilog 24 x 1 mW

10

Power = Antilog 2.4 x 1 mW

Power = 251 x 1 mW

Power = 251 mW

This makes a specific claim. It tells us that the console is capable of delivering 251 mW into
an unknown resistance. Note that this is a typical peak level output of a desk.

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

Example 3

Calculate the actual voltage represented by –26 dBu:

This can be worked out using tenfold and twofold reductions in voltage

0 dBu = 0.775 V

-20 dBu = 0.0775 V

sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
-26 dBu = 0.03875 V kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
or using the Antilog formula:
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Voltage = Antilog dBu x Ref
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20
web: www.sae.edu
Voltage = Antilog -26 x 0.775 V

20

Voltage = Antilog -1.3 x 0.775 V

Voltage = 0.05 x 0.775 V

Voltage = 0.03875 V

Example 4

Calculate the sound pressure level represented by 94 dBSPL:

SPL = Antilog dBSPL x Ref

20

SPL = Antilog 94 x 0.00002 Pa

20

SPL = Antilog 4.7 x 0.00002 Pa

SPL = 50119 x 0.00002 Pa

SPL = 1 Pa

Note that 94 dBSPL represents an actual SPL of 1 Pa. This SPL level is used to measure
microphone and loudspeaker sensitivity.

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

Standard Operating Levels
In the world of audio there are different operating levels for different
applications. The three standard operating levels are:

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fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

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Operating Level Reference Calibration Voltage Calibration

Level Reference Level
Semi-Pro - 10 dBm 0.245 V 0 VU
(Consumer audio i.e. TV’s,
HiFi’s etc) - 10 dBV 0.316 V 0 VU
Professional + 4 dBm 1.23 V 0 VU
(Live PA and studio)
+ 4 dBu 1.23 V 0 VU
Broadcast + 8 dBm 1.94 V 0 VU
(TV and Radio)
+ 8 dBu 1.94 V 0 VU

These standard operating levels are used for compatibility of equipment with other like-rated
equipment and also to establish a set of calibration levels so that equipment can be calibrated
to ensure the correct gain structure throughout a studio for example. Therefore a meter
reading of 0 VU should equate to an actual signal level of 1.23 V.

Note: The Pro Audio and Broadcast reference levels equate to the same calibration
voltage even though they are rated in Watts (for dBm) and Volts (for dBu) as it is
assumed that an impedance of 600 " is used.

Pro Audio Operating Levels

0Vu

+ 4 dBu = 1.23 V = 0 VU Recording

0Vu

+8 dBu = 1.94 V = 0 VU Broadcast

0Vu

-10 dBV = 0.316 V = 0 VU Semi-pro

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

Example

Calculate the actual voltage represented by + 4 dBu:

Voltage = Antilog dBu x Ref

20

Voltage = Antilog 4 x 0.775 V

sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
20 kinning park
glasgow, g41 1ej
Voltage = Antilog 0.2 x 0.775 V
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Voltage = 1.58 x 0.775 V
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Voltage = 1.23 V
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Calculate the actual voltage represented by + 4 dBm:

Power = Antilog dBm x Ref

10

Power = Antilog 4 x 1 mW

10

Power = Antilog 0.4 x 1 mW

Power = 2.51 x 1 mW

Power = 2.51 mW

Assuming a Load resistance of 600 ":

V = # (P x R)

V = # (0.00251 x 600)

V = # (1.506)

V = 1.23 V

Calculate the actual voltage represented by +8 dBu:

Voltage = Antilog dBu x Ref

20

Voltage = Antilog 8 x 0.775 V

20

Voltage = Antilog 0.4 x 0.775 V

Voltage = 2.51 x 0.775 V

Voltage = 1.94 V

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

Calculate the actual voltage represented by -10 dBV:

Voltage = Antilog dBu x Ref

20

Voltage = Antilog -10 x1V

20 sae institute
85 - 87 portman street
kinning park
Voltage = Antilog –0.5 x1V glasgow, g41 1ej

Voltage = 0.316 x 1 V tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551

fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771

Voltage = 0.316 V email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

web: www.sae.edu
The higher the operating level, the more amplification you need for less gain
since higher voltage and (hence signal levels) are present. You will find on
the rear panel of many of today’s audio equipment, a selector switch, which will normally
allow a choice of between –10 dBV and +4 dBu, such as consoles, FX units, amplifiers etc.
Most semi-pro equipment runs at -10 dBV, such as semi-pro consoles, FX units, hi-fi
amplifiers etc. Some semi-pro equipment may also use unbalanced circuitry throughout.

Therefore the hotter the level you run, i.e. +4dBu, then the less gain you need to achieve the
desired level (more gain = more noise).

Relating dBV, dBu and dBm to Specifications

In most consumer audio (semi-pro) products you will see phono (RCA) inputs and outputs
rated in dBV. Typical line level phono jack inputs and outputs are for use with high impedance
equipment which is more sensitive to voltage than to power, and so these outputs are
specified as -10dBV. This is a standard used in the consumer audio market.

Most pro-audio gear with XLR connectors and balanced 1/4-inch jack inputs and outputs are
rated in dBm or dBu. Typical line level XLR output and input connectors are intended for use
with both low and high impedance equipment. Therefore their levels are specified at +4 dBu
or dBm over 600 " that is the standard reference for studio recording and live sound. Note
however that broadcast studios operate at +8 dBu)

Relating dB to Acoustic Power Levels

The term sound level generally refers to SPL although it may refer to sound power (dBPWL).
However dBPWL is a very rarely used term. Sound power is the total sound energy radiated
by a loudspeaker in all directions while sound pressure is a level measured per unit area at a
particular distance relative to the sound source.

The measurement for dBPWL is normally made using 1 Watt at a distance of 1 metre (1 W @
1 m).

Question

Two transistor radios combined produce an SPL of 96 dBSPL. If one radio is turned off, what
is the new SPL?

Since one radio is turned off, the power producing the SPL will drop by half. Therefore a 3 dB
drop in level will be experienced so the answer is 93 dBSPL.

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005

Decibels And The Human Ear
The intensity of a sound and its loudness are two distinct aspects of sound.
The intensity of a sound is related to the amount of energy present per unit
area, whilst loudness is a physical sensation that varies between
individuals. Because of this subjective nature of loudness it can neither be
accurately measured nor precisely defined.
sae institute
A well-known law in psychology (Webber-Fechner Law) states that the 85 - 87 portman street
magnitude of any sensation is proportional to the logarithm of the stimulus. kinning park
What this means is that if a certain power is expended to produce a given glasgow, g41 1ej
loudness, then doubling the power will not double the loudness. tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
It has been found that the human ear responds to logs of power ratios and
so an increase in loudness can be found using a logarithmic function as email: saeglasgow@sae.edu
well. web: www.sae.edu

Increase in Loudness = log Power Ratio

Example

Doubling an amp power results in a Power Ratio of 2:1

Therefore the expected loudness increase will be:

Increase in Loudness = log 2

= 0.3

A 0.3 increase in loudness is the smallest change that the human ear can perceive in a
complex waveform.

Therefore if the power is doubled again, the loudness will be further increased by 0.3.

Example

A tenfold increase in amp power results in a Power Ratio of 10:1

Therefore the expected loudness increase will be:

Increase in Loudness = log 10

=1

Therefore to double the apparent loudness of a sound (i.e. going from a loudness of 1 to 2) a
10 dB power increase is required.

Example

An amplifier delivers 5 W of power into a room. It is found that the sound level produced is
much too low. It is suggested that the amp is changed for a 10 W model. Is this change
justified?

The increase in sound is proportional to the power ratios involved. In this case the power
output has been doubled (i.e. 5 W $ 10 W), which represents a gain of 3 dB or an increase in
loudness of 0.3. Although the power output has been increased by 5 W, the increase in
loudness would only be very slight. This modification would not be worth the cost and effort.
For the 5 W amp to sound twice as loud, the increase should be tenfold:

5 W ! 10 = 50 W
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Volume, Level and Gain
Volume, level and gain are the three most commonly used terms in audio.
Therefore it is important to have a good understanding of them and to know
when they should be used.

sae institute
Volume 85 - 87 portman street
kinning park
This is defined as power level, so in terms of audio equipment if you turn up glasgow, g41 1ej
the volume you are increasing the power. However, it can also describe tel: +44 (0)141 429 1551
sound intensity or the magnitude of an electrical signal, or even the space fax: +44 (0)141 429 1771
inside an enclosure. It is better to avoid using the term ‘volume’ in the studio
since it does not have a specific meaning. email: saeglasgow@sae.edu

web: www.sae.edu

Level

Level is defined as the magnitude of a quantity in relation to an arbitrary reference value. For
example, SPL is expressed as dB SPL relative to 20 µPa. The audio level in a signal
processor would be expressed in dBm over 600 " or dBu, both of which are referenced to an
exact figure.

Gain

This has several definitions. If it is not specified it normally implies transmission gain from an
amplifier (i.e. a microphone or line pre-amp found on every console), which is the power
increase of a signal expressed in dB. Sometimes an increase in voltage is expressed as a
voltage gain, but be careful because a voltage gain may represent a power loss depending on
the impedance of the circuit.

SAE Institute Glasgow 2005