Decibel Examples

We understand that to most people, it can be difficult to try and understand what results acoustical treatments can achieve. For example, although it may be understood that a piece of machinery is "loud" and the desire is to make it "quieter," most people cannot put into acoustical terms what result (or decibel reduction) is desired.

Below are several audio examples that demonstrate how different decibel levels are perceived and how they sound to the human ear.

We recommend you start with the pink noise button. This will give you a starting point, allowing you to hear an example of a randomized static pink noise.

From there, you can click on and hear 3dB, 6dB, 10dB and 20dB drops to experience how each example compares to the original static pink noise.

Decibel Examples

When trying to enclose a piece a machinery, most people will know they want it "quieter," but can't put into acoustical terms the end result (or decibel reduction) they want to achieve. With our audio examples, you can actually hear the decibel differences compared to static pink noise.

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Pink Noise

An example of a randomized static pink noise. Pink noise uses deeper sounds and lower sound waves.

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3 dB

Just perceptible. 3dB reduction has a 18% reduction in the perceived volume and yet is just barely perceptible to the human ear.

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6 dB

Noticeable. 6dB reduction has a 34% reduction in the perceived volume and is very noticeable to the human ear.

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10 dB

Double/Halving. 10dB reduction has a 50% reduction in the perceived volume and sounds half as loud to the human ear.

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20 dB

Much more/less. 20dB reduction has a 75% reduction in the perceived volume and most noticeable to the human ear.