Sound Level Converter
Convert between different units of sound level (e.g., Decibel, Bel, Neper).
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Common Conversions
About Sound Level Units
Sound level units are typically logarithmic and express a ratio of two sound power or intensity values, or two sound pressure values.
- Decibel (dB): A logarithmic unit used to express the ratio of two values of a physical quantity, often power or intensity. In acoustics, it's commonly used for sound pressure level (SPL). $L_{\text{dB}} = 10 \log_{10}(P_2/P_1)$ for power ratios, or $L_{\text{dB}} = 20 \log_{10}(p_2/p_1)$ for amplitude ratios (like pressure).
- Bel (B): A larger unit, where $1 \text{ B} = 10 \text{ dB}$.
- Neper (Np): A logarithmic unit for ratios of measurements, such as power, voltage, or sound pressure. It uses the natural logarithm. $L_{\text{Np}} = \ln(x_2/x_1)$ for field quantities or $L_{\text{Np}} = \frac{1}{2} \ln(P_2/P_1)$ for power quantities.
- $1 \text{ Np} \approx 8.685889638 \text{ dB}$ (when comparing field/amplitude quantities)
- $1 \text{ dB} \approx 0.115129254 \text{ Np}$ (when comparing field/amplitude quantities)
Note: Conversions between Neper and Decibel depend on whether they are used for field/amplitude quantities (like sound pressure) or power/intensity quantities. This converter assumes field/amplitude quantity comparisons, which is common for sound level unless specified otherwise.