In this post from our sound section we are going to see what SPL stands for Sound Pressure Level . In Spanish it means Sound Pressure Level . Something to keep in mind when we use speakers and microphones. In these cases we usually find the maximum SPL figure expressed in decibels (dB). What does it mean? Now we see it.
Sound Pressure Level is a measure of acoustic intensity. We cannot forget that the intensity of a sound depends on the air pressure created by the sound wave. This is converted to decibels in order to express the value of the SPL.
For microphones, the maximum SPL value represents the intensity level from which the diaphragm begins to deform or distortion is no longer acceptable. In other words, the physical limit of these devices. For example, in a concert, to place a microphone near a kick drum we will need a model that supports high SPL levels. The same goes for the speakers, but the other way around.
SPL and hearing
When an object moves, it comes into contact with air and waves are produced that generate sounds that are audible to the human ear. When the movement is more violent, the sound is strong, and conversely, the weaker movements generate weaker or lower sounds. As we say, the intensity of the sound is measured in dB SPL. Instead, the hearing threshold is measured in dB HL (Hearing Level). Above 65 db SPL, the World Health Organization (WHO) speaks of damage to people’s hearing.
Ultimately, decibels (dB) are used to measure the sound levels and the number of cycles of a sound wave in one second. In the case of db SPLs, it is very important to keep in mind that this is not a fixed value, but that it can have different meanings and will vary depending on the context.
