The decibel

The decibel is commonly referred to in the studio, but its true meaning is often misunderstood. Grant Bridgeman clears the air...

Whatever task we are involved with in the studio, the term decibel is never very far away. From the output level on a synth (+4dBu) to the frequency-specific absorption characteristics of a bass trap (-50dB at 120Hz), the letters dB seem to creep in everywhere. But how can such a diverse range of characteristics be quantified by the decibel?

This feature first appeared in Music Tech Magazine issue 31
Filed under Ten Minute Masters

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