How Decibels Work

Have you ever been curious about how sound is measured? Well, one way sound is measured in units called decibels (abbreviated to dB). In this post, we'll take a look at how decibels work and how they're used in the real world.

Where does the word decibel come from?

The concept of decibels was first introduced by Alexander Graham Bell, the person who invented the telephone in the late 1800s. Bell's interest in sound and acoustics led him to develop a system for measuring the intensity of sound, which he called the "unit of relative loudness."

However, the term "decibel" was not coined until much later, in 1924, by two Bell Labs engineers named Harvey Fletcher and W.A. Munson. They were working on a system to measure the loudness of sound in telephone circuits and needed a way to express the relative intensity of the sound. They decided to use the term "bel" in honor of Bell, but the unit was too large for practical use, so they added the prefix "deci" to create the decibel.

Since then, the decibel has become the standard unit of measurement for sound intensity and is used in a wide range of fields, including acoustics, electronics, telecommunications, and music production.

What is a decibel?

A decibel is a unit used to measure the intensity of sound. It's based on the logarithm of the ratio of two sound levels. That might sound super complicated, but all you really need to know is that it's a way to compare the loudness of two sounds.

The quietest sound that most folks can hear is around 0 dB. As you increase the decibel level, the sound becomes louder. For example, an average conversation is around 60 dB, while a concert can reach levels of 110 dB or higher. The sound of a jet engine taking off can reach levels of up to 140 dB, which is extremely loud and can cause permanent hearing damage if you're exposed to it for too long.

How are decibels used in the real world?

One of the most common uses of decibels is measuring the noise level of various environments like a manufacturing facility. This is important for occupational safety and health, because exposure to high levels of noise can cause hearing loss over time. Occupational safety regulations often limit the amount of noise workers can be exposed to in order to protect their hearing.

Decibels are also used in the music industry to measure the loudness of recordings. This is important for ensuring that recordings are consistent in volume and don't cause discomfort or hearing damage to listeners or are too soft to be heard appropriately by the listener. 

Here is a graph showing the decibel levels of various sound sources. 

Decibel-Levels-Explained-comparison chart showing different noises and their decibel levels

Why are decibels important?

When recording in a studio, it's important to understand the principles of sound and how they are measured in decibels. This knowledge can help you get better quality recordings by ensuring that the sound is not distorted or too quiet. It can also help you protect your hearing by avoiding exposure to high levels of noise.

Understanding decibels can also help you make informed decisions about the equipment you use in your studio setup. For example, you may need to choose a microphone or amplifier with a certain decibel rating to achieve the desired level of sound quality. A tiny little amp is not going to be enough to cut it in a large club or venue. 

Another reason why understanding decibels is important is that it can help you navigate the various tools and software that are used in music production. Many digital audio workstations, or DAWs, have built-in tools for measuring decibels and adjusting the sound levels. Knowing how to use these tools effectively can help you produce better quality recordings and mixes.

The image below shows the decibel level meters on a mixing board. 

mixing board decibel meters

What is the best decibel for recording audio?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to what the best decibel level is for recording audio, as it depends on a variety of factors such as the type of sound being recorded and the desired outcome of your recording.

However, in general, it is recommended to aim for a recording level of around -12 dB to -6 dB. This allows for enough headroom, or space between the peak level and the maximum level, to avoid distortion while still capturing a good amount of detail and dynamic range.

It's important to note that this is just a guideline, and the optimal recording level may vary depending on the specific situation. For example, recording a loud sound like a live concert may require a lower recording level to avoid clipping, but recording a quieter sound like a whisper may require a higher recording level to capture enough detail.

In addition to the recording level, it's also important to consider the noise floor of the recording environment. The noise floor is the level of background noise present in a recording, and it can impact the overall quality of the recording. It's important to minimize the noise floor as much as possible to achieve a clean and clear recording. Read more about noise floor HERE.

Wrapping Up

In addition to measuring sound, decibels are also used to measure other types of energy, such as radio waves and electrical signals. In these cases, decibels are used to measure the strength of the signal, rather than the loudness of a sound.

In conclusion, decibels are a unit of measurement used to measure the intensity of sound and other types of energy. They're used in a variety of industries, including occupational safety, music, and telecommunications. Understanding how decibels work can help you better appreciate the importance of protecting your hearing and the impact of noise on our daily lives.

Stay tuned and we might get into adding decibels. You are probably used to traditional addition which is 80 + 80 = 160. However, that would be way too loud. In that case, the Grateful Dead's "wall of sound" would have been as loud as 20 jet planes. The reason that this doesn't work is because the decibel is a comparison, not a unit of measure. The value of 80 is just the result of comparing the actual measured pressure to the threshold of hearing.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Need Help?

Not sure what you need? Don't worry! One of our acoustic pros will help you get results!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do acoustic panels really work?
Yes, acoustic panels absolutely work when used correctly. Acoustic panels are designed to absorb sound waves, which helps reduce echo, reverb, and unwanted reflections in a room. This creates a cleaner, more controlled sound environment.

Whether you’re treating a home studio, podcast room, home theater, or office space, acoustic panels can make a noticeable difference in speech clarity, mix accuracy, and overall listening quality.
How do I know which panels are right for my room?
Every space is unique. You can contact us for a free room analysis, or check out our guides under the “Learn” section.

Absorption panels help reduce echo and reverb. We offer foam panels and fabric covered panels.

Diffusers scatter sound for a more balanced feel.

Bass traps help control low frequencies that tend to build up in corners.

If you’re trying to block sound from entering or leaving a room, you’ll need soundproofing materials, which are different from acoustic treatments.
Can I order samples?
Yes, we offer acoustic foam samples and well as fabric color swatches. If you are looking for something else please Contact Us.

Order Foam Samples
Order Fabric Swatches
What’s the difference between soundproofing and acoustic treatment?
Soundproofing blocks sound from entering or leaving a room. Acoustic treatment improves sound inside the room by reducing echo and reverb.
Can acoustic panels improve speech clarity?
Yes! Acoustic panels are commonly used in offices, conference rooms, and classrooms to reduce echo and improve speech intelligibility. By absorbing excess sound and reverb, panels make it easier to hear and understand spoken words—even at lower volumes.

Want help improving clarity in your space? Contact us here.
Do acoustic panels block outside noise?
Standard acoustic panels don’t block sound—they absorb it. Acoustic panels reduce echo and reverb inside a room but won’t stop external noise from entering or leaving.

If you’re looking for soundproofing, you’ll need materials designed to block sound transmission like mass loaded vinyl, or decoupled wall systems. We offer select products for this—Contact Us to learn more.

Learn the difference between soundproofing and sound absorption here.
Where should I place acoustic panels?
The best placement depends on your room and goals. For general echo reduction, aim to cover 20–30% of your wall space. For recording studios, home theaters, or listening rooms, focus on:

• Front wall behind speakers
• Back wall behind the listening position
• Side wall reflection points
• Ceiling above your desk or seating area
• Diffusers at key reflection points for natural sound

Need help with placement? Contact us for a free custom recommendation.
Do these panels work for podcasting, streaming, or music production?
Absolutely. We serve customers across all industries — from home offices to professional studios.
What fabric is best for wrapping acoustic panels?
To get the best sound performance, use acoustically transparent fabric—material that lets sound pass through easily. A simple test: try breathing through the fabric. If air flows freely, it’s likely a good choice. Avoid dense materials like heavy denim or canvas, as they can block sound instead of letting it be absorbed.

Looking for a proven solution? Our professional-grade acoustical fabric is highly rated by customers and perfect for DIY acoustic panels.

Shop acoustic fabric here or contact us if you need help picking the right fabric for your project.
Can I order custom-sized acoustic panels?
Yes! In addition to our standard panel sizes, we offer custom-sized acoustic panels for unique spaces, specialty builds, and large-scale projects. Just let us know your dimensions and design goals—we’re happy to create a solution that fits your space perfectly.

Contact us here to tell us about your project and get a custom quote.
Do you offer custom sizes or colors?
Yes, we offer custom sizing and a variety of colors on select products. Just reach out and let us know what you need.

Contact Us for custom quotes.
Are your products easy to install?
Yes! Our fabric-wrapped panels include mounting hardware. For acoustic foam, there are several easy mounting options, including double-sided adhesive squares, spray adhesive, or Command strips for installation without damaging your walls.

Check out our install videos here.
Do I need professional help to install acoustic panels?
Most acoustic panels are easy to install with basic tools and a little DIY experience. We make it simple by providing tutorial videos. Check out our install videos here.

For more complex projects, we’re happy to guide you—or your contractor—through the process to ensure everything is done right.

Contact us here if you need help with installation planning.
How do you maintain acoustic panels?
Acoustic panels are low-maintenance and built to last with proper care. Here are some general tips:

• Dust regularly with a soft, dry cloth
• Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment
• Clean gently with compressed air
• Spot clean with minimal moisture and dry immediately

Always check your panel’s product specs for specific cleaning recommendations.

Have questions about cleaning or care? Contact us here.
How much do acoustical panels or soundproofing materials cost?
The cost of acoustic panels and soundproofing panels depends on your space and goals. We offer everything from affordable DIY acoustic foam to high-end custom panels for professional studios and luxury interiors. For an accurate quote, let us know your room size, usage, and sound goals—we’re happy to help you find the right solution for your budget.

Fill out our free room analysis for personalized acoustic advice.
How fast is shipping and fulfillment?
Most orders ship in 1-3 business days. Cut to order foam may take a little longer. If you need something in a hurry please Contact Us.
Can acoustic panels be customized for my space?
Yes! We offer custom acoustic panels tailored to your exact dimensions, layout, and design goals. Whether you’re working with an odd-shaped wall, a unique room layout, or a specific aesthetic, we can create panels that fit perfectly.

Choose from a wide range of colors and fabrics to match your space without sacrificing performance.

Contact us here to tell us about your space and get a custom solution.