Linear and logarithmic scales

Question 1

What is a logarithmic scale used for?

Answer 1

To represent very large numerical changes in a linear way, going up in powers of 10 rather than units of 1

Logarithmic scales are particularly useful in fields like acoustics and finance where large ranges of values are common.

Question 2

What is the decibel (dB)?

Answer 2

A unit of sound pressure level that presents big changes in sound pressure in a linear way

The dB scale is essential for measuring sound levels and understanding auditory perception.

Question 3

What is dBA used for?

Answer 3

Environmental noise measurements

dBA accounts for the sensitivity of human hearing at different frequencies.

Question 4

What does dBFS stand for?

Answer 4

Decibels relative to full scale

It is a unit used in digital audio to indicate levels in relation to the maximum possible level.

Question 5

What occurs at 0dBFS?

Answer 5

Digital distortion

It is crucial for mixing in digital audio to keep levels below this threshold to avoid distortion.

Question 6

What would happen if the scale on EQ plugins and hardware units was linear?

Answer 6

We would devote lots of space to parts of the frequency range that don’t really matter to our ears

This highlights the importance of logarithmic scaling in audio processing.

Question 7

What does a logarithmic scale mean for octaves?

Answer 7

Each octave is spaced equally despite the doublings

This better represents how we perceive the frequency spectrum.