SPL / Distance / Power Calculator
We know that doubling the power increases the sound pressure by 3 dB SPL, and that doubling the distance decreases the signal by 6 dB SPL. The first conclusion is that we can compensate for the distance by increasing the power applied to the speaker, but this is neither the best nor the only solution. We quickly exhaust the maximum power the speaker can handle, while also potentially damaging the hearing of people near the speaker.
The SPL calculation program allows you to quickly verify all of the above. As an example, let's assume an exponential loudspeaker with a sensitivity of 110 dB SPL (1 W, 1 m, 1 kHz). The program uses two of the following three parameters for the calculations:
- The connection power.
- The distance from the speaker to the listener.
- The SPL required at the listener.
Calculation provides the third parameter.
The limits of using a single speaker are quickly reached. If the ambient noise is that of a mechanic's workshop (95 dB SPL), we'll need 110 dB SPL at the listener. Try changing the speaker-listener distance and you'll see how the power increases; at 10 m, 1 W is sufficient, at 5 m, 25 W is needed, at 10 m, it's already 100 W, and at 15 m, 225 W. Even a professional sound speaker with a sensitivity of 97 dB SPL and 500 W of admissible power falls short at a distance of 6 m.
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