Sound Loudness

Most people do not realize that because of the amplitude non-linearity of human hearing it is necessary to increase mid-frequency sound power (intensity) ten times to double the apparent loudness perceived by a person with average hearing characteristics. Because of that, it is necessary to increase the power of an SSB transmitter ten times to make a signal sound twice as loud to someone using a receiver with the automatic volume control switched off. ©2004 Martek International All rights reserved.

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