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Decibel

By Joe Shambro, About.com

Definition: A decibel, or dB, is the basic unit of sound level measurement.

While decibel measurement is commonly used in both live sound and in the studio, it's most common to make sure sound pressure levels are kept within healthy levels during live concerts. In fact, A-Weighted decibel measurements (the most common weighting) are done so as to emphasize measurement in the frequencies common to human hearing, the octaves around middle-A.
Also Known As: dB.
Examples: "We're pushing 120dB A-weighted; we should probably turn the mains down slightly."

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