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The volume is too damn high on flights

blog.42floors.com

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Re: The volume is too damn high on flights

#81
post #69
post #62

Earlier quoted context omitted.

definitely true on the inaccuracy. however, in the absence of anything else it is an indication.

The only thing it's an indication of is the App feels the PA is louder than the other ambient noise in the cabin... which in order to be an effective PA, it must be. The number it assigns it might as well of been made up... or put on some App-specific scale like 1-10, 10 being "we think this is really loud".

[deleted]

Re: The volume is too damn high on flights

#82
post #56

Few thoughts: > and opened the decibel meter on my iPhone These are notoriously inaccurate. To get accurate decibel readings, the mic must be calibrated to absolute known levels (something your App can't do). The App's are basically just comparing relative sounds (this sound is more prominent than this other one, and therefore must be louder... after establishing some relative baseline). Real decibel measuring equipm…

Probably worth noting that shooting without "ears" can still leave you basically unable to hear anything for a good while depending on the firearm, shooting environment, etc. It's not an instant ear-bleeding rupture but it's still VERY loud and will cause significant hearing loss with little repetition.

Side note: I'm always curious how soldiers/SWAT/HRT/etc. are able to hold normal volume conversations. If they're wearing ear-protection, how do they listen for potential threats and assailants? If not, how do they not shout all day long every day?

Re: The volume is too damn high on flights

#84
post #56

Few thoughts: > and opened the decibel meter on my iPhone These are notoriously inaccurate. To get accurate decibel readings, the mic must be calibrated to absolute known levels (something your App can't do). The App's are basically just comparing relative sounds (this sound is more prominent than this other one, and therefore must be louder... after establishing some relative baseline). Real decibel measuring equipm…

> These are notoriously inaccurate.

Actually, if you pick the correct app they are surprisingly accurate: http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/135/4/10.1...

Re: The volume is too damn high on flights

#85

I've always wondered why bars crank up the music so high to the extent you're yelling to convey conversation to the person next to you. One of my friends hypothesized that it was done to focus patrons on drinking and not chatter, but socializing is a big part of the bar scene... Anyone know?

A different perspective from some of the siblings: it keeps conversations fairly localized and thus a bit private. Beyond a few feet, and even with shouting it will distort and muffle the actual contents of speech in my experience.

Re: The volume is too damn high on flights

#86

I've always wondered why bars crank up the music so high to the extent you're yelling to convey conversation to the person next to you. One of my friends hypothesized that it was done to focus patrons on drinking and not chatter, but socializing is a big part of the bar scene... Anyone know?

My personal theory is privacy. With a crashing din of music, your voice carries about 1-2 feet, which makes it easy to ensure only the right person or people hear you talking.

It allows you to be in a social setting while keeping your conversation private.

Re: The volume is too damn high on flights

#87
post #56

Few thoughts: > and opened the decibel meter on my iPhone These are notoriously inaccurate. To get accurate decibel readings, the mic must be calibrated to absolute known levels (something your App can't do). The App's are basically just comparing relative sounds (this sound is more prominent than this other one, and therefore must be louder... after establishing some relative baseline). Real decibel measuring equipm…

> These are notoriously inaccurate. Actually, if you pick the correct app they are surprisingly accurate: http://scitation.aip.org/content/asa/journal/jasa/135/4/10.1...

[deleted]

Re: The volume is too damn high on flights

#88

My comment from another thread on this subject: --- Earplugs! I bought a box of foam earplugs that has supplied me for years now. I cut them in half; half an earplug is the perfect length for unobtrusive everyday wear. I have quantities of half-earplugs stashed in all my pants pockets, in my car, my work bag, and in a little container on my keychain. I wear them in the car, on planes, at the shooting range, when grin…

I have a set of Surefire EP4 silicone ear plugs I use on my motorcycle and at concerts. The nice thing about them is that they have a center plug you can add or remove. Without the center plug they significantly reduce SPLs to safe levels but you can still hear everything. You can put the plug back in when needed.

I also recommend earphones (in ear headphones). They're much like earbuds with foam earplugs. They block out sound about as well as foam earplugs but with the bonus of being able to listen to audio.

Re: The volume is too damn high on flights

#89
post #56

Few thoughts: > and opened the decibel meter on my iPhone These are notoriously inaccurate. To get accurate decibel readings, the mic must be calibrated to absolute known levels (something your App can't do). The App's are basically just comparing relative sounds (this sound is more prominent than this other one, and therefore must be louder... after establishing some relative baseline). Real decibel measuring equipm…

165 db LCpk is a good estimate for the muzzle blast 1 m in front of the barrel of a shotgun. However, outdoors, it's going to be closer to 140-150 measured at the shooter's head. There is a significant asymmetry in how the muzzle blast propagates.

Re: The volume is too damn high on flights

#90
post #56

Few thoughts: > and opened the decibel meter on my iPhone These are notoriously inaccurate. To get accurate decibel readings, the mic must be calibrated to absolute known levels (something your App can't do). The App's are basically just comparing relative sounds (this sound is more prominent than this other one, and therefore must be louder... after establishing some relative baseline). Real decibel measuring equipm…

Is a db meter on an iPhone really inaccurate? This recent article from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health suggests otherwise:

> for A-weighted sound level measurements three apps had mean differences within ± 2dBA of the reference measurements. For un-weighted sound level measurements three apps had mean differences within the ± 2 dB of the reference measurement. Since national standards and occupational guidelines specify that type 2 sound measurement instruments have an accuracy of ± 2dBA, some of the above-mentioned apps could potentially be used in the occupational setting

http://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2014/04/09/sound-app...

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