On dynamic peaks in Gershwin’s wonderful Three Preludes, the sound levels still peaked in the range of 85 dB, only about 3 dB less loud than sitting up close. In Row B, the direct instrumental sounds ...

In terms of loudness and acoustical intensity, the decibel can conveniently express a huge range in sound pressures to which the ear responds (far greater than one million), from 0 dB (the threshold ...