Signals - Adding Decibels
Calculate total signal level in decibels from multiple signal sources. Supports both equal signal levels and different signal strengths.
Signals - Adding Decibels
The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit used to express the ratio of two signal values - like power, sound power or pressure, voltage, intensity etc. - where one value is a reference value.
Adding Equal Signal Levels
The total signal level in decibel from equal signal sources can be calculated as:
Lt = Ls + 10 log(n)
Where:
- Lt = total signal level (dB)
- Ls = signal level from each single source (dB)
- n = number of sources
Note: Adding two identical sources (doubling the signal) will increase the total signal level by 3 dB.
Adding Signals from Sources with Different Strengths
The total signal level from sources with different strengths can be calculated as:
Lt = 10 log((S1 + S2 + ... + Sn) / Sref)
Where:
- S1, S2, ... Sn = signal values (signal unit)
- Sref = signal reference value (signal unit)
Alternatively, if you have decibel values and a level difference:
Lt = Highest Level (dB) + Correction (dB)