SonaLab - Real-Time Vocal Analysis Software
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03

Amplitude & Loudness: Height Decides Size

How high the waveform "surges" is amplitude — the larger the amplitude, the louder the sound.

Say "ah—" softly and then belt it: the difference is amplitude — the air is pushed with more force. Loudness is measured in dB (decibels), a logarithmic scale — multiplying amplitude by 10 only adds 20 dB. This matches how our ears perceive loudness (it is not linear).

Experiment 3 · Amplitude & dB

Drag the amplitude slider: the waveform height changes (visual) and the volume changes (audio). Try "halving the amplitude" and listen — does it only sound a little quieter? That is why dB is useful.

📌 Remember this

Amplitude decides loudness, and dB is the auditory language of "doubling/halving". Many app parameters (H1−H2, SPR) are expressed in dB because that is exactly a measure of "relative strength".