Acoustic Glossary
Sound and Vibration Definitions, Terms, Units and Parameters
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The world of acoustics is overflowing with parameters. For example; Lmax is the maximum sound level, but was the measurement A-weighted, C-weighted, Z-weighted and was a Fast, Slow of Impulsive Time Constant used. Already we have introduced up to 9 variables for one simple measurement, without mentioning the measurement duration.
To describe any A-weighted, Fast Time Constant, Maximum measurements, correctly, we should use the form LAFmax. However in the real world many people continue to use the 'simple' Lmax. Similarly the terms LA dBA or dB(A) is often used to describe the same measured value.
Some instrument manufacturers use XY to indicate a range of possible descriptors where X = dBA, dBC or dBZ frequency weightings and Y = Fast(F), Slow(S) or Impulse(I) time weighting. Using this convention LXYmax describes the range of possibilities for a maximum measurement.
This glossary is for customers who come across a term they do not know. If the term is not strictly correct we do not go into great detail explaining where it differs from the strict convention, we just say what the term 'means'. It follows therefore, that these lists are not for the professional acousticians who will already know and use the exact terminology.
Some basic parameters need more than one or two line descriptions so we provide links throughout these pages and a sub-menu here.
Glossary Terms - alphabetical
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