[linux-audio-user] Real Time Sound Levels readings and comparing

[Folderol]

On Wed, 18 Jan 2006 19:44:42 +0000
studio64 <fsmith at walescomputers.co.uk> wrote:

> HI All
> Is there a Linux way of recording sound from a club or pub/bar using a 
> real time analyzer
> and then getting an average DB level reading?
> 
> I would then need to take another reading later and compare the two.
> 
> In the UK there is a lot of new legislation re sound levels from bars 
> and clubs
> and I would like to offer a service to show them the levels they are 
> putting out.
> 
> I would need some way of printing the levels out in a document.
> 
> This will show that if the clubs has a certain sound level on the dance 
> floor it can't be above a certain level at the street.
> 
> ie:
> 75db in the club  may read only 65db in the street, meaning they are not 
> causing a noise problem.
> 
> I'm using 64studio/Ardour/Jamin  at the moment on debian, but have also 
> use the planet on Redhat/Fedora.
> 
> I'm sure its all in here somewhere I just need to know what to learn.
> 
> Cheers
> Bob

Getting reliable field sound level measurements is a notoriously
difficult task. I do not envy you.

Making assumptions about transmission attenuation through walls etc. is
even more fraught.

One of the most unbelievable variables is the number of people in the
space, the clothes they are wearing and where they are standing! Not
only does this affect absorbtion but also standing wave
characteristics etc.

I wish you luck!

-- 
F