Need help understanding -+ DB for sound/ AV?

Question

Can someone help me find a guide/PDF file that explains how a sound system works? What -+db do and affect souns and how to hook up wireless mics.

Thank you for any help!

Answer 1

Try the Shure.com website.  There are a several good general pdf books on sound systems & wireless microphones etc:

http://www.shure.com/ProAudio/TechLibrar...

"Intro to Recording and Sound Reinforcement" is a good place to start.

Answer 2

Volume is measured in decibels (db).

When you change the volume on a AV receiver, the display usually changes -40, -30, -20 db.  This is a ROUGH approximation of the volume below the receivers max rated output.

Using different speakers, sitting farther away, etc. really controls the volume at your position, but the display is nice.

A "Sound Pressure Meter" is used to measure volume. A $40 unit from Radio Shack is often used to level-adjust a home-theater system.