1. What is Headphone Sensitivity?

Headphone sensitivity measures how effectively headphones convert an electrical signal into sound pressure level (SPL). It indicates how loud headphones will be at a given voltage level. Higher sensitivity means louder sound at the same voltage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the sensitivity equation:

Where:

• \( SPL \) — Sound pressure level in decibels (dB)
• \( Voltage \) — Measured voltage (volts)
• \( Ref\ voltage \) — Reference voltage (typically 1 volt)

Explanation: The equation converts the measured SPL at a specific voltage to what it would be at the reference voltage, showing the headphones' efficiency.

3. Importance of Sensitivity Calculation

Details: Sensitivity helps determine how much power is needed to drive headphones to a desired volume level. It's crucial for matching headphones with appropriate amplifiers.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the SPL in dB, measured voltage in volts, and reference voltage (typically 1V). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a good sensitivity rating for headphones?
A: Generally, 90-110 dB is good for portable devices, while studio headphones might be lower (around 85 dB).

Q2: How does sensitivity relate to impedance?
A: Sensitivity and impedance together determine how much power headphones need. High impedance with low sensitivity requires more power.

Q3: What's the typical reference voltage?
A: 1 volt is standard, but some manufacturers use different references (like 0.5V or 2V), so always check.

Q4: Why is sensitivity measured in dB/V?
A: dB/V (decibels per volt) shows how much sound pressure is produced per volt of input signal.

Q5: Can I compare sensitivity ratings with different references?
A: No, you must convert them to the same reference voltage first using this calculator.