What is loud?

[911pcars]

Mostly related to exhaust systems. Have you ever imagined how loud is "fine" or "loud" as described by someone's exhaust mods?

Other than reviewing a video at some subjective volume level (better than words), I suggest adding a dB or SPL App to your smartphone. They're either free or a few bucks and accurate enough across brands to make accurate loudness comparisons. I use one called NOIsee (no affiliation). Lab quality reference apps also available.

E.g. If your system measures 75 dBs at idle and another person says theirs is fine at 80, you now have a better idea of relative loudness. My previous 2 in/2 out muffler was an overly loud (for me) 80 dB at idle and near 90 at speed. The current version is 70 and 80 respectively.

BTW, at the LBGP earlier this year, I recall the SPL of the current IMSA-spec RSR was almost 110 at my listening location (redline is 9000?). One can also measure the SPL of the late night party next door, then tell ..... someone. Good luck.

Sherwood

[DRACO A5OG]

This is telling of my age but back in the day, these loud exhaust from Hi-Po cars on the street, Harleys, Ricers would get pulled over instantly.

But these days Cops have these noise makers and do not really care anymore unless they want to give the driver a hard time :-)

Honestly we became more numb about noise in the city but in the country is totally different. People will start yelling at you for a loud exhaust. Ask me How I know :-(

[Dr J]

Its a good start. We should standardize distance, say 10 feet away from exhaust tip at the angle the exhaust comes out (as if you want to look deep inside the exhaust) and at ear height of about 5 ft should do it. Finally, mike pointed in direction of exhaust!

[1979-930]

I also notice that cops are more tolerant with loud cars now.
And I am annoyed with them... Getting old I guess


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[911pcars]

Furthermore, record, playback on your audio system (everyone has one, yes?) at the same recorded SPL and thus you have a direct reproduction of someone's exhaust system......in your garage, living room or loo. Not sure if dB apps can accurately measure noise levels from headphones.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/headphones/comments/33xavh/how_can_i_mesure_the_db_level_from_my_headphones/

[Cajundaddy]

Yes a standardized measurement at a fixed distance will yield useful comparisons. Proximity is very important as every time you double the distance the SPL drops 6db on the same exhaust. I'd suggest 20' or 6m as a useful for comparison distance.

Anything above 100db measured with a smartphone will lose reasonable accuracy because the internal mic overloads at about that point.

[Driven97]

What?