How loud is too loud?

kazaam

So i got a new subwoofer which has inadvertently led me to playing my movies louder. I'm just worried that I'll damage my hearing. So how loud is too loud? I guess my problem is that i turn up the volume since i want louder bass since i dont play at reference levels, but if i turn up the bass too high, it drowns out the volume.

I've heard that untreated rooms give off the impression of being louder since they are not acoustically optimal, and that even though reference levels sound loud, it isn't really when the room is treated.

Thoughts?

polkfarmboy

You need more midrange in your system and it would help to know what kinda gear you have

As far as how loud is too loud I always think that when your ears ,eyes and nose starts bleeding it is probably time to turn it down

BlueFox

If I can hear it then it is to loud.

F1nut

So how loud is too loud?

When blood pours out of your ears.....it's too loud.

stuwee

I agree with the above, but to be serious, anything over 100Db for more than 30 mins is gonna cause some issues later, http://www.dangerousdecibels.org/education/information-center/decibel-exposure-time-guidelines/ , it changes with frequency but once it's done it's done. I wear my hearing loss like a badge of honor :biggrin:, I enjoyed every minute of it.

BeefJerky

When the foundation and windows in your neighbor's home starts cracking.

larry777

When someone watching the movie is uncomfortable with the sound...its too loud. Turning it down just a bit may make the difference, and keep everyone happy.

inspiredsports

A sustained 80-85 db at the listening position should be more than loud enough. Anything much above that is pushing into the range of long-term hearing degradation.

Canonshooter

inspiredsports wrote: »

A sustained 80-85 db at the listening position should be more than loud enough. Anything much above that is pushing into the range of long-term hearing degradation.

^^^This^^^

I've been a "stereophile" for 35 years. Along with loud music (in home and at rock concerts), I also got into the shooting sports about 30 years ago. I also have a 580 watts RMS sound system in my car, and even the car itself is not quiet (a high modded Subaru Forester). I have a very wicked case of tinnitus for longer than I can remember and have probably lost about 50% of my hearing. I miss my hearing more than I miss the sanity I've lost along the way.

Today, I find 80 to 85db (measured with an inexpensive Radio Shack db meter) to be more than adequate. Anything louder takes the joy out of the experience. Don't mess with your hearing and learn to enjoy music at reasonable sound pressure levels!

gp4jesus

inspiredsports wrote: »

...sustained 85 db* at the listening position... ...Anything much above that is pushing into the range of long-term hearing degradation.

OSHA would agree. I think the grey area is how clean is your sound? I've seen the OSHA sound graphs showing that our ears are most sensitive @ 3500hz* Sustained 100dB+ below 300hz is far less damaging than 3500hz @ 90dB.

to beefjerky: "When the foundation and windows in your neighbor's home starts cracking." LOLLOLLOL!!!

quadzilla

BeefJerky wrote: »

When the foundation and windows in your neighbor's home starts cracking.

I was thinking when it start registering on seismometers, but that works too.

Joe08867

Could you speak up? I can't hear you....

rebuy

When my wife gives me the "Evil Eye", it's too loud.

pitdogg2

what?

djperez81

kazaam wrote: »

So i got a new subwoofer which has inadvertently led me to playing my movies louder. I'm just worried that I'll damage my hearing. So how loud is too loud? I guess my problem is that i turn up the volume since i want louder bass since i dont play at reference levels, but if i turn up the bass too high, it drowns out the volume.

I've heard that untreated rooms give off the impression of being louder since they are not acoustically optimal, and that even though reference levels sound loud, it isn't really when the room is treated.

Thoughts?

Kazaam it sounds like you have your sub turned up a litlle high. Maybe turn it down it bit so it blends better with the rest of your setup. "how loud is too loud" i guess when it is too painful to listen to.

vksy

Prolonged exposure to 85dB or more leads to hearing loss. In audio, the official THX studio reference level is 85dB plus a 20dB headroom. This means the "target" SPL is ≤ 85dB. The remainder is for explosions, car chases, and loud passages in music tracks. Since the human brain cannot quantify volume, 85dB is impossible to set without proper equipment. To put things in perspective, try the clap test. Doing so may not shake furniture, but guess what? I can easily hit over 90dB.

Radio Shack had a closeout recently. Some stores may still have SPL meters left. Do yourself a favor and get one.

disneyjoe7

I shoot for 160db I make people RUN!

djperez81

disneyjoe7 wrote: »

i shoot for 160db i make people run!

nice!!