Axial SPL Calculation

This is a calculated performance measure that takes the 1 m sensitivity and extrapolates it to a greater distance.

The calculation can also factor in the maximum allowable voltage to the loudspeaker to determine the maximum achievable SPL at a given distance. This design step answers the questions “Will the sound system be loud enough at the most distant listener position?” and “What size amplifier will be required to achieve the target SPL?”

It also allows the designer to assess whether the loudspeaker might be thermally damaged by the electrical power required to achieve the target SPL.

This calculation is often the “first stab” at qualifying a loudspeaker for a design.