Guides
Plain answers about sound levels, hearing safety, and measuring noise. Each guide lists the sources for its figures.
- What String Gauge to Use for Drop and Lower TuningsWhich string set suits drop D, D standard, drop C, and lower, and why.Updated
- What Cents Mean on a Tuner: Reading Sharp and FlatWhat the cents number on a tuner means and how close is close enough.Updated
- How to Tune a Guitar Without a TunerThe 5th fret method, the harmonic method, and the G to B exception.Updated
- How to Wear Foam Earplugs: Roll, Pull, Hold, and Check the FitThe roll, pull, and hold method for foam earplugs, a quick fit check, and safe removal.Updated
- Studio Monitor Setup: Placement, Height, and LevelStudio monitor placement: the 60° triangle, ear height, wall distance, and channel checks.Updated
- How Loud Are Fireworks? Decibels, Distance, and Ear ProtectionFireworks decibel levels, how far back to stand, and ear protection for adults and kids.Updated
- Ears Ringing After a Concert: What It Means and What to DoWhy your ears ring after a show, how long it lasts, and how to protect them next time.Updated
- How to Make Your Mic Louder: Windows, Mac, and ZoomRaise the input volume on Windows, Mac, and Zoom, and check the result in seconds.Updated
- Guitar String Names: The Notes of Standard TuningThe six strings by number, note, and frequency, and phrases to remember the order.Updated
- Acceptable Noise Levels in a Classroom: The 35 dBA StandardThe 35 dBA background limit, reverberation time, and how to check your room.Updated
- Types of Sound Level Meters: Type 1, Type 2, and DosimetersMeter grades, dosimeters, and calibration, with the accuracy OSHA expects.Updated
- CPR Metronome: The 100 to 120 BPM Compression RateThe tempo for CPR chest compressions, and how to practice it with a metronome.Updated
- 432 Hz vs 440 Hz: What Standard Pitch MeansWhy A is 440 Hz, what changes at 432 Hz, and how to tune to either one.Updated
- What Is NRR? How to Read an Earplug Noise RatingWhat the NRR on earplugs means, and how much noise it blocks in daily use.Updated
- Decibel Level for Sleep: How Quiet a Bedroom Should BeHow quiet a bedroom should be at night, with the WHO limits.Updated
- What Is dBA? A-Weighting, C-Weighting, and dB ExplainedWhat the A in dBA means, and when to use A, C, or Z weighting.Updated
- How Loud Is Too Loud? Safe Decibel Levels and Exposure TimesSafe decibel levels, and how long you can listen at each one.Updated
- How to Clean a Phone Speaker: Dust, Lint, and WaterClear dust, lint, and water from a phone speaker without damaging it.Updated
More Tools
- Decibel MeterMeasure how loud it is, right in your browser.
- Mic TestCheck your microphone works before a call or stream.
- Classroom Noise MeterShow the class how loud it is with a full-screen traffic light.
- Concert Decibel MeterSee how loud the show is, and how long is safe at that level.
- Neighbor Noise MeterMeasure the average noise level over time to document a problem.
- Workplace Noise MeterCheck noise at work against the 85 dBA guideline.
- TunerTune any instrument or your voice with a chromatic tuner.
- Guitar TunerTune acoustic or electric guitar online to E A D G B E, through your phone or computer microphone.
- Bass TunerTune a 4-string, 5-string, or drop D bass guitar online with your phone or computer microphone.
- Ukulele TunerTune a soprano, concert, tenor, or baritone ukulele online with your phone or computer microphone.
- Banjo TunerTune a 5-string banjo, a tenor banjo, or an Irish tenor banjo (G D A E) with your device's microphone.
- Flute TunerTune your flute with your device's microphone.
- MetronomeKeep time with an accurate click. No microphone needed.
- Speaker TestCheck left, right, bass, and wiring. No microphone needed.