Sensitivity

Definition

Sensitivity is how loud a speaker plays from a known drive: typically dB SPL at 1 metre with 1 watt, or with 2.83 V (1 W into 8 Ω). A 98 dB horn needs far less wattage than an 85 dB stand-mount for the same seat SPL. Marketing numbers are often anechoic or in-room; treat ±2 dB as noise. Inverse-square still applies: double the distance and you lose about 6 dB.

Calculators that use this

• Amplification & power

  Amplifier Power Match (SPL) Calculator

  From speaker sensitivity, distance and target SPL, get required watts and whether a receiver can supply them with headroom.

• Speaker placement & acoustics

  Subwoofer Room Gain Estimator

  Rough in-room bass lift from room volume and how many boundaries the sub sees. Add it to an anechoic SPL.