How is the final potential acoustic gain (PAG) expressed in terms of decibels?

The final potential acoustic gain (PAG) is expressed as a logarithmic function because decibels (dB) are fundamentally a logarithmic unit used to measure the ratio of two quantities, typically power or intensity. When calculating gain, especially in audio systems, the relationship between the input and output levels is represented using a logarithmic scale to accommodate the wide range of human hearing. This logarithmic representation allows for a more practical and manageable way to express sound levels, as it condenses large variations in power into a scale that is easier to work with.

For example, when the sound power doubles, it results in an increase of approximately 3 dB, which illustrates how sensitive our auditory perception is to changes in sound intensity. Therefore, the use of a logarithmic function to express PAG provides an effective means of quantifying and communicating audio levels in a way that is relevant and useful for audio professionals.