In a conference room with a background noise level of 40 dB SPL A-wtd, what should the target sound pressure level of the audio system be?

To determine the target sound pressure level of the audio system in a conference room with a background noise level of 40 dB SPL A-weighted, it's essential to ensure that the audio system output is loud enough to be heard clearly over the ambient noise.

A general guideline is that the target sound pressure level should be approximately 20 to 30 dB higher than the background noise level. This is to ensure that speech intelligibility and overall audio clarity are maintained, allowing the audience to hear the audio clearly without straining.

Given the background noise level of 40 dB, aiming for a target output of 60 dB would only provide a 20 dB headroom, which might be sufficient in some cases but may not guarantee optimal clarity in all situations. Increasing the level to 65 dB provides a better margin (25 dB above the background noise), improving intelligibility while still keeping it within a reasonable range for comfort and clarity.

Targeting 70 dB or higher could potentially lead to discomfort in a small room, especially if the audio system is not designed to handle that level without distortion or overwhelming other participants in the conference.

Thus, setting the target sound pressure level of the audio system at 65 dB effectively balances