1. What is Reverb Decay Time?

Reverb decay time (often called RT60) is the time it takes for sound to decay by 60 dB in a space after the sound source has stopped. It's a key parameter in acoustics and audio engineering.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the decay time formula:

Where:

• \( \text{decay\_time} \) — Time for sound to decay by 60 dB (seconds)
• \( \text{decay\_rate\_db\_per\_s} \) — Rate of sound energy decay (dB per second)

Explanation: The formula converts a linear decay rate (dB/s) into the time it would take to decay by 60 dB, which is the standard measure of reverberation time.

3. Importance of Decay Time Calculation

Details: Knowing the decay time is essential for acoustic design of spaces, setting reverb effects in audio production, and analyzing room acoustics.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the decay rate in dB/s. The value must be positive (typical values range from 1 dB/s for very live rooms to 30+ dB/s for very dry rooms).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical decay time for a concert hall?
A: Typically 1.5-2.5 seconds for symphonic music, though this varies based on the size and design of the space.

Q2: How does decay time relate to room size?
A: Generally, larger rooms have longer decay times, but materials and room shape also significantly affect the result.

Q3: What's the difference between RT60 and decay rate?
A: RT60 is the time to decay 60 dB, while decay rate is how many dB are lost per second. They're inversely related.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for digital reverb settings?
A: Yes, it can help convert between decay rate parameters and RT60 values commonly found in reverb plugins.

Q5: What's considered a "good" decay time?
A: There's no single good value - it depends on the application. Recording studios often aim for 0.2-0.6s, while cathedrals might have 4s+.