Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Practice Exam

What does A Weighted setting on an SPL meter best indicate?

1. Low frequency response

2. High frequency response

3. Perceived loudness to the human ear

4. Overall sound pressure level

The correct answer is: Perceived loudness to the human ear

The option indicating that a Weighted setting on an SPL meter best indicates perceived loudness to the human ear is accurate because A-weighting is specifically designed to reflect the varying sensitivity of human hearing across different frequencies. This weighting filter attenuates low-frequency sounds and slightly reduces high-frequency levels, focusing on the mid frequencies where human hearing is most sensitive. In practice, A-weighting is commonly used in environmental noise assessments and occupational noise exposure calculations because it more closely aligns with how humans perceive sound. By using this setting, the SPL meter provides a measurement that better correlates with the subjective experience of loudness, as it diminishes the influence of sounds outside the range of human hearing sensitivity. In contrast, other options relate to aspects that are not encompassed by the A-weighted scale. Low and high-frequency responses refer to specific frequency ranges without considering loudness perception. Overall sound pressure level measurements typically do not apply frequency-specific weightings, giving a broader assessment rather than focusing on perceived loudness.