FAQs

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Q: What is the standard lead-time for DB Unlimited?
A: Our standard lead-time is 6-8 weeks, unless otherwise stated.
Q: What are the basic differences between piezoelectric and electro-mechanical audio devices?
A: Piezoelectric devices utilize a piece of ceramic adhered to a metal disc. When voltage is applied to the ceramic material it causes the metal disc to physically flex, which produces a sound. Electro-Mechanical devices utilize electro-magnetic material and a metal disc in close proximity. When the electro-magnetic material is energized, it causes the metal disc to physically flex, which produces sound.
Q: What types of applications would benefit from a piezoelectric device?
A: Piezoelectric devices typically require less current to operate, which makes them ideal for battery powered devices. They also have the capability to have a much lower height profile, due to the fact that the primary sounding component, the peizo element, is typically only a fraction of a millimeter thick, which makes them perfect for any application where height is a primary concern.
Q: What types of applications would benefit from an electro-mechanical device?
A: Electro-mechanical devices typically have higher sound pressure level to device size ratios, which make them ideal for applications that need a lot of volume from a little device. They also have the ability to perform at much lower frequencies than their piezoelectric counterparts. So if you are looking for a lot of sound pressure at a lower frequency, you are probably looking for an electro-mechanical device.
Q: What is the basic difference between transducers and indicators?
A: Transducers do not have internal circuitry to generate their own signal and require an AC signal from an external source in order to generate a sound. Indicators have internal circuitry to generate their own signal and need only an input voltage to generate a sound.
Q: What type of applications would benefit from a transducer?
A: With a transducer, the customer has the ability to customize the sound output, as they are driven with an external signal. They are ideal for applications where you are looking for multiple tones out of a single device.
Q: What type of applications would benefit from an indicator?
A: With an indicator, the customer has a complete drop in audio solution. They need only to supply an input voltage to get a tone. They are perfect for applications where you are looking for a reliable device that will perform the same way, every time without the extra work of designing any external drive circuitry into your PCB.
Q: What is the difference between a speaker and a transducer?
A: Although both a speaker and a transducer require external signal circuitry to operate, a speaker has the ability to produce music and voice.
Q: Is it possible to drive an externally driven audio device (Transducer, Speaker, Piezo Bender) at a frequency other than the specified resonant frequency?
A: Yes. The resonant frequency is given to show where an audio device achieves its most efficient operation and greatest sound pressure level. However, these externally driven devices can be driven at other frequencies in order to get a specific "sound", understanding that sound pressure level may decrease.
Q: Can a DB Unlimited audio device go through a washing process?
A: Those products that are designated on our website or on their individual product specification as "Washable" can go through our recommended washing process.
Q: What tone types are available for Indicators?
A: Single Tone, Dual Tone, Slow Pulse, Fast Pulse, and Siren
Q: What mounting methods are available for Indicators and Transducers?
A: Bracket Mount, Flange Mount, Flush Mount, Panel Mount, Surface Mount, and Thru Hole
Q: What mounting methods are available for Speakers?
A: Flush Mount, Frame Mount and Surface Mount
Q: What mounting methods are available for Microphones?
A: Flush Mount, Surface Mount and Thru Hole
Q: How can the sound pressure level of an audio device be adjusted?
A: The sound pressure level of a device can be decreased by either physically baffling the sound port or decreasing the supply voltage. There is a direct correlation between sound pressure level and supply voltage, so the sound pressure level of a device can also be increased by increasing the supply voltage, up to the maximum input voltage level for a given device.
Q: In general, how is difference in sound pressure level perceived by humans?
A: It takes a 3 dBA change in sound pressure level for most humans to notice any difference.
Q: How does distance impact sound pressure level?
A: The following scale gives a general reference of how sound pressure level changes as you move further away from a device:
SPL @ 10cm from the Device  →  90 dBA
SPL @ 20cm from the Device  →  84 dBA
SPL @ 30cm from the Device  →  80 dBA
SPL @ 60cm from the Device  →  74 dBA
SPL @ 100cm from the Device →  70 dBA
Q: What is the difference between dB and dBA?
A: dB is the standard unit of measure for sound pressure level. dBA takes the standard unit of measurement of dB and applies an A-Weighted scale which helps compensate for the human ear versus a microphone as a sound measuring device. By applying an A-Weighted scale to the measurement of sound pressure level, you are putting different frequencies on a level playing field.
Q: What is a feedback loop?
A: In regards to a piezo bender, a feedback loop is used in conjunction with an external circuit in order to monitor the operating specifications of the piezo bender so that the input signal can be adjusted in order to maintain a consistent frequency, higher sound pressure level and lower distortion.
Q: What is microphone directivity?
A: Microphone directivity is a specification that describes a specific microphones sensitivity to the direction of a sound. DB Unlimited offers microphones in 3 different categories of directivity and the descriptions are as follows: Noise Cancelling: This specification of directivity refers to a microphone that picks up sound from in front and behind. Unidirectional: This specification of directivity refers to a microphone that picks up sound from one direction. Omnidirectional: This specification of directivity refers to a microphone that picks up sound from all directions.