Jon, you got me to thinking about the relative noise from my computer. I found and downloaded a dB meter app for my iPhone just to see what the total sound levels are.
  • Steady state (the fan in my Mac mini turning at 1,800 RPM and the drive in the NewerTech Max mini enclosure spinning) — 32 to 34 dB
  • add typing on the Apple wireless keyboard — 50 dB.
  • burning a CD in the Max mini enclosure — 48 dB.
As a reference scale…
  • 20 dB Rustling leaves
  • 30 dB a quiet whisper at 3 feet.
  • 40 dB a quiet home
  • 50 dB quiet street
  • 60 dB normal conversation
  • 70 dB inside car
  • 75 dB singing
  • 80 dB automobile (25 feet)
Note: the dB meter app is not up to professional/commercial standards, but it does appear reasonably accurate.

Last edited by joemikeb; 01/31/15 05:39 PM.
If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?

— Albert Einstein