Converted level meters from linear to logarithmic (dB) scale to
match professional audio software behavior and human hearing.
The Problem:
- Linear scale (0-100%) doesn't match perceived loudness
- Doesn't match professional DAW meter behavior
- Half-volume audio appears at 50% but sounds much quieter
- No industry-standard dB reference
The Solution:
- Convert linear amplitude to dB: 20 * log10(linear)
- Normalize -60dB to 0dB range to 0-100% display
- Matches professional audio metering standards
dB Scale Mapping:
0 dB (linear 1.0) = 100% (full scale, clipping)
-6 dB (linear ~0.5) = 90% (loud)
-12 dB (linear ~0.25) = 80% (normal)
-20 dB (linear ~0.1) = 67% (moderate)
-40 dB (linear ~0.01) = 33% (quiet)
-60 dB (linear ~0.001) = 0% (silence threshold)
Implementation:
- Added linearToDbScale() function to both hooks
- useMultiTrackPlayer: playback level monitoring
- useRecording: input level monitoring
- Formula: (dB - minDb) / (maxDb - minDb)
- Range: -60dB (min) to 0dB (max)
Benefits:
✅ Professional audio metering standards
✅ Matches human perception of loudness
✅ Consistent with DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton)
✅ Better visual feedback for mixing/mastering
✅ More responsive in useful range (-20dB to 0dB)
Now properly mastered tracks will show levels in the
90-100% range, matching what you'd see in professional software.
🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.com/claude-code)
Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
Sebastian Krüger
db01209f77