In this case, if it’s dBSPL they don’t. When measuring dBs in digital they are negative because 0dB is the loudest value the signal can take. In summary, dBs aren’t made equal and they’re a confusing unit.
dB are a relative unit, and as a relative unit they are all equal (keeping in mind subtleties of amplitude vs. power). They can be used as an absolute unit only when referenced to some value (dBm, dBV…).
Keeping these two things top of mind helps me, at any rate.
In this case, if it’s dBSPL they don’t. When measuring dBs in digital they are negative because 0dB is the loudest value the signal can take. In summary, dBs aren’t made equal and they’re a confusing unit.
dB are a relative unit, and as a relative unit they are all equal (keeping in mind subtleties of amplitude vs. power). They can be used as an absolute unit only when referenced to some value (dBm, dBV…).
Keeping these two things top of mind helps me, at any rate.