Tech WondersPlay

Sound, Radio & InformationPsychoacoustics

Why Ads Sound Louder

Two sounds at the same volume can feel completely different

The movie whispers, the ad shouts, and a hand reaches for the remote. Yet both can peak at exactly the same level. How?

You'll find out

  • What a peak level leaves out
  • How quiet sounds get pumped up
  • Which pitches ears favor

Why it matters

Music apps now level their songs with the same kind of loudness meter that tamed TV ads.

About 3 min6 interactive slides · 5 questionsLesson 158 · Zone 18

Play this lesson

Free to play in your browser or on iPhone

More in this zone

  1. 154Infinite SeriesAchilles and the TortoiseInfinitely many steps can take finite time
  2. 155Bridge EngineeringSuspension BridgesCables turn huge loads into tension they can handle
  3. 156Recreational MathematicsThe 1089 TrickAny three-digit number leads to the same answer
  4. 157ProbabilityThe 100 Prisoners RiddleA clever plan turns near-certain death into a 31% chance
  5. 159Computing HistoryThe Women Who Programmed ENIACSix women programmed the first general-purpose electronic computer
  6. 160Language ModelsSame Question, Different AnswerA dial called temperature makes chatbots creative or predictable
  7. 161CryptographyHow Long to Crack It?Every extra character multiplies an attacker's work
  8. 162CybersecurityHow Sites Store Your PasswordA good website never actually knows your password