Perception of Loudness

Did you know that our perception of loudness often depends more on frequency (Hertz, Hz) than on the actual sound wave intensity (measured in decibels, dB)?

For example, if we compare a 40 Hz low-frequency sound with a 3,000 Hz high-frequency sound at the same decibel level, the low-frequency sound would barely be audible, while the higher frequency would seem much louder. This phenomenon is well-documented in the Fletcher-Munson curves (chart), which show how our ears are more sensitive to certain frequencies, especially in the mid-range.

Understanding this is crucial when designing wind instruments like wind chimes. If we convert a fixed amount of wind energy into sound energy, the frequencies of the notes selected will have a significant impact on how “loud” the chimes will be perceived. At Darnos, our wind chimes typically cover frequencies from 200 Hz to 1,500 Hz, which fall within the range that humans are naturally more sensitive to, ensuring a pleasing and audible tone.

This is also why we recommend our small Darnos chimes for areas with lighter winds. By carefully choosing higher-frequency notes, these chimes will sound noticeably louder than lower-frequency ones, even with a gentle breeze. As a result, even with minimal wind, you’ll still enjoy the clear, melodic sounds of our chimes.