Listen to an orchestra
How loud is an orchestra?
An orchestra is about 105 dB, with a typical range of 85–115 dB. Musicians inside the orchestra are exposed more than the audience.
That is about 23 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 3.16e+04 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 105 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 4.7 minutes; at the top of the range (115 dB) it is 28 seconds. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as an orchestra
Some species exceed 100 dB at 50 cm.100 dBConstruction site
Mixed heavy machinery nearby.100 dBGarbage truck
Compactor running, at curbside.100 dBHeadphones at max volume
CDC: personal listening devices at maximum volume reach 94–110 dB.100 dBHelicopter
Flying overhead at about 30 m (100 ft).100 dBNightclub
On the dance floor.100 dBRooster crowing
Over 130 dB has been measured at the rooster's own ear canal.105 dBCircular saw
At the operator's position.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 99 dBA | 19 minutes | 2.3 hours |
| 102 dBA | 9.4 minutes | 1.5 hours |
| 105 dBA | 4.7 minutes | 1.0 hours |
| 108 dBA | 2.4 minutes | 40 minutes |
| 111 dBA | 1.2 minutes | 26 minutes |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Epic Orchestra - LOOP.wav by joshuaempyre – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Tension orchestra chords. by frankum – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Epic Orchestra by edtijo – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA TUNING BEFORE CONCERT.wav by dorhel – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Orchestra Tuning2.wav by Angel_Perez_Grandi – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is an orchestra?
About 105 dB, with a typical range of 85–115 dB.
Is an orchestra louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while an orchestra is about 105 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.
Sources & credits
- Typical values compiled from CDC, NIOSH and ASHA noise charts
- Antonín Dvořák - Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra in B minor, op. 104 - 3. Finale… by Pierre Fournier , George Szell , Berliner Philharmoniker – Public domain
- PDP-CH - Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden - George W. Byng - Faust -… – Public domain
- Inleiding Sydney Symphony Orchestra olv. David Robertson (audio) by deSingel – CC BY 4.0
- Thundering Wondering Orchestra (Antti Luode) by Antti Luode – CC BY 3.0