Simple Explanation

The point where a filter or system’s output level drops by 3 decibels, which usually marks a meaningful boundary in performance.

Concise Technical Definition

In filter or frequency response analysis, the 3-dB down point is the frequency at which output power falls to half of its maximum level, corresponding to a 3 dB drop.

Layman-Friendly Analogy

Think of it like the edge of your vision—everything beyond it is still there, but noticeably dimmer.

Industry Usage Summary

Commonly used to define the bandwidth limits of filters, speakers, or systems. For example, the frequency range of a speaker is often defined between its 3-dB down points.

Engineering Shortcut

-3 dB = half power point; defines cutoff frequency of filters or system response.

Full Technical Explanation

3D sound, or spatial audio, is a technique used to simulate how humans perceive sound in three dimensions—left/right (azimuth), up/down (elevation), and near/far (depth). This can be achieved through binaural recordings using dummy heads with microphones in their ears, or digitally through head-related transfer functions (HRTFs), ambisonics, and multichannel systems like Dolby Atmos. 3D sound aims to replicate the way sound waves interact with the listener’s head and ears, providing an immersive and realistic sound field.