Linear vs logarithmic scales.

Human hearing is better measured logarithmically. On a linear scale,

• a change between two values is perceived on the basis of the difference between the values;
• e.g.: a change from 1 to 2 would be perceived as having the same increase as from 4 to 5.

On a logarithmic scale,

• a change between two values is perceived on the basis of the ratio of the two values;
• e.g.: a change from 1 to 2 would be perceived as having the same increase as a change from 4 to 8.

Linear: moving one unit to the right adds 1.

Logarithmic: moving right one unit multiplies by 10.