How loud is an LRAD sound cannon?
Genasys rates its LRAD 2000X long-range acoustic device at a maximum continuous output of 160 dB SPL at 1 m (A-weighted) and a maximum peak output of 168 dB SPL at 1 m (C-weighted). It is a directional loudspeaker built for voice and alert tones at long range.
- Level
- 160 dBA maxA-weighted maximum sound level
- Distance
- 1 m1 m
- Daily limit
- No safe unprotected exposureNIOSH, at the loud end
- Versus conversation
- 5.6 billion× energyabout 861.1× as loud
What the numbers mean
How it was measured. Manufacturer specification for the LRAD 2000X: maximum continuous output 160 dB SPL at 1 m, A-weighted; maximum peak output 168 dB SPL at 1 m, C-weighted.
LRADs are marketed for communication over long distances: the data sheet claims intelligible communication up to 8,900 m in ideal conditions and an operational range up to 2,800 m over 88 dB of background noise. The sound is concentrated in a narrow beam, quoted as plus or minus 15 degrees at 1 kHz, so the level off-axis is much lower than on the beam.
The 160 dB(A) figure is at 1 m from the face of the device. Like any source, the level falls with distance, but a focused beam falls more slowly along its axis than an ordinary loudspeaker.
How long is safe?
At 160 dB the level is above 140 dB, where harm can be immediate.
| Level | NIOSH limit (85 dBA, 3 dB rule) | OSHA limit (90 dBA, 5 dB rule) | UK/EU 80 dB(A) action value reached after | UK/EU 85 dB(A) action value reached after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 dBA | under 1 s | 2 s | under 1 s | under 1 s |
Times are for a whole day’s exposure, with the rest of the day quiet. The workplace limits were written for adults at work, not for children. Work out a mixed day with the noise dose calculator.
Protecting your hearing
Stay out of the beam and increase distance; turning away and covering the ears offers limited protection close to the device.
Earplug and earmuff ratings (NRR in the US, SNR in the UK and EU) are lab figures; real-world protection is usually lower. How to read the ratings.
Compared with sounds nearby
Using midpoints of each range. Energy multiplies by 10 every 10 dB; perceived loudness roughly doubles (why).
- Stadium crowd (record) (142.2 dBA max): this has about 60× its sound energy and sounds about 3.4× as loud.
- Aircraft carrier flight deck (130–160 dBA): this has about 32× its sound energy and sounds about 2.8× as loud.
- Normal conversation (55–70 dBA): this has about 5.6 billion× its energy and sounds about 861.1× as loud.
Questions
How many decibels is an LRAD?
The LRAD 2000X is rated at 160 dB(A) maximum continuous output and 168 dB(C) peak at 1 m.
How far does an LRAD carry?
The manufacturer claims intelligible communication up to 8,900 m in ideal conditions and an operational range of 2,800 m over 88 dB of background noise.
Sources
- LRAD 2000X Extended Range Communication System data sheet (D00164 Rev. E), archived copy, Genasys (manufacturer). Supports: dB_low/high: 160 dB(A) at 1 m.
Maximum Continuous 160 dB SPL @ 1 meter, A-weighted
Checked 2026-11-03. - LRAD 2000X Extended Range Communication System data sheet (D00164 Rev. E), archived copy, Genasys (manufacturer). Supports: body: 168 dB(C) peak at 1 m.
Maximum Peak Output 168 dB SPL @ 1 meter, C-weighted
Checked 2026-11-03. - LRAD 2000X Extended Range Communication System data sheet (D00164 Rev. E), archived copy, Genasys (manufacturer). Supports: body: range.
Operational range up to 2,800 meters over 88 dB of background noise.
Checked 2026-11-03. - LRAD 2000X Extended Range Communication System data sheet (D00164 Rev. E), archived copy, Genasys (manufacturer). Supports: body: 8,900 m.
communication up to 8,900 meters
Checked 2026-11-03.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or any change in your hearing, see an audiologist or your doctor.