Lin → dB

Converts the magnitude of a linear amplitude ratio into decibels.

What it does #

Lin → dB expresses the absolute magnitude of a linear amplitude as a logarithmic dB value. Inputs +1 and -1 both become 0 dB, so polarity is discarded; zero becomes negative infinity.

Controls and ports #

The wrapper has one linear-amplitude signal input and one decibel-value output. It has no adjustable floor or reference-level control on the module face.

Practical uses #

• Convert measured or calculated linear amplitude into a value that is easier to reason about as gain in dB.
• Translate 0.5 to approximately -6.0206 dB and 2 to approximately +6.0206 dB.
• Perform gain calculations in dB, then return to a multiplier with dB → Lin.

Things to know #

• The measured module uses magnitude: +1 and -1 both output 0 dB.
• Zero outputs negative infinity in the raw Value Readout.
• No finite minimum-dB clamp was visible in the tested static path.
• A Power output clamped to +1,000,000,000 converts to exactly +180 dB, proving that Power's +∞ label at that boundary represents a finite value.

Technical details #

No Nitro implementation has been confirmed for this visible module. The behavior is described conservatively from module metadata and editorial research.

The measured behavior is consistent with dB = 20 * log10(abs(x)), with x = 0 → -∞. Reference points are ±1 → 0 dB, ±0.5 → approximately -6.0206 dB, and ±2 → approximately +6.0206 dB. The measured finite input 1,000,000,000 produced +180 dB.

Open questions #

• Measure subnormal magnitudes, overflow, and recovery after non-finite output.

Version and sources #

Checked against Bitwig Studio 6.0.6. This page combines Bitwig's module metadata, the existing Grid course and guides, and Nitro analysis where the mapping is strong enough to support a technical statement.

Related material #

• Grid Modules course reference

Return to Bitwig Grid Modules or the Grid Modules course lesson.