---
title: "Operating pressure"
description: "Operating pressure for industrial sonic horns is the compressed-air supply pressure at which the horn delivers its rated SPL. Typical operating pressure is 4–7 bar (60–100 psi), with vendor-specific upper limits."
canonical_url: "https://sylio.co/glossary/operating-pressure"
last_updated: "2026-06-28T02:29:34.942Z"
---

**Operating pressure** for industrial [sonic horns](/glossary/sonic-horn) is the compressed-air supply pressure at which the horn delivers its rated [SPL](/glossary/sound-pressure-level). Typical operating pressure is 4–7 bar (60–100 psi), with vendor-specific upper limits.

## SPL vs operating pressure

Sonic horns are typically rated at a specified design pressure. Operating below that pressure causes SPL to fall sharply — sometimes by 6–10 dB for a 1 bar pressure drop — because the [diaphragm](/glossary/diaphragm-horn) cannot achieve full oscillation amplitude.

Operating above the design pressure provides little SPL gain and shortens diaphragm life.

## Engineering implications

- Specify operating pressure at the horn inlet, not at the compressor outlet — pressure drop in piping can be significant
- Install a regulator and pressure gauge at the horn inlet for visible verification
- Size piping and the air receiver for the simultaneous-firing case to maintain pressure during multi-horn cycles

## Related terms

- [Compressed air](/glossary/compressed-air)
- [Pneumatic acoustic cleaner](/glossary/pneumatic-acoustic-cleaner)