how to determine the average sound pressure level in certain frequency band? Solution The sound pressure (RMS) is the most important quantity in sound measurement. Our hearing is a sound pressure receptor , or a sound pressure sensor , because the eardrums (tympanic membranes) are moved by the sound pressure as a sound field quantity. That is the important effect of the excess sound pressure. It is not an energy receiver! When listening to music, forget the sound intensity as energy quantity. The perceived sound consists of periodic acoustic pressure vibrations (sound pressure) which are superimposed on the surrounding static air pressure of 101?325 Pascal (mean atmospheric pressure). The sound is the change of sound pressure p , which is measured in pascal. 1 Pa ? N/m 2 ? 1 J / m 3 ? 1 kg / (m .