What is the term for the ratio of the loudness of a sound signal to another reference sound signal?

The term that refers to the ratio of the loudness of a sound signal to another reference sound signal is known as "Loudness Level." Loudness Level typically quantifies sound in terms of a logarithmic scale called the phon. This scale compares the perceived loudness of sounds against a reference sound, allowing for a standardized way to express and understand variations in loudness, as human perception of sound does not follow a linear scale.

Loudness Level is particularly relevant in audio engineering and acoustics, where understanding how different sound intensities are perceived by the human ear is crucial for achieving desirable sound qualities in various environments. This measurement helps in making educated decisions about sound design, mixing, and matching sound levels across different media.

The other terms—Loudness Ratio, Sound Level, and Volume Distribution—do not accurately describe this specific relationship of perceived loudness compared to a reference, which is why they are not the correct choice in this context.