dBL or decibel linear peak is the maximum reading in decibels (dB) obtained using the "P" time – weighting characteristic as specified in AS 1259.1 – 1990 with all frequency weighted networks inoperative.

dBL is the scale used for measuring blasting overpressure.

dBA is weighted for human response (high frequencies and low frequencies beyond the range of hearing are not used) and is not used in the recording of blasting noise and overpressure. dBA is used to measure noise levels that affect hearing.