If any system show a 6 dB loss, can we express like below?

Question

If any system show a 6 dB loss, can we express like below?
**** The system has a loss of -6 dB*****
(i.e. The system has a loss of minus 6 dB)

I believe -6 dB loss is 6 dB gain. So the above expression is wrong. Am I right?

Answer 1

By definition a loss is a negative value. A loss of 6 dB means the output is 6dB less than the input. A loss of -6 dB is actually a gain of 6 dB, in my opinion.

Answer 2

"The system has a loss of 6 dB"

-simplest expression.



"The system has a gain of -6 dB"

-true, but perhaps more prone to misinterpretation.

Answer 3

You are right. The loss is 6 dB (which is a gain of -6dB), it should not be stated " The system has a loss of -6dB"