What is the total sound pressure level gain when measuring from a position 10 feet to a position 5 feet from a loudspeaker?

The sound pressure level changes with distance from a point source, typically following an inverse square law in open air conditions. This principle states that when you halve the distance from a sound source, the sound pressure level increases by approximately 6 dB.

In this scenario, if you measure the sound pressure level at 10 feet and then move closer to 5 feet, you're effectively halving the distance from the loudspeaker. Since you are reducing the distance by half, the sound pressure level will increase by 6 dB. This results from the fact that sound waves propagate spherically in all directions, and the intensity of the sound decreases with the square of the distance from the source.

Therefore, the total sound pressure level gain when moving from a position 10 feet to a position 5 feet from the loudspeaker is indeed 6 dB. This increase is a fundamental aspect of how sound behaves in an acoustical environment, confirming the correctness of this answer.