If you played the same note, in 500 versions of exactly the same speakers (so all the same frequencies) at the same distance from the receptor (ear or decibel meter), would it be the same volume? 

If it would increase, how much by and why? 

Would it be 500 times? Or would some be cancelled out?

Thanks!

A single Formula 1 car passing by makes a noise of around 110 decibels.

Last year I went to a Formula 1 Grand Prix and sat near the start line, where 20 cars left the grid at once.

The noise was mind-numbing, much louder than a single car, but not 20 times louder (or 2200 decibels, an unachievable figure). Why wasn't it?

Walter Coppin, Edinburgh, UK

(Image: stempl01, stock.xchng)