Best Sound Level Meters

This digital sound level meter from Extech features an excellent large 2000-count LCD display with backlight. All the measurements are clear, large and readable regardless whether you are using the device indoors or outdoors, in a bright or dim light. In addition to the decibel indicator, it is possible to observe the readings at a fast-responding analog bar graph with a range of 50 dB, that updates every 40 milliseconds to demonstrate varying trends. Besides dual readings, the screen also displays all the selected measuring modes and settings. 

On top of this, thanks to the conveniently displayed battery level, you can easily prevent the unexpected switch-off and will never lose any measurements on this device. 

Also, the device is furnished with an electric condenser microphone. To prevent any distortions in readings, you can conveniently use a windscreen.

In addition to this, you can monitor the sound level changes over time. Alternatively, use a function of registering the maximum and minimum values over a specified time interval. You can also save the measurements for a more detailed analysis, if necessary.

So, as we said, the functionality of this device is excellent. You can easily choose any filter, sound intensity and time weightings to get most precise measurement results. 

There is only one conclusion to be made: if you're looking for a reliable digital sound level meter with advanced capabilities for professional use, the Extech 407730 is definitely worth a look. The device has an excellent overall performance. It weighs only 5.6 oz and fits perfectly into your hand. 

In addition, there is another feature that can come in handy: this sound level meter is furnished with a special thread and can be easily mounted on a tripod. Mounting the device on a tripod will enable convenient hands-free readings and a more secure and stable fixation without any swaying or vibration, which could affect the accuracy of readings. 

Certainly, the advanced functionality of this device should not go unspoken. You have the option to set a filter, depending on the sound intensity and volume. This is one of the cheapest devices that offers both A and C weighting as well as fast and slow time weighting modes. Regardless whether you are a casual user or a professional, you can use A-weighting mode for measuring ambient noise levels, for instance, at industrial workplaces or construction sites. C-weighting mode would be suitable for calibrating your home sound system or home theater speaker levels. In any case, when properly setup, the device will unfailingly provide accurate and consistent readings.

This device will also prove useful for taking measurements around the house or to quantify the actual noise from your neighbors' vibrations (voice, TV or stereo)! Besides, you can use it to test dB readings on vehicles before sound dampening or the efficiency of sound insulation at home.

In addition, the device offers a fantastic accuracy of readings equal to +/- 1.5 dBA. Besides, the device is furnished with the function to present a maximum value of readings captured over an operating time interval. 

This digital sound level meter is powered by four AA batteries. Provided you use high-quality batteries it can continuously operate for an extended period of time. The only thing that is missing is a battery power indicator on the display. However, we suggest if you keep a spare set of batteries handy, it won't be a problem to replace the batteries when they run out of charge.

Speaking of sound level meters, we want to give some general information on the nature of sound. In general, a sound is a vibration that propagates through the transmission medium. A human brain is capable of perceiving the sound waves which are received through an ear. 

Interestingly, the speed of sound waves depends on the medium of transmission and its density, since the wave propagates by alternating compression and expansion of the medium. Therefore, the harder the medium is to compress, the faster the sound will travel. The particles of the medium are so close to each other, that they move and respond very quickly. Thus, metals are by far the best at transmitting the sounds. On the contrary, in easily compressed media, such as gas or even water, particles respond in a more sluggish way to the motion of their neighboring particles. Thus, sound travels longer and its speed is limited.

In spite of its rather unpretentious appearance and unsophisticated functionality, the device offers some nice capabilities that can make its use more convenient. Even though it is a fairly priced budget model, it features the same frequency range, as the more pricey models - from 31.5Hz to 8.5KHz. We are pleased with the fact, that with regard to this technical characteristic, the manufacturer did not limit the capacity of this lovely user-friendly device. In addition, this SPL meter offers a much bigger range of readings than similar inexpensive models and boasts an astonishing accuracy of measurements, +/-1.5 dBA. A backlit screen displays large and clear characters, which will suit people with poor eyesight.

This sound level meter is also furnished with a foam wind guard, which effectively reduces wind interference and, therefore, allows the device to produce more accurate readings when operated outdoors. It can also be mounted on a tripod to reduce vibration and make the measurements less susceptible to distortion. 

It is worth noting, that the device will automatically switch off if it stays idle for about 11 minutes. This is a great feature which ensures a more economical use of a battery. By the way, the meter comes with a 9V heavy-duty battery to start you off with 30 hours of continuous use. The convenient indicator on the screen will inform you in advance when it is time to change the battery.

All in all, this device offers excellent quality, fantastic accuracy, impressive capacity and useful features – everything you need at a fraction of price! It is accurate and powerful enough to quantify noise levels not only at home but also in factories, offices, or theaters. It might be even suitable for calibrating audio and alarm systems. 

Certainly, if you search long enough you will probably find better sound level meters out there but only at a much higher cost. This model is nothing flashy, but it is a solid and reliable tool. It is easy in operation, featuring only two functions, and is ready for use straight out of the box. This SPL meter boasts compact and lightweight design with rugged rubberized sides for a firm and comfortable grip. The meter’s size is so modest that you can keep it in your coat pocket at all times and take it to church, a ball game or a live rock concert. It is a handy gadget which you can take wherever you go and have fun measuring the noise levels of your surroundings. It can also be used at construction sites or industrial workplaces, as its solid housing can withstand an accidental drop or two and it is very unlikely that it will be broken or cracked. Overall, it is clearly one of the best devices in its price range which will perform well in any conditions.

Keep in mind, that anything touching the device can transmit the sound directly to the microphone. Even clicking on the buttons or holding the device in your hand can distort the readings. Beware, that even putting it down on a surface may not solve the problem, since the surface can block a sound wave or reflect it back to the mic twice. Therefore, for most accurate measurements the ideal solution would be to mount the device on a tripod. 

The specifications of this device are indeed at the highest level. Regardless, whether you are an audio technician, theater director, an amateur rock musician, or an engineer, this device has everything it takes to win your favor. It is more sensitive and precise than the models in the lower price range, but we believe this device makes it worth every penny. 

To start with, this model features 4-digit clearly visible LCD display with large readable characters. We believe that many users will be pleased with the fact that in addition to numerical readings the screen also displays the sound level at an analog bar graph (1 dB per 1 bar graph).

undefined

• Level 1: 30 ~ 80 dB 
• Level 2: 50 ~ 100 dB 
• Level 3: 60 ~ 110 dB 
• Level 4: 80 ~ 130 dB 
• Level 5: 30 ~ 130 dB 

Depending on the volume, intensity, and type of sound you can set the device to A-weighted or C-weighted measuring frequency and choose the appropriate fast (for high speed) or slow (for low speed) time-weighting mode. You have the option to freeze the current sound level reading or select the Max hold function for highest sound value over the operating time. And certainly, the accuracy of this device will not disappoint you, as it falls within +/-1.5 dB. 

To store the data you can use an additional SD card, which is not included in the package and you will need to purchase one if more storage space is needed. However, this meter requires a quite rare MiniSD Card (as some users claim it is really hard to find), instead of more common and easily available format of MicroSD. Yet, nowadays you can buy anything online [even an elephant, so to speak] and in no time it will be delivered at your doorstep.