You can do LOTS better than the 'trusted RatShack meters'

Posted by AbeCollins (A) on March 22, 2025 at 21:27:03

In Reply to: Where can I get an SPL meter that works? posted by PaulF70 on March 20, 2025 at 18:56:10:

For $25 I have found this SPL Meter to be far superior to the RatShack meters I've had in the past. The readings are within a fraction of a dB of the two iPhone Apps below should you choose to go the App route.

For 99-cents there's the SPL Meter App for iPhone by Studio Six Digital. Straight forward and super simple to use.

"SPL Meter is a professional-grade sound level meter, also known as a decibel or dB meter, for your iPhone or iPod touch."

"Modeled after a traditional analog SPL meter, we have faithfully reproduced all the characteristics and qualities found in those meters, including the ballistics, ranges, filters, and decay rates."

"But don't compare us to a Radio Shack meter, ours is much more accurate!"

In the Apple App Store

For FREE there's the NIOSH Sound Level Meter App for iPhone from the CDC.

"The free app combines the best features of professional sound levels meters and noise dosimeters into one simple tool. Visit the Apple App Store to download the app today. The app is free to download. Please note the app is only available on iOS devices."

FAQ:
Why is the app only available on iOS devices?

"iOS devices share common hardware and software architecture that is optimized for audio applications. Therefore, we have been able to verify that the NIOSH SLM app will perform as expected on any iOS device. On the other hand, the Android device marketplace is fragmented among many manufacturers with different requirements and specifications for microphones, audio/signal processing chips, and software tools. As a result, testing and verification of the accuracy and functionality of an Android-based app in our laboratory is not currently possible."

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Follow Ups Full Thread

Topic - Where can I get an SPL meter that works? - PaulF70 18:56:10 03/20/25 (26)

You can do LOTS better than the 'trusted RatShack meters' - AbeCollins 21:27:03 03/22/25 (0)

certified - Story 04:51:16 03/22/25 (3)

Rat Shack meter - M3 lover 11:38:59 03/22/25 (2)

RE: Rat Shack meter - Rod M 14:39:49 03/22/25 (1)

The curves for digital are diffferent - E-Stat 07:38:16 03/24/25 (0)

Check Amazon again - AbeCollins 21:02:29 03/21/25 (3)

What frequency range? (nt) - Leo loves music 04:38:47 03/22/25 (2)

Audio - nt - AbeCollins 10:55:05 03/22/25 (1)

IMM-6 ($44.98) & UMM-6 ($84.98) - Leo loves music 11:49:06 03/22/25 (0)

RE: Where can I get an SPL meter that works? - Alpha Al 14:12:34 03/21/25 (0)

Have the Aperion one if that might be of interest... - popsy 12:50:17 03/21/25 (0)

Niosh SLM - Jon L 12:42:45 03/21/25 (1)

+1 I compared Noish App to a dedicated SPL meter.... - AbeCollins 20:39:24 03/21/25 (0)

Microphone from Parts Express - Leo loves music 11:38:44 03/21/25 (0)

RE: Where can I get an SPL meter that works? - Inmate51 08:00:35 03/21/25 (0)

RE: Where can I get an SPL meter that works? - tlea 20:08:42 03/20/25 (9)

RE: Where can I get an SPL meter that works? - cawson@onetel.com 08:07:20 03/21/25 (8)

RE: Where can I get an SPL meter that works? - AbeCollins 20:59:59 03/21/25 (0)

Not true - E-Stat 10:55:33 03/21/25 (4)

calibration? - Leo loves music 13:47:59 03/21/25 (1)

Good question - E-Stat 15:40:10 03/21/25 (0)

What APP have you found/used with that mic? - Edp 13:27:17 03/21/25 (1)

Studio Six - E-Stat 15:37:41 03/21/25 (0)

No argument from me - tlea 08:26:13 03/21/25 (1)

+1 Relative measurements don't require absolute accuracy - nt - AbeCollins 21:00:51 03/21/25 (0)

A calibrated microphone - Leo loves music 19:12:56 03/20/25 (0)

Follow Ups

You can do LOTS better than the 'trusted RatShack meters' - AbeCollins 21:27:03 03/22/25 (0)

You can do LOTS better than the 'trusted RatShack meters'

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