20db is about what you'd hear from a ticking clock. That 10dB readout is pretty close to the threshold of human hearing (which, by the way, is 0dB). The meters on this list utilize microphones that are especially sensitive to pressure, and they convert that into a decibel reading. We also know that the frequency of those waves has a direct effect on their pitch.Ī decibel, though, is a measure of the pressure with which a source emits sound, which bears only a minuscule impact on the sound's frequency. We know that sound waves are vibrations in the air, and that they resonate in our ears where a complex system of bones and nerve endings translates those vibrations into the signals our brains interpret as sound. The decibel scale is logarithmic rather than linear, which means its units increase by powers of ten.įor example, where 20 inches on a ruler is only twice that of 10 inches, on a logarithmic decibel scale 20dB (the shorthand for decibels) is ten times the sound intensity of 10dB – but what exactly are decibels? The other half requires that we understand the scale on which these meters place their measurements. Understanding how a decibel meter works is only half the battle when evaluating the safety of a space for human hearing. With the addition of available accelerometers, you can even convert it to measure vibrations inaudible to the human ear. īrüel & Kjær Type 2270-S This two-channel option boasts a massive display that shows you everything from the current noise level to bar graphs detailing the range of recorded intensity over time. With your phone's GPS, it can tag each saved reading with location data, but its reliance on your phone's microphone means its quality will vary from customer to customer.
Sound Meter Pro For users who rely on their smartphones for just about everything, this model offers an exceptional mobile interface for both Android and iOS platforms. Its allows you to set alarm thresholds so that it will let you know if your environment becomes sonically hazardous, and its fast and slow time weighting feature expands its versatility even further. It runs on four AAA batteries and boasts an RS-232 port to interface with your PC. PCE Instruments 353 This model features a bright backlit display and a 0.1dB resolution.
For modern users who want the familiarity of their smartphones and don't need perfect accuracy, there's even an app in our special honors section for Android and iOS.
In our number one spot you'll also see a new addition from Amprobe that's an excellent choice for use in both industrial and residential settings, with a large display and a very effective wind shield.
This one includes a bar graph and the ability to track up to 64,000 data points. Meter models packing, and in searching out replacements, we included an excellent model from Reed Instruments that's even better than the one we included on our previous ranking. And a C-weighted reading range is an absolute must in recording studios, as you want to make sure the amplifiers are hitting your microphones just right to push them to their limit without distorting.Īvailability issues sent the GoerTek and Dr. For industrial applications, it's possible that ranges we can't consciously hear could still be hazardous, so it's ideal to get a model capable of measuring both, like the Reed Instruments R8050 or the Amprobe SM-10 if safety is your number one concern. Meters like these will often have a specific frequency range sensitivity, and models that intentionally cut out frequencies outside the range of normal human hearing are said to be A-weighted, and produce results written as dBA, as opposed to the usual abbreviation for decibels, dB. It measures in the A-weighted frequency range, which may require some explaining. While there weren't a lot of changes to make to this category, we did replace the Yacker Tracker Detector with the much more capable Sndway SW-525A, as the former was something of a novelty item that could serve a few limited purposes, and the latter actually offers a decent accuracy and a much more specific display.