The Meterk MK09 sound level meter
The brand Meterk proposes a good quality sound level meter that allows a measurement of 30 dB to 130 dB with a precision of more or less 1,5dB. Meterk announces a frequency of the taken into account sounds of 31,5 Hertz to 8000 Hertz. The device emits an audible warning if the volume exceeds the standard level.
The object is well finished, without frills. Its design makes it easy to hold, and its screen is large enough for optimal reading comfort. It is a compact model that fits in a pocket and is very light, making it easy to carry.
It is easy to handle and intuitive with its 3 buttons.
The batteries are included, and the sound level meter turns off after 10 minutes of inactivity to save energy.
This sound level meter is ideal for home users as it is simple to use and provides a quick and easy sound level reading.
Features:
- Measurement range of 30 dBA to 130 dBA
- Accuracy of 1.5 dBA
- Backlit alarm
- Backlit LCD
- Power source: 3 batteries included
- Manual/automatic shutdown
- Low battery indication
The Protmex MS6708 sound level meter
This sound level meter is a plastic case wrapped in rubber. It is easy to hold, and the rubber allows a good grip. In case of a fall, the rubber envelope helps limit the breakage.
It is more significant than its competitors but also has a larger digital display. The control buttons are well detailed.
The Protmex sound level meter allows a measurement of 30 dB to 130 dB with an accuracy of plus or minus 1.5dB.
It offers the possibility to isolate two specific frequencies and measure them separately. It integrates the analog graph’s valuable functionality for making comparisons between different measurements.
The Protmex MS6708 sound level meter is suitable for home use for people not looking for exact precision. It provides an excellent estimate of sound level.
Features:
- Measurement range of 30 dBA to 130 dBA
- Accuracy of 1.5 dBA
- Measures in dBA and dBC
- Large backlit LCD
- Digital and analog readings
- Comparison graph
- Automatic power off
- Powered by 4 AAA batteries not included
The Pyle PSPL25 Sound Level Meter
The Pyle sound level meter allows measurement from 30 dB to 130 dB with an accuracy of plus or minus 1.5 dB. It reads the dBA and dBC weightings.
Its main quality is that it reads C-weights, so it is recommended for testing quality sound equipment. However, it remains below professional sound level meters.
In terms of design, it is rather classic with an imposing microphone cover. It is a little larger than average, but using a tripod with this sound level meter is possible. A storage case is provided with the device.
It has classic functions such as automatic shutdown or backlighting of the display.
This sound level meter is suitable for more professional use, especially in the music industry. It is an excellent device for domestic use.
The measurements are accurate and very reliable.
Features:
- Measurement range of 30 dBA to 130 dBA
- Accuracy of 1.5 dBA
- Measurements of dBA and dBC
- Large display
- Backlit LCD
- Automatic shut-off
- Powered by one 9V battery included
- Protection kit included
The BAFX3370 sound level meter
The BAFX3370 sound level meter allows measurement from 30 dBA to 130 dBA with an accuracy of 1.5 dBA. This entry-level sound level meter reads and determines the maximum noise level. With the built-in “Max Gold” function, the maximum noise value detected is retained until a higher value is detected.
Its large and backlit digital display offers optimal reading comfort to visually impaired or older adults.
The manufacturer assures a 30-hour battery life, and the automatic shut-off function is activated after 10 minutes of inactivity on the device.
It can be mounted on a tripod.
The BAFX3370 sound level meter offers an excellent quality/price ratio. It is intended for occasional domestic or professional indoor use only.
Features:
- Measurement range of 30 dBA to 130 dBA
- Accuracy of 1.5 dBA
- Backlit LCD screen and large character display
- Automatic shut-off after 10 minutes
- Excellent battery life, display of remaining battery life
- It can be mounted on a tripod
- Powered by one 9V battery included
The Extech 407730 sound level meter
The Extech 407730 sound level meter measures from 40 dBA to 130 dBA with an accuracy of 2 dBA. It is the least accurate sound level meter of the selection.
You have, on this device, the display of an analog bar graph with a range of 50 dB. The resolution is excellent, at 0.1 dB.
You can measure the noise fluctuation. It can also record the sound volume over time to detect possible peaks.
It is a product of great ease of use with a large LCD screen for comfortable reading. Its very simple design allows a good grip, and you can use a tripod.
This device is therefore ideal for use at home. It lends itself well to people who want to make sound volume comparisons in an enclosed area.
Features:
- Measurement range of 40 dBA to 130 dBA
- Accuracy of 2 dBA
- Measures in dBA and dBC
- Records min/max values over time
- Large LCD with digital and analog readings
- Graph of sound volume evolution
- It can be used with a tripod
- Size for easy transport
- Powered by 4 AAA batteries included
The Benetech GM1356 Sound Level Meter
This sound level meter is classified in the semi-professional range.
The Benetech GM1356 sound level meter allows measuring from 30 dBA to 130 dBA with an accuracy of 1.5 dBA.
It also offers A and C weighting. It also provides slow and fast time weighing modes. This makes it one of the market’s most comprehensive sound level meters in this price range.
For example, the A-weighting mode allows you to measure the ambient sound volume outdoors, on a construction site, or the road.
The C-weighting mode allows you to calibrate your audio or video equipment in a professional or home environment.
The Benetech GM1356, Sound Level Meter, is effective in all circumstances and for various needs.
In terms of design, this is one of the most compact and lightweight sound level meters on the market. It has been ergonomically designed to be easy to hold. It has a standard size display that allows for good data reading.
It will come with a case that serves as protection and facilitates transportation.
Despite its operation with 4 batteries, the manufacturer promises a very long autonomy.
For an analysis of your data, this sound level meter integrates a USB port to connect it to a computer.
It is therefore logical that the GM1356 from Benetech is one of the most popular sound level meters in its range because it has many pros compared to its competitors.
Features:
- Measurement range of 30 dBA to 130 dBA
- Accuracy of +/- 1.5 dBA
- Measures dBA and dBC
- Indoor and outdoor use
- Protective carrying case included
- Powered by 4 AAA batteries included
- Powered via USB port
- Data logging
- Computer connection and software included
- Tripod mounting possible
The 9.7″ TestHelper sound level meter
This sound-level meter is like no other.
It is designed to monitor the decibel level in a room continuously.
Although you can carry it around, it can also be hung on a wall to measure the sound level in real-time.
It is convenient to use in a homeroom, office, closed waiting room, music studio, or hotel.
Its alarm function alerts you when the decibel level is too high for your setting.
The TestHelper 9.7″ sound level meter measures from 30 dBA to 130 dBA with an accuracy of 1.5 dBA. It includes a one-year data storage feature.
The large LCD allows for quick reading of the room’s sound volume.
Its rectangular and modern design makes it easy to integrate into a room.
This sound level meter is state of the art. You can download the recordings from the device and collect the data in a table. With the included USB cable, it connects quickly to a computer.
It’s battery-operated, which makes it more energy efficient. You need to charge it via the USB cable on a wall outlet with an adapter or a computer’s USB port.
Features:
- Measurement range of 30 dBA to 130 dBA
- Accuracy of +/- 1.5 dBA
- Recording and data collection
- Audible alarm
- Battery-powered
- Rechargeable via USB
- USB cable and installation CD included
- Large 9.6″ backlit digital display
- Screw for wall mounting included
What is a sound level meter?
A sound level meter is an electronic device that measures the intensity of sound and its diffusion. Thanks to the microphone, the sounds are captured, and the intensity is transformed into a numerical value: the decibels.
The French law defines that from 80 decibels, the noises are considered noise pollution.
Why use a sound level meter?
The use of a sound level meter is useful in many ways. It allows professionals and individuals to measure noise pollution to verify compliance with the law.
You can test the noise level at your workplace, home, or festive events.
Private individuals will try to measure noise pollution due to noisy neighbors, busy roads, or annoying air traffic.
Usage is becoming more and more common within a household. Connected objects, music, and television are daily noise nuisances that are interesting to measure to see our permanent exposure to noise.
While waiting for the effects of the National Health and Environment Plan 3, you will be able to protect your hearing better thanks to the 7 best sound level meters currently available on the market.
Buying a sound level meter Guide
You should keep these features in mind when looking for a sound level meter and comparing them.
You will adapt the features that are essential to you according to your needs.
The type of frame
In this selection, you’ll find only digital dial sound level meters.
Digital dial sound level meters provide more accurate readings than analog dial counterparts. They are also easier to read.
This type of dial also allows for better settings and a built-in backlight in most models for nighttime use.
Size
Size is essential, especially if you want to carry your sound level meter.
Buy a lightweight and compact model so you don’t have to carry it around. These models are also preferable for home use because they are easy to handle.
The autonomy
Autonomy is an essential criterion for any product working with batteries. You should consider that some models require a lot of batteries, and it is better for your wallet not to change them every time you use them.
This is an essential criterion for people who intend to carry their sound level meter in different places, so they don’t run out of batteries.
The measuring range
The measuring range is simply the lowest and highest value the device can measure.
For non-professional devices such as those presented, the measurement range is between 30 dB and 130 dB except for the Extech 407730 model, whose range is 40 dB to 130 dB.
These ranges are pretty sufficient for domestic use or in closed professional premises.
For professional use outside, for example, it will be necessary to turn to models that offer broader measurement ranges.
The precision
Precision is an essential criterion according to your use. The models presented here all have an accuracy of plus or minus 1.5 dB, except for the Extech 407730 model, which has an accuracy of plus or minus 2 dB.
This is sufficient if you are not looking for an exact value that can be searched for in a regulatory or judicial framework.
Recording of measurements
Although this function is not very useful for occasional measurements, it is useful if you are looking for comparisons.
In general, even if you don’t think you need it, the measurement logging is a real plus in your daily use of the sound level meter. You can compare the different values taken, make curves and analyze the variations.
The microphone
It may seem obvious, but a sound level meter must be equipped with an excellent microphone to be reliable.
The microphone’s size does not determine its quality, so that that small microphones can be very effective.
Additional options
Some small options can be very useful and add value to the product.
A sound level meter with an automatic shutoff feature saves batteries when not in use. While this is not an essential feature, it is a good one.
Sound level meters can incorporate a USB port to retrieve collected data. This is an excellent feature for people who need to regularly analyze and compare their readings and make graphs or monitoring curves.
In addition, it allows the device to be recharged without changing the batteries.
The ability to mount the device on a tripod is a bonus that may be an essential criterion for some.
Some products come with a protective carrying case. This advantage is for those who wish to carry their sound level meter and allows them to avoid buying additional equipment.
At this point, it’s up to you to decide what’s important to you, depending on how you intend to use your sound level meter.
Conclusion
Investing in a sound-level meter is an excellent idea, preventing future hearing problems or monitoring the volume because you already have hearing problems.
Above 80 decibels, the French law considers that there is a risk to your health or that these noises are noise nuisances.
Thanks to the sound level meter, you will be able to act to reduce the volume of the noises that are harmful to you.
If this nuisance is not of your choice and is committed by someone else (the neighbors, for example), you will have the proof to assert your rights with a competent authority (City Hall, police station, court, etc.).
Your health is well worth the investment. You may be surprised when you measure the noise level in some places. As we have said, we are so used to noise pollution that some of it escapes us and is nevertheless harmful to us.
Here is a selection of the best sound level meters to guide your purchase and help you understand the essential criteria to consider. You know how to look for the sound level meter that will adapt to your needs and situation.
The devices presented are of excellent quality for private use; some can be used in a simple professional setting.