DB Levels
 

Since the wall treatment went in, I got curious on what the DB level was of the room since I noticed there is zero fatigue and the volume now is cranking at 50%, up about 20-25% prior to room treatment. I just wanted to make sure I was not unknowingly damaging my ears.

If I was thinking, I should have measured prior to the treatment but recall at 50%, it would have been too loud, distorted with other issues followed by fatiguing.

I searched and found dbMeter on iTunes, it cost $2.99. I don’t know the accuracy of this and I am sure there are better out there. Anyway, it was a start for me. Again, I wished I measured before the treatments, that way you can see a direct result, although it is very obvious.

At 50% volume, the db level was around 70-75%, and at that level the music is singing loud, clear and dynamic, no fatigue.

I have done so much over the last few weeks, its hard to discern what the individual contributions are but I know the level of volume I am now playing is directly related to the wall treatments. Going through this process, made the sound way better then expected despite still having the ceiling and traps to address.

Does anyone else look at this? If so what do you use to measure?

The iPhone dB meters are of no value. I have a couple of those on my iPhone and they don't correlate at all with my REAL, true blue dyed in the wool, AudioControl RTA/dB meter.

For $2.99 you are getting what you paid for.

Maybe if you have a real, calibrated meter that you can compare with an iTunes/iPhone meter you can make some comparisons.

My personal favorite

https://www.adorama.com/images/Large/phpaa6usb.jpg

I just ordered a calibrated microphone from Audiocontrol for use with iPhone and iPad in conjunction with their StudioSix app.

My Extech 407750 sound pressure level meter serves my purposes well. Easy to use, accurate, and can be tripod mounted. Measures 30 to 130 decibels. Meets ANSI and IEC 651 Type 2 standards. Data hold and Min/Max functions. Backlit display allows use in dimly lit areas. The meter also has an RS232 interface for capturing data directly to your PC using optional Windows compatible software. Available from Amazon.


https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon....1NY4DEWGPL.jpg

Radio Shack - 33-2055. ~$40
Attachment 52465

I use this as well. I listen with my kids most of the time and always want to know when we push the limits.

Today, I spoke to Mark with Audio Control located in Mountlake Terrace Washington, just north of Seattle. He indicated the cell phone app from iTunes is not as bad as I thought and is within 5db, but limited (back to you get what you pay for).

He did say he keeps this app on his phone when he gets pulled over in his supped up Mustang because I guess legally you can’t be over 90db, and since it’s off a tad, works in his favor.

Anyway, they offer a iTestMic2, the only direct-connect iOS calibrated test & measurement microphone.

You need to pair this with an app from their partner Studio Six Digital, here is a link that really lays out the detail, all for around $220.00.

http://www.studiosixdigital.com/audi...are/itestmic2/

Thank you to everyone for their suggestions!

Ed that’s the mic I have on order, hopefully it arrives soon.

Although I never thought or even expect the phone-based apps to be accurate, I use two different ones all the time for ‘relative’ measurements, whether for my sound system, in a car, a concert, on a plane to measure the spl just out of curiosity, or someone else’s system.

While the repeatability of an app should be quite good, I’d never trust the absolute number shown. I’d also expect the app to show different values when used on an iPhone 5 vs a 6 or a 6S, 7, or 8.

For me, the app(s) is more of a convenience to have something literally at my fingertips anywhere I go rather than a precise measurement.