A Decibel Meter, Sound-Pressure Level Meter (SPL), or Sound-Level Meter is a device that measures the loudness level of sound (especially noise) around us. It is noteworthy that Decibel (dB) is the unit for loudness.
Like every other electronic device, picking the best decibel meter is a professional’s job. One must have a thorough understanding of the physics of sound and electronics.
However, we are here to help you to pick the best decibel meter.
Noise is widely considered “pollution” in environmental sciences. It affects the capabilities of the brain. Moreover, different levels of noise harm our bodies (especially our nerves). Thus, we should measure the level of noise in our environment.
Here the decibel meter comes to the rescue. The best decibel meter will tell us the level of noise in our environment. Thus, we can minimize these noises which can improve our mental health and keep us active in our daily routine.
Henceforth, this article will answer the following questions:
- What is the best decibel meter?
- Why should we go for the best?
- Why can’t we use our smartphones to measure the noise level?
- What are the best decibel meters we have in the market?
- And much more…
As you have studied up till now, it means you are interested in picking the best decibel meter.
You are on the right path, just keep studying…
Best Decibel Meter
Ranging from quiet to noisy environments, once we get our hands on the best decibel meter, we can measure the sound level of the surrounding with ease.
As per my experience, BAFX-3370 is widely considered the best decibel meter among our colleagues. The instrument is simple, accurate, high quality, and could be carried with ease in the pocket. Moreover, it cuts a load of many push buttons to just two and comes with a reasonable price tag.
Although, we have also made a list to study about more good decibel meters available in the market. But before jumping into that list, let’s study…
How did we classify this list?
What are the factors that make a decibel meter best?
Choosing the Best Decibel Meter
For selecting the best decibel meter, we must go through the following factors in decibel meters.
It is noteworthy that these factors are distinctive features of our list of top decibel meters.
Let’s discuss these factors
a. Frequency Weighting (A, B, and C)
These are quite technical terms in sound engineering, but we are trying to make it easy for you.
Frequency Weighting A represents frequencies that a human is capable of hearing. The noise created in these frequencies has a direct impact on our ears and minds.
Frequency Weighting C represents frequencies that a human cannot exactly hear but causes some effect with it turn on.
For a good decibel meter, we should have both levels, but only Level A would be sufficient for us.
b. Accuracy
Decibel meters are not complicated devices like Multimeters. The accuracy level of 2dB would be enough for our readings. However, some decibel meters are built with an accuracy of 1.5 dB.
Again, both are good for us. This error in reading is considered minor and does not matter at all.
c. Range
Before picking a decibel meter, we must check for the range of its reading. Commonly, 30dB to 130dB is enough for us.
The value of 30dB shows the level of noise in a quiet library while 130dB shows the loudness of sound coming from a jackhammer when we stand near it.
d. Battery Duration
The performance of the battery matters most in decibel meters. Continuous use may reduce performance.
However, a good decibel meter consumes less power to keep the battery durable. Generally, 25 to 30 hrs of continuous performance of a decibel meter is required in the field.
e. Sampling Time
It will sound strange, but we often need slow sampling time to get corresponding data. It depends on the situation.
A good decibel meter provides the option of a Fast/Slow sampling rate. However, a medium sampling rate is also enough for us.
Let’s go into our list of top decibel meters.
Our List of Top Decibel Meters
Keeping the above factors in check, let’s dive into our choice of best decibel meters.
But before discussing this, we must keep in mind that all these 7-decibel meters are best. It is up to us to choose one.
1. RISEPRO HT-80A
Our first selection is one of the good decibel meters in the field. HT-80A helps us to measure the sound level with ease. It is a simple tool and correspondingly efficient.
Additionally, the HT-80A is a key instrument for research purposes in sounds. Approximately every laboratory trust this instrument.
Salient Features:
- Shows the maximum and minimum levels of sound with just one press
- Consume low power and hence work for a long time
- A range of 30-130dB is enough for our use
- An accuracy of 1.5 dB is more than enough for common use
- Backlit is installed for reading in the dark
We have observed that HT-80A (Amazon link) is a widely sold decibel meter. Their users are satisfied with its results. Simplicity and accuracy go hand in hand while using this device. It lasts long and consumes low power.
2. TADETO SL-720
SL-270 has some distinctive features. Although, it is simple and accurate. Moreover, data can be sampled at low speed and high speed. The choice of data sampling speed is given to users.
Different options are provided in this instrument to give us a more detailed view of the noise level. Additionally, we can obtain data with ease and low cost.
Salient Features:
- Noise can be measured for both A and C levels.
- The range of 30dB for minimum and 130dB for maximum value is sufficient for our use.
- Display LCD has four digits to improve accuracy
- Maximum accuracy is 2dB reduces the error up to a sufficient level
- Fast and Slow responses can be selected by a user
By judging the above features, it is needless to say that SL-270 (Amazon link) is an ideal decibel meter. The number of options for users is manifold. Durability is another key factor to aim at. Additionally, the reasonable cost makes it an excellent choice for common folks.
3. VLIKE MS-6708
MS-6708 is known for its explanatory readings. A well-defined and huge display shows results clearly. Even a scale is provided on the screen to show the level of noise with analog touch.
The device further gives more degree of options to the user. Holding reading, A/C noise level, slow/fast reading, and backlit push button are installed for the ease of the user.
Salient Features:
- Range from 30 to 130 dB with both A and C level noise play a vital role in the importance of this device
- The display provides more data than a normal Decibel Meter
- A fast/Slow reading option is available for different scenarios
- The easy navigation button leads the user to navigate in display
- Turbulence does not interfere with its performance
For an extensive reading and a better understanding of noise, MS-6708 (Amazon link) is an ideal decibel meter. Accuracy is focused along with ease of use. The item is widely used by beginners and sound engineers. The link will lead you to buy it at a reasonable price.
4. XRCLIF-1359
In simplicity, detailed reading, and power consumption; XRCLIF-1359 surpasses its competitor. Additionally, accuracy is intact and high.
The product is more aligned with the user. This makes it a good choice among sound/noise engineers. It got appreciation in a very short duration.
Salient Features:
- Accurate is high up to 1.5dB, hence chances of error in reading are reduced
- Continuously functional and consume less power
- Its simple design makes us easy to carry it
- Ranges 30dB to 130dB (only A level)
- Backlit is available for reading in the dark
- Simple to use for beginners and layman
Amazingly, XRCLIF-1359 (Amazon link) got the attention of a sound engineer in a very short duration. It happens because of its impeccable performance. Moreover, the instrument is available at the lowest possible price at the given link.
5. PROTMEX HT-602A
This model accumulates different functions in itself. Besides measuring sound level, the temperature is also measured through it. However, it does not reduce the accuracy of the instrument.
HT-602A is highly accurate. Industries use this instrument for different tasks. Moreover, it is friendly with heavy machinery and other tough environments.
Salient Features:
- The measurement of temperature and humidity is also possible through this model besides noise level
- The accumulation of auxiliary two functions does not trade-off accuracy that is 1.5dB
- A fast/Slow reading option is also available to check the sound level in different situations
- A well-defined display shows results clearly
- While not using, the cap can be put back to avoid damage to its microphone
For a starter, HT-602A (Amazon link) is quite an impressive decibel meter. Its multifunctional nature helps the user to get maximum information about the environment that checks the nature of noise. The product is easily available at the given link at a low price.
6. LONVOX LSM-01
When it comes to commercial use, LSM-01 surpasses its competitors. Although its functions are alike to other decibel meters, durability makes it an ideal choice.
LSM-01 is widely used in surveys and research. We found it convenient for research in sound and architecture. It is easy and simple to operate.
Salient Features:
- Accurate up to 1.5 dB in reading, hence improving the chances of getting a more precise value
- Can be used for all purposes i-e commercial, homes, offices, hospitals, etc
- The range of LSM-01 is from 30dB(quiet library) to 130dB(Jackhammer).
- Well-defined LCD with backlit to check data at night
- Automatic power-off is installed to save power
- To protect the device, the cover is made Anti-slip (with a rubber handle)
Long story short, LSM-01 (Amazon link) is the best decibel meter for all purposes. It gives us more options to read the level of noise. Simplicity and durability add its positive aspect while a reasonable price makes it ideal for users.
7. BAFX-3370
The BAFX-3370 decibel meter is an efficient and accurate instrument. Due to its low cost and high performance, it is widely accepted and trusted by sound engineers.
The BAFX-3370 is very simple to use. Two push buttons and one LCD screen make it simple enough for the layman. Among two push-buttons, one is for turning on/off, and the other shows maximum/minimum value.
Salient Features:
- 9V battery (detachable) gives continuous results for up to 30 hrs
- Range of measurement is 30 dB (quiet library) to 130db (jackhammer)
- The device is accurate up to 1.5dB to reduce error
- It gathers data two times in one second (sampling Rate) for precise reading
- Tells the high and low peak values of noise
Summing up, BAFX-3370 (Amazon link) is an effective decibel meter. The given range is enough for noise measuring. Hence, it can be used for homes, shops, industries, etc. The product is available at a reasonable price at the given link.
Conclusion
Long story short, a decibel meter is an instrument that measures the level of sound we have around us. The best decibel meter would measure the sound with high accuracy and easy step as the high loudness in sound can cause damage to our body.
We can check the quality of a good decibel meter by following factors:
- Accuracy (1.5 dB to 2 dB)
- Frequency weighting (A and C would be enough)
- Range (30dB to 130dB would be fine)
- Battery consumption (25hrs to 30 hrs of battery timing)
- Sampling Time (Fast and Slow are good, depending on users)
By judging these qualities and mixing them with my experience, I suggest BAFX-3370 (Amazon link) the best decibel meter for my clients and students. This model has many features that make it likable for sound engineers: high accuracy of 1.5 dB, standard range of 30 to 130 dB (level A), 30 hrs continuous battery timing, and 2 readings per second are few to count on. Additionally, the product is available at the lowest possible price at the given link.
So go for it…
Question Answer Session
Q1: Why can’t we use an app on a phone for the same purpose?
The main function of a decibel meter is associated with its microphone. Mobile phones have a microphone with other qualities than measuring sound level. Meanwhile, the microphone of the decibel meter is specially designed for measuring sound level. It does not perform other functions.
Additionally, decibel meters can endure many harsh conditions in the field which are not suitable for mobile phones.
Q2: What is a decibel?
Decibel is the unit of measuring sound intensity. It is only “bel” which is equal to “log (I/I.)”. This term is then multiplied by “deci” which is 10. Hence, the name decibel forms.
Q3: What is sampling time?
The time in which an instrument takes reading is called sampling time. Generally, a good decibel meter will take 2 to 4 readings in one second. Hence the sampling rate would be 2 samples per second and 4 samples per second correspondingly.
The option of Fast and Slow sampling has also been available in some decibel meters.
Q4: Does a decibel meter sustain a fall?
Depending on quality, if you buy a good decibel meter, it will sustain a sufficient amount of fall. We have already mentioned it with the word “Durability”.
The list we supplied above exhibits this quality.
Q5: Can we carry the above decibel meters in the pocket?
All decibel meters that we mentioned can be carried easily in a pocket and can be attached with built. These are light instruments with easy grip. It can be fastened with a thin rope for readings down the building.
These decibel meters are portable and easy to use in rough conditions.
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