Spl meter

[jhayman]

Hello everyone..
I was just wondering about using a SPL Meter to see how high I can get it to go, not for any purpose just curious as I have seen others on here use one.
Now the meter I will be using is a APP Store one on my iPad 3 which they claim to be very accurate, but I was wondering he far away from my speakers do I have to be to get accurate reading.
Should it be in 2 channel listening or home theatre mode with a movie or do a few tests of each mode?
Thanks
Oh one more thing has anyone actually used a APP store meter for this?

[hemster]

It's best to use the meter at the listening position where you'll be sitting normally. Not having used an app for this purpose, I can say that the best way to do this is to use an actual analog meter, set to slow weighting. The mic on the meter is the key - an actual meter would have a better mic than the iPad, IMHO.

Oh and it should be used in N channel mode assuming you want to set the volume level on each channel.

[jhayman]

Thanks Hemster, ya I know a proper meter would be better but App Store is $2 for a suite of audio apps, I'm just playing around and don't feel like driving to The Source to buy a $20-30 meter at the moment..
Now the App Store alo sells a $20 version SPL Meter with very good reviews compared to a person standing there holding a store bought meter and the readings were the same?

[emovac]

I am using one called Sound Meter Pro on my android. The SPL readings are pretty close (within a couple of db) to my radio shack analog SPL meters. The app I have installed on my iPad (UE SPL) reads much higher, 8-10 db higher than the Sound Meter Pro. If you check at your local radio shack, I've noticed they've been clearancing the analog meters for around $15 over the past several months. The radio shack analog meter goes to 120 db plus +6 on the vu meter, the db meter dial on the sound meter pro goes to 140 db, but I've never had it anywhere near that high.

[AudioHTIT]

I'm not sure which $2 or $20 App you're referring to, but I use the Studio Six AudioTools suite ($20) which includes their $2 SPL meter. I'm also using an iPad3 where they claim measurements up to 140 dB, I haven't taken it much over ~ 105. As for exact accuracy it can be adjusted in the trim level, but obviously you need something to measure against if you change it. The bottom line is that the App has a 'trim level' and sets it to the average sensitivity of the built in mic, as each mic is a little bit different its not perfect but probably good to within a dB or 2 depending on frequency.

Now I just purchased a very good external mic that automatically downloads its own calibration file when you plug it in (iTestMic - $199), this gives very accurate SPL and wide, flat frequency response. I've just started testing with it and the RTA App that's part the AudioTools suite, I plan on posting a review in a few days.

In the mean time a simple app should get you well in the ball park, but like any meter / mic combination (including the radio shack and others), it's only as good as the calibration.