Description
SoundMeter turns your iPhone or iPod touch into a handheld sound level meter (SLM). The iPhone’s built-in and headset microphones are suitable for basic sound level measurements, but high precision external microphones may also be used.
NOTE: SoundMeter 1.5 is now compatible with the all versions of the iPod touch. To use SoundMeter with the iPod touch, an external microphone is required. On the original iPod touch, an accessory must be attached to the dock connector, which either offers its own microphone or line input. The newer iPod touch also enables input through the headset connector. The default headset microphone sensitivity is set for a standard iPhone headset microphone or the new Apple headphones with remote and mic.
Due to sample rate limitations and frequency response degradation, SoundMeter is not recommended for use with the built-in microphone of first-generation iPhones. SoundMeter will still work with the original iPhone, but when working with the built-in microphone, frequency weighting will be disabled, and the measurement accuracy may be significantly impaired. Using SoundMeter with the iPhone's included headset microphone, or with the built-in microphone of the iPhone 3G, is recommended.
Even though default sensitivity values are included for the iPhone’s built-in and headset microphones, for best results, SoundMeter should be calibrated before use. Sound levels may be off by a few dB when using the default microphone sensitivity.
For iPhone/iPod touch audio I/O compatibility and frequency response measurements, visit http://blog.FaberAcoustical.com.
NOTE: SoundMeter has not been shown to meet ANSI or IEC standards for sound level meters.
FEATURES
- Measure time-weighted and equivalent sound levels.
- Employ Flat, A, or C frequency weighting.
- Time-weighted measurement options include Fast, Slow, and Impulse weightings.
- Keep track of peak and maximum sound levels.
- Save high-resolution sound level display images to the iPhone's Camera Roll photo album. Descriptive text may be added to the image before it is saved.
- SoundMeter also offers data sharing via photo, email, and Twitter.
- Calibration controls enable automatic calibration, relative to a calibrated sound level meter, or manual entry of the microphone sensitivity.
- SoundMeter supports rotating the iPhone upside down, so the built-in microphone sits on top of the device when measuring sound levels.
- With the iPhone’s built-in microphone, SoundMeter can measure peak sound levels of up to approximately 105 dB. With the iPhone’s included headset microphone, SoundMeter can measure peak sound levels of up to approximately 100 dB. (These limits are due to iPhone hardware, not the SoundMeter software.) Results may vary between iPhones and headset microphones.
What's New in Version 1.6.1
- Built-in microphone calibration is now properly recognized and remembered.
- The sample rate is no longer misread as it was in some circumstances (e.g. launching SoundMeter right after unlocking the iPhone screen on an iPhone 3G with iPhone OS 2.2.1).
Customer Reviews
Accurate and Affordable!
A decent handheld decible meter will set you back a few hundred. This app was only $20 and even with the preset calibration it was very close to my high end meters +/-1.5db. Obviously this won't replace equipment and software that cost thousands. It does what it advertises to do and will make taking basic readings quicker and easier.
Nice portable meter
This is a nice app to have. I gave my home theater a quick calibration with it. I found the user interface clear and easy to use.
For the next version it would be nice if there was a option for a bar graph/ digital vu meter display with holds for peak/max for those of us here that like looking at moving lights than just numbers.
Calibratable and use properly
This app has some great features, and can be calibrated accurately.
The best way is to have (of course) a real sound level meter, and cal source. In my opinion even though this is not sold as meeting a Type 2 meter's accuracy (+/- 2dB) it does appear to be that accurate. At least one less item to carry.
Also be careful about using it properly. When using an SLM one does NOT "point" the microphone towards a noise source to measure. You orient the mic perpendicular to the niose source; which means hold the iPhone upside down (don't worry - the app rotates) and keep it vertical.
- $19.99
- Category: Utilities
- Updated: Dec 23, 2009
- Current Version: 1.6.1
- 1.6.1 (iPhone OS 3.0 Tested)
- 1.0 MB
- Language: English
- Seller: Faber Acoustical Services and Technologies
- © 2009 Faber Acoustical, LLC
Requirements: Compatible with iPhone and iPod touch. Requires iPhone OS 2.2.1 or later.
