App Shopper: Advanced Decibel Meter (Utilities)

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Feb 22 '11	New App: $.99, v1.0

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Advanced Decibel Meter

iOS iPhone

This is a volume (decibel) meter that simulates common SPL meters, like the kind you find at electronics stores, but with a lot of enhancements that are unique to your mobile phone.

Unlike real SPL meters, this application allows you to take multiple measurements from many different sources, and save them for comparison over time. You can also enter a description of where the measurement was taken, and record the date/time of the measurement.

There are 5 principle screens, which are broken down here:

Meter/Graph screen: this shows an analog-like meter display of the decibel level, using standard A-weighting, along with the minimum, average, peak, peak hold, and maximum values for the current period. All values are reset upon tapping "Reset Values". The "Record" button on this screen lets you actually record the ambient sounds. Press the Record button again to stop recording, and then "Save" to save the recording with the dB values.

Save screen: You may save the values at any instant (along with any recorded sound) on this screen, in any of 10 slots. The date/time of the measurement (in 12-hour format) is also saved, and you have the ability to edit some descriptive text, too. Please note that you may play back the audio sample only after it is saved.

Decibels/Chart screen: This shows the sound levels over time, from about 10 seconds past to the present (however the actual amount of time shown will depend on the particular settings of the app). Like the Chart screen, you may record sound here, and access the Save and Settings screen, or return to the Meter/Graph screen.

Settings: The basic settings include which screen should be the default, A/C Weighting, Internal/External mic (it's up to you to alter the settings accordingly), sampling rate, and the trim value. Depending on the sensitivity of your microphone, you will likely need to adjust the trim value up or down. The sampling rate is just how often sound readings should be taken.

Sampling Rate (Fast/Slow response time): Use high sampling rates to capture noise peaks and noises that occur very quickly. Select a lower sampling rate to monitor a sound source that has a consistent noise level or to average quickly changing levels. A lower samping rate (so-called "slow response") is suitable for most applications.

A/C Weighting: With A weighting selected, the frequency response of the meter is similar to the response of the human ear. A weighting is commonly used for environmental or hearing conservation programs such as OSHA regulatory testing and noise ordinance law enforcement. C weighting is a much flatter response and is suitable for the sound level analysis of machines, engines, etc.

Info: Provides common measurements and how they relate to daily life, making this application a useful educational tool for your kids!