Recommend me a sound level meter (aka dB meter aka SPL meter)

[DanielleMuscato]

Title says it all. What do you get for $200 that you don't get for $100? Searching didn't turn up much. I'm looking for specific model recommendations... Thank you!

Best,

 

[AlembicPlayer]

good question, I'd like to know that too!
I use a 50 dollar Radio Shack digital meter as do the major sound companies in my town.

yes, do tell!

 

[fokof]

I paid 100 for the "classic" Radio shack DB meter , 15 years ago , not sure if they do it anymore. Maybe under another name ?
Has A and C weighting , slow and fast response. Basic.

If you happen to have an iPhone , there a nice 20$ little application called " soundmeter".
Works very well under 107db once calibrated.
The default calibration is not good but it is accurate under 106-108 once done properly.

http://www.faberacoustical.com/products/iphone/soundmeter/

 

[mrokern]

+1 for the standard (analog) Radio Shack meter if they still make it.

 

[TimmyP]

The Radio Shack meters are good enough for most of us. The analog and digital ones track each other pretty well. I like the digital, but either is fine. If you are bad at calling feedback frequencies (I am) and use 1/3 octave EQs (I don't), the little Phonic analyser ain't a bad way to go. There's a program for the iPhone, and several free ones for PC (which require calibration).