Tuning [Resolved] Reasonably priced decibel reader?

[tegridy]

Hi all!

I hope you're doing well.

I'm just looking for recommendations for a reasonably priced, consistent dB reader for my Marauder. I figure it doesn't need to be as overkill as an actual firearm decibel test setup, just something inexpensive but trusted off of Amazon would be great.

Anyone here with a solid recommendation based off of experience already?

Thank you!

 

[jmohme]

I just downloaded an app for my phone.

 

[tegridy]

I just downloaded an app for my phone.

I'm finding the apps to be very inconsistent. At least, I'd rather think the apps/microphone are inconsistent as opposed to my regulated Marauder.

 

[jmohme]

Decibel meters tend to give inconsistent results anyway. How and where they are placed, Atmospheric conditions, and other variables come into play.
External microphones help as long as you are consistant on how you place them.
Microphones can be had for $20 and up.

 

[JimD]

I had an inexpensive one from Amazon that gave me readings that made sense to me for a year or so. But it started generating readings that disagreed with my ears and so it is retired. I switched to a phone app. I tried several before finding one that gives me readings that seem consistent with what I am hearing.

I agree completely with there being a lot of difficulty in measuring sound reliably. The best I think you can get to with inexpensive devices is to answer a question like "Is moderator A louder or softer than moderator B". Even that may be asking too much.

 

[tegridy]

I had an inexpensive one from Amazon that gave me readings that made sense to me for a year or so. But it started generating readings that disagreed with my ears and so it is retired. I switched to a phone app. I tried several before finding one that gives me readings that seem consistent with what I am hearing.

I agree completely with there being a lot of difficulty in measuring sound reliably. The best I think you can get to with inexpensive devices is to answer a question like "Is moderator A louder or softer than moderator B". Even that may be asking too much.

yep, that question about the moderator is exactly what I am trying to answer. I've been messing around with DIY solutions, and I am hoping to derive more data than than just listening with my ear and saying "yep" or "nope."

What app and reader did you end up settling on?

 

[uladz]

I used this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9BC4N2X/ and it worked pretty well. I like that it gives you also temp and humidity reading that can affect dB readings, and you can mount it on a tripod. Plus a large easy to read display.

 

[tegridy]

I used this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9BC4N2X/ and it worked pretty well. I like that it gives you also temp and humidity reading that can affect dB readings, and you can mount it on a tripod. Plus a large easy to read display.

That's the exact one I was looking at. Thank you.

 

[uladz]

That's the exact one I was looking at. Thank you.

Glad I could help .