Sound Level Meter, 2 in 1 Digital Noise Decibel Meter & Temperature Detector, 35 to 135 dB with LCD Display, Data Hold Max/Min Sound Level Measurement for Family and Industry (Battery Included)

Doesn't work, forgot about it and missed the return window.

The ‘Beaspire Sound Level Meter’ is a simple hand-held basic measuring tool with reasonable accuracy for repeatable results. It lacks commonly found useful features such as a ¼” threaded hole for a tripod mount, or an electronic means for exporting the results.It claims to be A-weighted to IEC61672-1 Class 2, but fails in this because it only goes up to about 8KHz, thereby cutting out some of the most damaging noise that should be included in the A curve. Therefore this meter will read significantly low in the presence of high frequency noise, such as in a jet plane, or near a circular saw or high speed drill. See the Wiki for more about A-weighting.The sensitivity varies with direction, and is at its maximum with the microphone pointed directly at the sound source. Most industrial readings are specified at a one metre distance from the source, but environment noise is more difficult to quantify and an omni-directional microphone should be used and mounted where the listener would normally be. This unit is not so good here, but will still give an indication of excessive noise and could suggest where a more accurate instrument with true A-weighting is needed for legislative purposes.The indication is stable down to 30.5dB on my sample, below this it flashes L to show it is out of range. The highest MAX reading I was able to measure in a domestic environment was 124dB from a loud shout. When close to a big hammer on an anvil it only recorded about 119dB, but being a short impulse this probably did not fill the 125mS ‘Short’ sample time and could well have been a lot louder in its Peak intensity.The sound level readings in the mid range (40dB to 80dB) are generally in agreement with what I would expect, and it will be a useful starting point in a busy environment where noise management could be a problem.I would have liked to see a better extension of the range down to lower levels (perhaps a 10dB floor), which comes in very useful when searching for noise from invisible ventilation leakage points.The thermometer function is very slow to settle, and most people walking around making quick environmental measurements hoping to be able to use this will soon give up and revert to something  much easier .

Very few people will ever need a sound level meter in their lives but if you do, and you don’t want to pay a fortune, then this one from Beaspire should do the trick. It’s a basic model but it does what’s needed.To use it correctly, you need to understand the dB scale. 60dB is not twice as loud as 30dB like you’d expect. It works on a logarithmic scale. The rule of thumb is a rise of 3dB means a doubling of the sound level. So, in our case above, 33dB would be twice as loud as 30dB. A whisper is about 15dB, a normal conversation is about 60dB and a jet engine is about 120dB. Anything above around 70dB for a prolonged period of time can cause hearing problems. 120dB is the maximum you should avoid as it can cause immediate damage.This meter can read from 35dB right up to 135dB. As sound levels change so quickly you have a few extra functions to make life easier. You can slow down the change of readings by using the fast/slow button. You can also select a min or max setting to see the lowest and highest readings. Finally, you have a hold button which will freeze the display on the current reading.Sound level readings are generally made at a distance of 1 metre from the source. The microphone on the meter is unidirectional, so it needs to be pointing at the sound source.Not sure why, but this meter has an extra function of reading ambient temperature. Not really needed in most circumstances but still a handy little extra function.Overall, for a basic model it does what most people would want and at a price that’s more digestible than professional models.

The media could not be loaded.  I have to admit to liking my gadgets, and sometimes buy on a whim with no real use in mind. However, for this sound meter it was about having something I could use to reassure my wife that her hearing wasn't likely to be damaged by the level of the TV! She visits her elderly father regularly and he has the TV on exceptionally loud. I thought this would be useful for her to take to see just how loud it is.This is very simple to use, turn it on and it registers sound, updating almost immediately and quite rapidly. There are handy min and max setting, the latter is particularly useful as it will indicate the highest decibel level it has picked up during the reading period. There's also a nice add on being a thermometer, again useful for my wife as my father in law tends to have the heat on very high all day long.Moving the meter towards and away from the TV shows instant changes in the decibel level, so it appears to be working well, I assume it's accurate as have nothing to benchmark it to.Three AAA batteries are included, and it's a compact little unit, easy to use and store. I'd have liked to see a storage case included but that's a very minor point which doesn't detract from a great little gadget.

I have some noisy neighbors and this sound meter allows me to monitor how loud they get to see if they are breaking laws, allowing me to report them with evidence!I have also used this in my PC builds, tuning fan curves for the best performance for external noise levels. Manufacturers do give a sound level reading however in different use cases they can be way noiser, especially if they are used in a high static pressure environment.There is also a thermometer in this device, which is a nice touch but not exactly needed for me as I have an external temperature meter. however for PC tuning this may be very beneficial

I haven’t had a chance to try this professionally yet but have been amusing myself checking the noise levels in my car, in the garden, and so on. It’ll help me choose my next car. The meter is easy to use and works well. Few buyers will need anything more sophisticated, especially since it also measures temperature. Excellent purchase, although it’s a shame it doesn’t come with a case or pouch of any kind.