How accurate are iPhone db meter apps?

[soypancho]

They're all useful tools but limited by the SPL handling of the mic. The built in mic starts to become compromised at only 100 dB so above that you'll want to use something more purpose built. I haven't used Decibel specifically but all of the Studio Six Digital stuff I've used has been, again within the built in mics limitations, stupid accurate.

[The Beatsmith]

for me it's more to do with making sure i'm monitoring at 85db or so, so that i don't get fatigued or problems with my ears on long sessions!

and also perhaps going outside and seeing how much sound might be leaking etc.

if it's over 100db then i'm already in trouble ;-)

hopefully it's accurate enough... doesn't the mic have a HPF on it though?

[Yago]

Originally Posted by The Beatsmith

for me it's more to do with making sure i'm monitoring at 85db or so, so that i don't get fatigued or problems with my ears on long sessions!

and also perhaps going outside and seeing how much sound might be leaking etc.

if it's over 100db then i'm already in trouble ;-)

hopefully it's accurate enough... doesn't the mic have a HPF on it though?

A thought occurred to me , I'd bet if you recorded something with your IPhone , you would hear problems and things amiss , those missing things might be a guide to it being unacceptable .
Got to say this is all cr@p from the top of my head , don't even own an IPhone .

[soypancho]

Originally Posted by The Beatsmith

hopefully it's accurate enough... doesn't the mic have a HPF on it though?

Here's an article showing tested response of the iOS devices' built in mics-

iPhone 4 Audio and Frequency Response Limitations « Faber Acoustical Blog

So as long as your room doesn't have any massive 5+ dB spikes below 150, I'd say you're fine using it as a quick and dirty mix level reference.

[edit machine]

why mess around with something as important as measuring the spl in your mix room though?

$45 bucks gets you the standard SPL meter:

7-Range Analog Display Sound Level Meter : Sound Meters | RadioShack.com

[The Beatsmith]

yeah, good call. but i'm always carrying my iphone, and sometimes it's useful to know when my ears are being tortured a bit when i'm out and about...!