Looking for a Good SPL Meter

[clownjuggles]

I am looking for a good SPL meter under 400 dollars ideally, I have been considering gold line, but I am interested in what else is out there. I am aware of the Radio Shack meters but I am looking for a bit higher quality control. Any thoughts?

[andrebrito]

Casella , Castle , Svantek , BK (maybe in 2 hand)

[Eric Desart]

Originally Posted by andrebrito

Casella , Castle , Svantek , BK (maybe in 2 hand)

In addition to Andre.

Acoustics :: View Forum - Acoustic Measurement Tools & Software
Gives a rather extensive listing.

It's not updated for a couple of years (have to check this again).

Important is that you first wonder which functionality you want.
Within that price range you suggested I should try to find an SLM which besides fast and slow also has an LEQ measurement setting.
I rather should buy a cheaper brand with LEQ, than a more expensive one without.

As Andre says, and in how far you can trust this, finding a second hand can be a good thing (e.g. ebay or wherever).

At the other hand using a software tool with a mic and interface can be a good way to go to, depending on your purpose of course.

[Glenn Kuras]

At the other hand using a software tool with a mic and interface can be a good way to go to, depending on your purpose of course.

clownjuggles

Room EQ Wizard Home Page

This one will save you $400.00. Its FREE.

Glenn

[clownjuggles]

I am familiar with that software but I use an Apple computer and would like an easier standalone program. I am looking for a SPL Meter recommendation versus software at this point.

[andrebrito]

You can also buy a cheap SLM and use Jade Noise Community to make a couple of continuous measurements: Jade Noise 2.7 - Noise Monitoring Software

[Harley-OIART]

Phonic Audio PAA2 or PAA3

I own the PAA3 and its pretty handy. Downside to any SPL meter is to ensure accuracy you must purchase a calibrator, and little did I know, they cost easily 400-500 Dollars!

Here is the link for the Phonic PAA3 :

http://www.proaudioreview.com/pages/s.0038/t.6281.html

Cheers,
Scott

[Eric Desart]

A typical MAC software tool.

FuzzMeasure Pro 3

I don't have MAC but MAC people seem to like it.

[lamdig]

Originally Posted by Harley-OIART

Phonic Audio PAA2 or PAA3

I own the PAA3 and its pretty handy. Downside to any SPL meter is to ensure accuracy you must purchase a calibrator, and little did I know, they cost easily 400-500 Dollars!

Here is the link for the Phonic PAA3 :

Phonic PAA3 Handheld Audio Analyzer with USB Interface

Cheers,
Scott

]

Hi Scott. I just purchased a PAA2 but am strugglling with using the manual to put the unit into RTA/audio analyzer mode.

Also, any suggestions on where to stand relative to the FOH speakers to conduct the audio analysis. Thanks, Scott

[SAC]

Audio analysis?

You realize that all you are going to get is the complex sum of the various sources complete with phase which will result in reading the spatial variations due to superposition at that position...

You will have NO detail or ability to evaluate ANY of the component signals, be they direct or reflected.

If you have access to a laptop and software, why do you want to mess with an incredibly limited SPL meter??????

You don't want the capability to evaluate the individual signals and to align the various signals in time and to evaluate the arrival times, phase and group delay of the individual drivers or cabinets or the delays between various distributed sources???

Not to mention that this thread is over 2 years old...