Need a Recommendation for Decible Meter Software

[warpedskydiver 0]

I am need of software for measuring levels past 140db

Shareware or low cost would be nice.

Levels need to be tested near 150 and down to around 100db

I am hoping someone has experience with the software and can vouch for the accuracy.

[1969912 0]

Do you just want to measure spl, or do you want to do detailed analysis of the waveform? I use http://www.mlssa.com/ hardware/software for testing my speaker designs, but it's very expensive, even without an $1,800 microphone. If you're just measuring spl, an industrial meter might be best and they probably make ones with a data output for computer logging. If you're looking for software that uses digitized data from a microphone plugged into a regular computer soundcard, you'll need to either calibrate the setup or find a good vendor that can suggest a good combination of soundcard/microphone.

"Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ."
-NickDG

[godfrog 2]

Try quest, they have quest suite professional software, my I ask what you are measuring in that decible level, that is instant hearing damage!
standing behind a 747 on take off produces 140db.
Quest I believe will also rent dossimeters.

Experience is a difficult teacher, she gives you the test first and the lesson afterward

[warpedskydiver 0]

The kind of things not spoken about in BF!

Yeah I would be wearing ear pro.

Yes instant hearing damage is a given considering proximity and overpressure.

[1969912 0]

Quote

The kind of things not spoken about in BF!

http://www.diyaudio.com/ for free software and hardware/mic ideas.

"Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ."
-NickDG

[DrewEckhardt 0]

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I am need of software for measuring levels past 140db

Note that the software going past 140dB SPL is no guarantee that you're not going to run into your microphone's mechanical limits or cause the preamp to clip.

[DrewEckhardt 0]

Quote

Do you just want to measure spl, or do you want to do detailed analysis of the waveform? I use http://www.mlssa.com/ hardware/software for testing my speaker designs, but it's very expensive, even without an $1,800 microphone.

ARTA does the same things but runs 79 Euros for personal use or 149 Euros for professional use, and IIRC a non-saving trial version is free.

Siegfried Linkwitz (of Linkwitz-Riley cross-over fame and designer of the Stereophile 1998 Louodspeaker of the Year) made the switch from MLSSA, and if it's good enough for him it should be good enough for anybody.

[1969912 0]

Linkwitz is highly respected, and if he recommends something, his recommendation should be taken seriously. I've just had the mlssa stuff since the mid-90's and it works for me (it was pretty much free as well). Linkwitz did some work on the crossover I'm working with, but it's not the Linkwitz-Riley.

"Once we got to the point where twenty/something's needed a place on the corner that changed the oil in their cars we were doomed . . ."
-NickDG

[warpedskydiver 0]

DSE also had a good suggestion, but lacking the funds for a truly great microphone that won't get wasted through testing I think I may just send it to a very close friend who works in R&D and destructive testing at a large military manufacturer.

You certainly can spend a bunch of cash giving verifiable data to prospective customers.

It also makes me suspect of some manufacturers claims of decibel readings and reductions.

The blast alone is loud, but up to 70K psi being unleashed is really damaging to the human ears and animals as well.

Our country has it backwards with their misplaced ideas of what is safe and acceptable.

Suppressors are great for the environment and as well as the public health, plus animals cannot tell us that we are making them deaf.

It is just good manners to use one if you live in a free state and have an extra $200 for a tax stamp.