Static911

http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...5Fid=33%2D2055

Or recommend me one that isn't too costly....this will be used for the dyno testing...

Ethan

Johnny Mo

It's typically used for setting up Home Theaters, but it will work for measuring sound levels. It's important to understand how it is being measured, there is a A dB weighting, and a C dB weighting. For HT purposes you would set the controls to C weighting and SLOW (response time so the meter isn't hopping up and down and you can't get a good reading). I have one, and so do a bunch of the other HT guys, I'm sure someone reasonably close to you in Cali who has one can loan it to you for the test.

edit....they also make an analog version that is like $20 less I think.

DaveGS4

iTrader: (2)

That's the one I've got as well. Johnny Mo hit it on the head, if you aren't going to use this going forward for home theater then get the cheaper analog version. It does exactly the same thing.

Percy

Ethan,

Those meters are usually measuring 1khz, and for both A and C weighting, SHOULD be the same, unless they're doing something different with the weighting circuitry. 1khz is the exact reference point for both A/C weighting. A/C start to differ above and below 1khz.

Dyno testing...do you mean exhaust noise? If you want an accurate measurement, you'll need a meter that will sample from 20 to 20khz. They're NOT cheap. For most purposes, the Radio Shack meter will provide a quick and dirty measurement. But for accuracy in the entire spectrum, they won't cut it. Most exhaust notes are definitely below 1khz! Even the little 4 banger "coffee can" Honda mufflers are below 1k if you can believe it!

"A" weighting is used to simulate the perceptive hearing in humans in that for the lower frequencies below 1khz, our ears drop off in sensitivity. At 50hz, we feel more of the frequency that we hear. C weighting I believe is used in instrumentation. Motor Trend, C/D will use A weighting.

Hope this info helps.

Percy

Static911

Percy,

Cliffnotes please.

Ok, let me ask, where can I purchase a sound meter to measure exhaust sound levels (and intake levels)?

Thanks,

Ethan

Percy

Ethan,

As long as you mention that the test was performed with the RS meter, you should be fine. It's just that the RS meter won't have the accuracy of the other meters out there on the market, especially on the lower frequencies. But, the RS is still the best bang for the buck. Otherwise you get into stuff running into hundreds, even thousands of dollars. (Bruel & Kjaer being top end)

Percy

Johnny Mo

I really meant to say exactly what Percy said. Maybe I wasn't as clear....ya think?