How loud do you like to play your music?
General listening is between 75 and 82 DB, measured at 13 feet from the speakers. Some music gets played loud, like horn jazz trio that would be experienced loud in a club. Those get 95 DB+ but not for long as I don't want hearing damage. I measure my system, live music and even restaurants, thanks to a reasonably accurate sound pressure meter in my iPhone. |
More power to you if you feel the need to use a SPL meter, I just don't see the need. Music where instruments are plugged in should be played Medium to loud. I lived very well without my SPL too, but going WAY back I've always had the Radio Shack meter around to verify home theater voicing, checking individual drivers for equal output, reporting to others about how loud a hum or buzz is from a transformer that's supposed to be quiet and even measuring the SPL from various record cleaning machines to see if "quietness" claims are accurate. I even use it occasionally to prove to my wife that a favorite restaurant is probably in violation of OSHA on Saturday evening :^), for amusement if nothing else. SPL meters are like speedometers on cars, we all know when we're driving way too fast, but it's nice to know how much over. |
Albertporter: What is the app for the iPhone? It's not decibel Sonofjim, below is an active link to it. It's more expensive than the fun ones but according to posts I've read from engineers it's pretty darned accurate. It's also capable of being calibrated if you want it to be like a studio tool. http://www.faberacoustical.com/products/iphone/ |
One could take ones SPL meter to the local pick up bar and With the right personal "equipment" and the iPhone SoundMeter download you could do your personal best while reaching the threshold of pain in two ways. At least one can dream. |
Almag, Since I carry my DB Meter inside the iPhone I frequently check places that have annoying SPL. Many restaurants reach well in excess of 80 DB in the waiting / bar area where floor, walls and ceiling is hard and customers don't have food in their mouth :^). Drives me crazy. I've actually quit going some places because it makes me so uncomfortable. |
Curious question: Is this dBA or dBC, and 'fast' or 'slow' response? Still at download default settings, I've not had time to experiment. Weighting is set for Flat with option for A or C. Response is set for Impulse with options for fast or slow. Level type is set for LP with option for Leq. For comparison I just checked my listening / living room and got 39-41 DB. |
