Extech 407730 40-to-130-Decibel Digital Sound Level Meter

by Extech Instruments

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Whether you're monitoring workplace machinery, installing audio or alarm systems, or handling product noise certification and reduction, the Extech Digital Sound Level Meter gets the job done. This meter accurately monitors sound levels in a range from 40 to 130 decibels. It displays results in the large LCD display in two different ways, either by number or a fast-responding analog bar graph. The lightweight meter easily fits in your hand and can be used wherever you need it.

Digital Sound Level Meter At a Glance: Records sound levels from 40 to 130 decibels Precise readings with +/-2 dB accuracy and 0.1 dB resolution Large LCD display with both number and analog graph readings Records sound values over time to track sound changes One-year limited warranty on parts and labor

Fast-responding analog bar graph with 50 dB range shows trends. View larger.

Accurately Measures Sound Levels
Wherever you need to monitor sound levels, the Extech sound meter will do the job. The meter utilizes a 1/2-inch electric condenser microphone to monitor sound levels from 40 to 130 decibels at an accuracy of +/-2 dB with a 0.1 dB resolution. A windscreen is included to prevent distortion in the readings. User-friendly settings allow you to choose between either A or C weighting. The unit also mounts on a tripod, providing convenient hands-free readings.

Included windscreen prevents distortion.

Large LCD Screen with Dual Reading Displays
The large, 2,000-count LCD display gives readings in large, clear numbers. At the same time, it shows the sound level readings using a fast-responding analog bar graph with a 50-decibel range that updates every 40 milliseconds for viewing varying trends. The unit has AC analog output and records max/min values over time.

Compact, Lightweight Design
The Extech sound meter weighs less than 6 ounces, and is designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand. The meter is white with a black-framed screen and black buttons. Useful features include auto power-off, max hold functions, and fast/slow response time.

Product and Warranty Information
All of Extech's assessment tools are factory calibrated to specifications and work to spec. You can also add an NIST calibration certificate for audits if necessary for licensed testing. The meter measures 9 by 2-1/5 by 1-7/10 inches (H x W x D), and uses four AAA batteries.

The Extech Digital Sound Level Meter is backed by a manufacturer's one-year limited warranty on parts and labor.

What's in the Box
Meter, microphone windscreen, four AAA batteries, and user manual.

Product Description

Digital Sound Level Meter --- Analog bargraph with 50dB range updates every 40ms

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Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9 x 1.7 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000EWY67W
• Item model number: 407730
• Batteries: 4 AAA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,484 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #15 in Home Improvement > Electrical > Tools & Testers > Multi Testers
  • #58 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Measuring & Layout Tools > Scanners & Testers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 79 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Easy to Use Decibel Sound Meter, August 29, 2008

By 

Pard ""Somewhere in the High Sierra"" (Maryland, United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Extech 407730 40-to-130-Decibel Digital Sound Level Meter (Tools & Home Improvement)

This Extech 407730 decibel sound meter is easy to use right out of the box and it works very well. The instructions are simple and easy to understand and everything worked as expected. I had never owned or used a sound meter before, so I wasn't sure what to expect, and someone told me it can be complicated, but it's "So simple a child could do it", to quote Dr. Leonard "Bones" McCoy from the original Star Trek (Spock's Brain episode)!

Having both the "A" and "C" ratings available to use is a good thing -- make sure you know which one you should use for your particular application (I did some basic web research to learn more). It measures 40 dB to 130 dB, and I was surprised to find that 43 dB is about my basic background noise in my yard, no wind but birds chirping.

Also, the "Max Hold" function is great; it keeps the highest rating on the display so if you mount the meter remotely, you can still see what it recorded.

I mounted it on a basic camera tripod and it worked fine. It actually has a metal tripod mounting thread, unlike some (expensive) digital cameras that use plastic.

The only nits I can pick are: 1) The little foam wind sock that sticks over the end is pretty flimsy and it comes off too easily, but not a biggie; and 2) The battery cover is attached with a tiny Phillips head screw, rather than having a cover that simply snaps on. So you'll need to find a very small #3 Phillips head screwdriver just to remove the batteries, and let's hope you don't have to do this at night or in the bush.

It seems well made for what it is -- basic plastic case and slightly mushy rubberized push buttons. The display is easy to read (not sure if it has a light, I only used it during the day).

Once you familiarize yourself with the instructions, you pretty much don't have to bother with them again, it's that easy to use. The batteries are the el cheapo type that probably have about 25% of the lifespan of a good pair, but otherwise, this is a very nice unit that's probably way overkill for just recording the neighbor's late night parties. I used it for a basic scientific research project and published the results and it worked fine for that.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great simple handy sound meter, February 8, 2008

By 

Dutch Treat "DT" (Kauai, HI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Extech 407730 40-to-130-Decibel Digital Sound Level Meter (Tools & Home Improvement)

I use this meter to take OSHA readings in our plant. It is great to show the workers how loud it actually is and helps them with wearing ear protection more consistent.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extech sound meter, December 16, 2009

By 

Michael Burk (MPLS, MN) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Extech 407730 40-to-130-Decibel Digital Sound Level Meter (Tools & Home Improvement)

I recently entered a contest sponsored by Lockheed Martin called Silent Stamina where the objective was to design and build a model airplane that would fly the longest time and not produce more than 60 db at full throttle.

This was the cheapest sound level meter I found with an accuracy of +/- 2%.
My meter read about 1.5db to 2db below the contest directors meter, close enough.