Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

Overall not a bad unit. I used it to set my guitar effects pedal output volume level, so that the volume level would be the same for each selection. The only slight downside is the unit automatically shuts itself off to conserve the batteries, which got irritating while I was working. If I want it off, I'll turn it off and if I forget, shame on me!

Although I can't test the accuracy it seems to work perfectly. Easy to operate. Large easy to read display. Fit's the bill perfectly! Highly recommended.

I have a car with very loud exhaust and I was worried about state inspection rules and the SCCA auto cross rules for loud exhaust. This Db meter is very easy to use and I especially like the max hold button so I can drive the car for a while then check the max Db reading. Very good meter, reasonable price. Good addition to my tool box. later

Took just a few minutes to figure out the tool . You'll find that reading the manual first helps a lot since there are several mode. Something that is not mentioned in the sales literature or website is the accuracy. If you are looking for super accurate, then you will need to buy other equipment to calibrate this each time you use it. However, it seems to be very consistent during a session of use. Worth the money.

I use this db meter in a professional recording studio for spot-checking SPL around the control room throughout the day and work week. It's tremendously easy to use and anyone can quickly find their way around it's buttons.

This is a nicely priced digital sound meter, it works as advertised. Easy to work, easy to adjust, end of story.

This is a nice little dB meter that was used in my daughter's science project. She did well. The ranges are broad enough to cover most applications. The meter reproduced the levels accurately. Good for the price.