Sinometer JTS1357 Digital Sound Level Meter
This device is easy to learn and operate; there are only five [control] buttons:
1. On/off button. Turns device on or off.
2. "Level" selects one of five dB range choices: 30-130, 30-80, 50-100, 60-110, 80-130. (The Amazon ad lists four choices, so I must have received a newer model.) Presumably, a range other than 30-130 has increased accuracy within that range. However, my meter showed the same reading when it was set to the widest spread (30-130), so that's where I keep it.
3. "Max" toggles between Max on and Max off. If on, the digital readout shows the highest dB encountered, since Max was turned on. If off, the digital readout fluctuates (as per the fast/slow setting) depending on the ambient sound level.
4. "A/C" toggles between A & C. A is weighted for general sound level measurements. C is weighted for checking the low frequency content of sound. Unless you're a sound engineer, just leave it on the default: A
5. "Fast/Slow" toggles between "fast" & "slow". Fast is for normal measurements or for sound bursts (displays just over three reading per second). Slow is for checking average level of fluctuating sound (displays one reading per second.) When Max is "off", you can see the device instantly react to sounds; once or three times per second, depending on the Fast/Slow setting.
The device displays decibels via a 4-digit LCD readout, to a tenth of a dB (e.g., 118.2), and a simulated digital sweep meter readout. The sweep readout isn't very useful IMO, since it moves too fast to read accurately.
The Max feature, on the other hand, is extremely useful. Simply place the meter at the preferred distance from the sound source with Max on. When done, the loudest sound is displayed in dB.
If a sound is louder than the range the meter is set to, an "over-load" light flashes. There's also an "under-load" light if the sound is quieter than the lowest end of the selected range.
Here are four sound test examples:
1. The quietest room in our house (basement rec room with carpet), where the only thing I could hear was a ticking clock: 33.5 dB. After putting the clock under a pillow, the silent room read 32.4 dB. Had to stop breathing during the test, as that showed 38 dB (at 5 feet distance).
2. My wife's loudest [deafening] scream at 5' away: 118 dB (I wore ear plugs for this test).
3. Playing my trumpet as loud as I can, 5' from meter: 114.4 dB
4. Not a scientific test, but on several TV shows tested, nearly all of the ads were louder than any part of the show itself, by 3 to 6 dB.
The meter back has a threaded brass insert for the device to be mounted on a tripod. There are also three jacks; one for using transformer power instead of the batteries; plus AC & DC output jacks for engineers and hobbyists. The molded case is useful for storage and transportation protection. The included foam ball that fits over the receiver end is only needed if the device is used during high winds. Needs 4 AA batteries (included), which are supposed to last 30 hours. The meter appears to be of high quality.
Highly recommended if you need (or just want) a sound meter!