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

Other products by Extech Instruments

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Sound level meter measures from 40 to 130dB with an accuracy of 2dB. The digital display offers a 0.1dB resolution and features a fast responding analog bar graph. User can choose A or C weighting. Max Hold captures highest reading. Includes microphone wind screen and four AAA batteries.

Product Description

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

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9 x 1.7 x 2.2 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000EWY67W
• Item model number: 407730
• Batteries: 4 AAA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,045 in Home Improvement (See Bestsellers in Home Improvement)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Zig28 "Ziggy." (Maryland, United States) - See all my reviews

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.

15 of 16 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

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.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Extech 407730 40 works as advertised, what's not to like?, February 8, 2008

By	SloopJohnB "pbbbh" (Silver Spring, MD) - See all my reviews

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