ExtechSL510 Sound Level Meter

I have an older DB meter that does straight readings. I was looking for something that I could use for averaging and finding peak volumes so I gave this a try. It's not at all expensive, is easy to use, and seems to work correctly. I have a high end calibrated source for my older meter, and when I tried it on the Extech it read exactly the correct value. So in a static situation the meter is very accurate. While I don't have any way to test it for peak or average readings, I'm guessing that it's probably pretty darn close. I plan on using this for measuring shop machine noise levels, and also for monitoring sound levels for the PA for a jazz band I play in. If you need a DB meter, this one will do a good job at a great price.

I purchased this as a gift for an engineer, knowing how much he likes data. He LOVES it.If you purchase it new in packaging, it comes with batteries, which was a nice bonus, and the windscreen does help when you're in an area with gusting a/c or things moving. He did say that it might read just a tiny bit high, but not so much that you can't get accurate readings. He's been playing with it all week testing everything from car highway noise to heavy duty machinery at work and has found that it reads quickly, accurately and the memory function is quite useful. It's a "nice blend of not too sensitive and sensitive enough to work well".I would highly recommend the meter, considering how much fun he's had with it. Great buy!

Nice and compact, I have not had any issues with the device.

So far this meter seems to be working alright enough. We have used this on numerous occasions: checking noise level of a window air conditioner to determine if there was any way to dampen the noise level via adding various barriers around window; checking noise level of mowers, tractor, and weed eaters - though we always wear some sort of protective ear gear (plugs or muffs). By measuring equipment we use /have on hand, this gives us a more realistic idea as to what level of noise reduction we want to target / pay for with future replacement or other "noise producing" equipment. I could use this in my business, as I believe the quality is sufficient for the purposes of a very "limited" sound survey.

Bought this for 5-6 times more than those low end products expecting to get a high quality one. But no, just the opposite. It worked out of box for about 20 minutes then the reading went on its own and did not response to any sound anymore. Also it seems cheaply manufactured - metal part looks dull and plastic parts are roughly fit. I am packing it for a return. Will try a different brand other than Extech.

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 got this a few days ago and its an incredible meter. first, it uses the much cheaper AAA batteries vs the expensive 9 volt batteries. I have a callibrator and it measured right on when I got it. the instruction manual doesnt tell how to calibrate it but the online manuael at extech does show you how. this meter is a very accurate CLASS 2 meter, a CLASS 1 is better but costs $700+ dollars. this meter can be used in court procedings and government monitering. a UNCLASSIFIED meter that costs under $100 or so is not nearly as accurate as a class 1 or class 2. ( class 1 & 2 is slightly better meters than TYPE 1 and 2 meters). this meter does A and C weighting, peak measurments, and max and minimum measurements over time. the ONLY thing I dont like? its only backlit for 10 seconds after pushing the button. for $126 for a class 2 meter from a top company like extech its the best sound level meter you will find. spend the $126 on this meter plus a $110-$150 for a class 1 calibrator like I bought on amazon and you will be set for years of accurate sound level measurements. dont bother with the $20-$80 meters if you want true readings.