Handheld audio spectrum analyzer and sound level meter - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / testgear

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2018, 08:36:37 am
content: I'm looking for a device that can measure audio/sound level with frequency graph. There are the basic dB meters, the problem is that they don't break down which frequencies contribute to the overall value. So to speak, I need something like those smartphone apps:SpectroidFFT Spectrum AnalyzerAdvanced Spectrum Analyzer PROAudioToolSpeccy Spectrum AnalyzerThe problem with those apps, is that each one list different values (even 20dB difference on graph for same environment), so I suspect the microphones of smartphones probably have very bad frequency response curves, dynamic ranges, so on so forth, so it's not very accurate and trustworthy, plus not all apps are calibrated for all the android devices. I would like then, if possible, something more professional, for example to measure noise in cars, computers, or constructions sites, and see how the sound level is distributed along frequencies.EXAMPLES:Larson Davis:Handheld Sound Level Meter/Analyzer for Environmental Noise AnalysisSound Level metersPhonic:PHONIC PAA3 Handheld Audio Analyzer with USBCirrus Research:Sound Level MetersWhat do you think about them and which one(s) do you recommend?

author: serggio
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2018, 01:55:54 pm
content: I would recommendedNTI XL2.

author: mcinque
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: June 30, 2018, 08:58:15 pm
content: I use Virtins Multi instrument (SA module) with a Behringer measurement mic ecm8000, it's not too expensive and has a nice flat response.http://www.virtins.com/multi-instrument.shtml

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2018, 09:10:34 pm
content: Quote from: serggio on June 30, 2018, 01:55:54 pmThanks, I've found a shop selling the set:NTI Audio Exel Acoustic Set M2211Quote from: mcinque on June 30, 2018, 08:58:15 pmI see but those are microphones that need to be connected to a computer. It's not very portable, plus if the notebook makes some noise with the fans you are also registering that which is not ideal.I suppose you are referring to theVT RTA-168series

author: jhenderson0107
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2018, 10:20:31 pm
content: The most portable spectrum analyzer I use iTestMic (http://www.studiosixdigital.com/audio-hardware/itestmic2/), which still provides calibrated results. The iPhone/iPad app includes a nice spectrum analyzer.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 30, 2018, 10:51:13 pm
content: Quote from: jhenderson0107 on June 30, 2018, 10:20:31 pmDo you know something similar for android devices with USB-C? Maybe some USB Condenser Mic, like the Blue Yeti USB Microphone? I could use USB to USB-C adapter.Links:Blue Yeti USB Microphone - SilverThe Top 10 Best USB Microphones on Earth

author: mcinque
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: July 01, 2018, 09:15:45 am
content: QuoteDidn't understand you need portabilityQuoteThat is a kit, you can buy the multi instrument software module you need (SA, RTA etc.) and use the microphone you prefer.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2018, 10:39:55 am
content: Quote from: mcinque on July 01, 2018, 09:15:45 amWell, portability is not always mandatory, could use some laptop like macbook air for in-place measurements, with an external microphone with good flat response along a nice frequency range (20Hz~20KHz). The Blue Yeti USB doesn't have a good frequency curve:Blue Microphones Yeti

author: Raj
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2018, 01:25:15 pm
content: Mic's bad?get an external micI would have used a high quality adc on my computer with audacity for processing the graphs.

author: Bassman59
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2018, 03:28:25 pm
content: Quote from: jancelot on June 30, 2018, 10:51:13 pmFor acoustic measurement, you do NOT want a cardioid microphone designed for vocal/speech work like those mics listed in that Top 10. You want a small-diaphragm omnidirectional condenser mic, like the Behringer previously mentioned (they’re variable, so you might have to buy a few and test them to determine which is the most accurate). The NTI mics are very good. The Earthworks are the best, and priced accordingly.

author: jancelot
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2018, 09:57:24 pm
content: Quote from: Bassman59 on July 01, 2018, 03:28:25 pmThe Earthworks M50 is outstanding, but I guess you can't just connect it to a USB-C smartphones directly. How does it operate exactly for measuring purposes?

author: chris_leyson
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: July 01, 2018, 10:29:10 pm
content: QuoteGot the Behringer ECM8000 because it was $5 cheaper than the Nady CM100. Nice comparison of measurement mics herehttp://realtraps.com/art_microphones.htmGood site with lots of useful info.

author: bozidarms
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: July 02, 2018, 07:44:31 am
content: NTI XL2is a real professional-lab grade acoustics and audio analyzer.Better than HP 8903B or R&S UPA, plus FFT, Octave analysis...,and all that in a hand-held unit - i can highly recommend.