
The sturdy, padded cases is nice. It is easy to turn the power on and get a reading. Hitting power again briefly toggles on a backlight (that's nice). By randomly pushing buttons, I can change between A and C weighting (there is no information about why one would want to do that but that is easy to learn on the web). The large, central "Level/Rec" button switches between dB ranges and includes "auto" at setting 04 for the full stated range of 30-130dB. The "F/S" (fast/slow) button obscurely toggles a mark below the dB level numbers from left to right but doesn't seem to change the fast rate (faster than every second) that the readout changes. I think "Slow" is supposed to update each second.
Oddly, when I change the range, the readout changes dramatically. That doesn't make sense to me. I would think in the wrong range it should be pinned at the max or min level, but holding the unit in my hand while my laptop is nearby reads ~33 at level 1 (30-80), ~44 at level 2(50-100), ~60 at level 3(80-130), and back to ~33 at level 4 (auto). The values change continuously within a small range at all settings. A tiny word appears in the upper left corner if it is out of range ("over" or "under") -not really legible without a magnifying glass, but once you know it is there, that is useful. But the design of the range feature seems almost as bad as the design of the manual. Can I even trust the simple readings without separately calibrating the device? I guess it is useful for relative readings.
It has a "time chip" feature which seems to allow setting date and time. That would be nice but I can't tell how to use it yet and so I don't know if it keeps track of date and time when turned off or when the battery is changed. The manual claims it supports a separate power supply using the non-existent "DC 9V connector on the side panel." It does have a tripod jack.
When I figure out how to use the max/min and recording functions and get a better idea of how useful this device is, I'll update the review. Unfortunately I'm not going to invest in an different, more expensive brand/model or a $300 calibration device, so I will not be able to know if it is accurate, just reproducible.
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The meter is very nicely packaged in a foam lined snap-to-close carrying case.The user manual was poorly written by someone whose first language is NOT English. Cannot figure out how to complete some functions. It is terrible.
Some of the screen printed labels on the meter buttons / switches are faded and hard to read, as if the meter had been used a lot...even though it is new.
Also the manual says that an AC adapter can be used but there is no place on the unit to plug it in!
I have not actually used the meter yet, so the jury is still out on its performance.
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The recording function appears to only capture the data for each point that you hit record. Other data logging sound level meters capture a stream of data over the period that you choose. This was a critical feature for me so I returned it and purchased the Extech HD600 Datalogging Sound Level Meter (which is 5x more expensive but that's what you have to pay for data logging). My frustration with this product is that the description is unclear about the "recording function" feature. Otherwise I'm sure it's a fine sound level meter for live monitoring.Want Pyle PSPL05R Digital Sound Level Meter with Recording Function Discount?
I bought this sound meter after much research. I looked at several other brands and models and decided to try this one because it offered a wider range of coverage and the cost was not too high. This meter covers decibel ranges down to 30db which I needed. Measurements down to 30db allow you to measure ambient room noise in very quiet situations such as urban household environments. If you attempt a measurement in a sound proofed room then you will get an Out of Range indication but that's to be expected. It also has preset ranges that allow for more precise measurements and a wide range preset that covers the whole spectrum that the meter is capable of measuring. The display is well lit, easy to read but the controls can be a bit cumbersome until you get used to them. The sensitivity is good also, it seemed to respond to even a dog barking outside in the distance which is encouraging. The case it comes with is well padded and provides quite a bit of protection for transporting the unit from place to place. All in all, this meter is a pretty good sound meter for the price and works well. I would recommend it highly.
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