Interesting update re phone apps: the two iPhone apps I had settled on a few years ago as giving readings near identical to one another and entirely consistent with published typical sound levels and with my memory of music levels from the days when I had access to a proper calibrated meter, were Decibel X and dB Volume. My one of choice of these two was Decibel X. Interestingly, however, playing music last night I thought I’d check the level (with Decibel X) and was very surprised to get a reading of only just over 70 average, expecting more like 80 or so. I then tried dB volume, which read 9-10dB higher! Comparing the two further that difference is pretty consistent, and it is dB Volume that gives readings more like expected values, although it is of course possible that the true value lies somewhere between the two, so now I have to abandon Decibel X (or use it and add 10dB - I do prefer its functionality), or maybe find a reference sound level source to check/calibrate with.
I have no explanation for the two now reading so differently when some years ago they read more or less the same - in the meantime I’ve updated phone, OS, and of course the apps will have updated, but no idea why that should make a difference unless one (and I take it to be Decibel X) has made some more fundamental change to its algorithm.
Probably worth looking at the case of these devices. Some preferring a very minimal and others a more extravagant job.
Similarly when taking images with the camera. Sometimes obscured by the cut out given for the lense.
These are iPhone apps - the mic is the same regardless of which app, and I to the best of my awareness the microphone is a simple one and AFAIK its directionality can’t be varied or selected by the app - unless anyone knows different?
Yes if you’re using an iPhone naked - without a case.
iPhone cases come in many different forms. Some just a hard shell and others a flip wallet affair.
Perhaps you’re using a case that’s not suitable for your iPhone generation ?
They often like to change things around. One could have the mic in one area and a newer/older one in another. If you have the wrong case the mic may well be obscured and without it’s appointed opening.
No, the case is correct for the phone, and leaves the microphone fully open - and in any case (!) any muffling of the sound would be the same regardless of app.
Ok. Just trying to help narrow down why these apps show different results.
I think I have read this before here. They can only give an approximation. Really needing as has been said to use a recognised dedicated decibel recording device.
Again, if the noise floor is consistently high, it remains high during the quiet passages in the music, regardless of the playback volume. In music with dynamic variations, these quiet passages are essential for emotional impact and contrast. However, a high noise floor during these moments can mask subtle details and nuances, diminishing the intended effect of the quieter sections.
Just to be certain I took the case off the phone, and confirm no effect on either app. But the plot thickens! Remembering previous use when IIRC I had much the same results on both iPhone and iPad I tried the apps on my iPad. On the iPad these two apps give the same reading (within IdB) Decibel X 4dB higher than same app on the phone and dB Volume 6dB lower than same app on phone. Phone is iPhone SE from 2022, and iPad is Gen 6 from 2018. Both using same generation of OS.
Yes, you’re right can with music having a wide dynamic range (mainly some orchestral, but my point was that I don’t think that is what drives tha vast majority -if anyone’s - choice to play at an average level of 70 or 80 or higher.
With one piece if music I have gad to suppress my playing level, down to an average of 70 or a little below, for max volume reasons - to protect speakers: Telarc’s 24 bit version of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 where above that the canons pushed my amp into clipping (trying to exceed probably 119dB at 1m)
I admire your persistence.
I have the original db level app. Looking it’s no longer available. It just gives a simple level without a breakdown of frequencies.
At the time I preferred this, although I might look further now into updating it.
If listening at a lower volume is more affected by the noise floor compared to higher volumes, as you initially wrote, this is incorrect. However, by stating that no one will increase the loudness due to ambient noise, I can’t argue about listening behavior. But if they do, the masking effect is only effective during busy passages, not the quieter ones.
regarding cases (that may affect mic pickup):
it is interesting that Anthem Room Correction on phone/ipad demands cases to be removed.
to be fair the multipoint measurement that deals with standing waves/furniture affects etc is made to make a listening ZONE neutral and, when using their microphones, requires inputing the serial specific to the mic-on the basis that its’ measured pickup response can be factored.
ARC is about as good as it gets in the consumer space for sane money, but the ipad/iphone measurements are ‘very different’ from using a proper dedicated mic.
the literature, when explaining why cases NEED be removed, is pretty on point about the capabilities of the microphones in those devices and the demands for accuracy by the ARC measurement software.
I have used an iPad and an iPhone (Android has too many devices to be practical for this software in my eyes), and tue results were certainly more ‘fun’. (bass results hadnt been anywhere near as well calibrated as the serialised/measured/‘calibrated’ Anthem mics)
Interesting question. I’m sat drinking coffee and idly browsing the ‘net. Music is 70dba by phone meter. 552 is around 7-8 on the dial , 7:30 ish if it were a clock. Muted and then background noise is recording at 41 dba. I cannot hear any background noise. Turn the volume up until I can just hear the music and it’s 41.7. Room is largish at 13m by 3.5 plus an open plan kitchen on the side at one end, making a large L shape. I sit about 3 m facing the speakers.
9 on the dial gives me 94 dba and sounds too loud and intrusive, 84 ish dba is comfortable and sets the speakers alive.