Should you use a actual SPL meter, or just an app for your phone?

I finally have had time to sit down and write a post for here. I still have to redo the video on wrapping cables.  Something happened with my GoPro and I had to reformat the card and lost everything on it. Oh well, could be worse!  I recently wrote my Amateur Radio Operator exam and passed. Getting ready for the exam had taken up a lot of my spare time. Now on with the post.

I have seen a lot of debates online about iPhone/iPad apps vs SPL meters. For the most part, the two camps  seem evenly split on which is the better device.  I personally use either one depending on the application and purpose. 

For personal reference while mixing I use either my phone or iPad with the internal mic. This allows me to have a close approximation of the sound level as well as using my ears. 

For tuning a system I use a calibrated mic with a mic interface into my iPad. The calibrated mic insures I am getting the most accurate reproduction of the sound in a room. This is important in order to set the equalizer correctly for the space. 

For certification or similar types of applications I will always use a calibrated SPL meter.

On this, I haven’t found is a real world comparison between a iPhone/iPad and a SPL meter.

Click on the link below to see the video of me comparing the three.

https://youtu.be/hxrcMmqgpO0

Both my iPhone app and iPad app can be “calibrated” for the purpose of this post.  I didn’t calibrate them, as you can see the SPL meter indicates the levels are very close to one another. I set all three to A weight and slow. ( I will be covering the difference weight settings in a upcoming post). My phone was a lot more off but still close enough for a reference and I could have “calibrated” it to be closer. I did find the difference between the phone and the iPad surprising but not unexpected. Someone else’s results will be different depending on the app they use and if they have a case on their phone or tablet. 

So should you invest in a actual SPL meter or is the phone/tablet app suitable?

If all you are needing is a reference there is no need to invest in a SPL meter. Just invest in a reasonably priced phone or tablet app and make sure it has a “calibration” adjustment on it. 

I think I have shown that it is not necessary to invest in an SPL meter for operator reference.