Ever wonder how loud your surroundings really are? Decibels transforms your iPhone or iPad into a sound level meter with a beautiful vintage VU meter display and real-time SPL monitoring. Whether you're checking noise levels in your workspace, getting a sense of sound during recordings, or simply curious about the acoustic environment around you, Decibels provides helpful sound level estimates with elegant, intuitive design.
Sound surrounds us everywhere—from the hum of air conditioning to the roar of traffic, from whispered conversations to concert halls. Understanding the true intensity of these sounds helps us protect our hearing, optimize our environments, and make informed decisions about noise exposure.
Simply tap start and watch as estimated sound pressure levels appear on an authentic vintage VU meter design. The app continuously samples ambient sound levels using your device's built-in microphone, displaying both current readings and peak measurements with smooth, responsive ballistics.
Observe sound levels over time with the built-in live chart that visualizes acoustic trends and patterns. Whether you're getting a sense of a recording session, checking general workplace noise levels, or studying environmental sound patterns, Decibels provides helpful estimates for understanding your acoustic environment.
Combining the timeless appeal of analog VU meters with your device's built-in audio capabilities.
Sound level measurement has a long history in audio and acoustic engineering. Classic VU meters, with their graceful needle movements and calibrated scales, guided engineers and audiophiles for decades—delivering vital information through beautifully crafted analog displays.
Decibels honors this legacy by recreating the look and feel of vintage meters while using your smartphone's microphone for convenient sound level estimates. From the cream-colored face to the smooth needle ballistics, every detail evokes the craftsmanship of classic audio gear.
Whether you love vintage equipment, are curious about your acoustic environment, or simply want a sense of sound levels in daily life, Decibels makes each measurement informative and visually satisfying. Readings are estimates and not for scientific or safety-critical use.
Vintage meter aesthetics meet modern convenience.
Continuous sound pressure level estimation using your device's microphone, displayed on both the vintage meter and digital readout.
Authentic analog meter design with smooth needle ballistics, cream paper face, and scale markings from 30-120 dB for visual appeal.
Real-time visualization of sound level trends with scrolling chart display, perfect for observing acoustic patterns over time.
Automatic peak level capture and display, helping you identify the loudest moments in any acoustic environment.
Intelligent interface that adapts to iPhone and iPad orientations, optimizing the meter display and controls for any device configuration.
Optimized audio processing algorithms provide smooth operation while preserving battery life during extended use.
Built with care for the best estimates your device can provide.
Decibels uses your device's built-in microphone and digital signal processing to convert audio input into sound level estimates. The app employs RMS (Root Mean Square) analysis to provide readings that give you a general sense of acoustic intensity in your environment.
The vintage meter display features carefully tuned ballistics that mirror classic analog VU meters—fast attack response for sudden sounds and slower decay for natural visual feedback. This creates the familiar, satisfying feel that made classic audio meters so appealing to watch.
Important: Decibels provides sound level estimates for general reference only. Results may vary based on device microphone characteristics and should not be used for scientific measurements, safety compliance, or any application requiring calibrated accuracy.
From home offices to coffee shops, get a sense of sound levels wherever you are.
Home Studios: Get a general sense of ambient noise levels and room acoustics during recording sessions. Useful for understanding your recording environment.
Content Creation: Check venue acoustics and get an idea of sound levels during performances or recordings. Helpful for making general assessments about audio environments.
Work Environments: Assess general noise levels in work spaces to understand acoustic comfort and identify particularly noisy periods.
Home Environment: Estimate appliance noise, HVAC systems, or general neighborhood sounds. Create a baseline understanding of your living space's typical sound levels.
Travel & Leisure: Evaluate hotel rooms, restaurants, or venues for general noise levels. Make informed decisions about acoustic comfort in different spaces.
General Awareness: Build awareness of sound levels in your daily activities and environments. Great for satisfying curiosity about the acoustic world around you.
Note: All measurements are estimates only. For safety-critical applications, workplace compliance, or scientific measurements, please use properly calibrated professional equipment.
Free sound level estimates with vintage style. No ads, no subscriptions.
