Sound level meter
Turn your iPhone or iPad into a sound level meter, with a true-to-life vintage VU display and real-time readings.
Free. No ads. No subscriptions.
Sound is everywhere, from the hum of the AC to the roar of traffic. Getting a sense of how intense it is helps you protect your hearing and make smarter calls about noise.
Tap start and watch estimated sound pressure levels swing across an authentic vintage VU meter. Decibels samples continuously through your device's mic, showing current and peak readings with smooth ballistics.
Watch levels move over time on the built-in live chart. Whether you're getting a sense of a recording session or a noisy workspace, Decibels helps you understand 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.
Vintage meter aesthetics meet modern convenience. How loud is too loud?
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.
Free sound level estimates with vintage style. No ads, no subscriptions.