Person holding a smartphone up in the street, with a card in the background. The phone is showing a noise measuring app

Phone Apps

Your phone is a great sound measuring device!

We have a very good measuring device in our hands – most of the time!

While cell phones are designed to capture our voices while minimizing background noises, they are still very useful to learn about sound, sound levels and what sound levels we are being subjected to.

Check out the slides below and learn about the 3 options for phone apps. There is an app for everyone.

At the end is a discussion about the logarithmic scale of sound.

My favorite: All phones

 SmarterNoise  is the free version that records audio, video and decibel levels and more in one file. I moved to the pro version as the free one had loud ads. Go figure.

 SmarterNoisePro  is the paid version. It has these features:

  • Frequency spectrum display with several display modes
  • A-, C- or no frequency weighting for sound level measurement
  • Slow, fast or peak update mode
  • Limited length recording
  • Export of measurement data in CSV format
  • Updated user interface
  • No ads
Garbage truck representing noise from waste collection services

Noise Capture (Android)

 Noise Capture  was developed by two universities in France. If you submit your data it becomes part of research.  More here. 

It is a free and open-source Android application that allows users to measure and share the noise environment. Each noise measure is combined with its GPS track so that the result can be displayed in interactive maps within the application. More information is  on their website. 

Check out NoiseCapture

Smartphone showing decibel readings and noise spectrum while measuring traffic noise outdoors

Check out this tutorial:

NIOSH (iphone)

Developed in the US by the National Institute of Safety & Health. The NIOSH Sound Level Meter (SLM) app measures workplace noise to determine if workers are exposed to hazardous noise. The free app combines the best features of professional sound levels meters and noise dosimeters into one simple tool.

Screenshots of the NIOSH iPhone app displaying sound level measurements and hearing safety information

If you feel like watching a video….

Logarithmic Scale

For International Noise Awareness Day (April 24) the documentary “The Quietest Year” was launched. This is an entertaining and informative film. It also had great graphics.

This clearly shows how peak noise events (especially at night) that go from 50 or 60 db to 90 are disruptive, disturbing and harmful to our health.

Visual explaining how a jump from 50 or 60 dB to 90 dB greatly increases perceived loudness and can be harmful at night