I highly recommend checking out a spectrogram app to display sound across the spectrum (y axis), over time (x axis), and with relative amplitude (color)
Is there a way to leave the niosh app unattended during a thunderstorm and then have it record all db levels of the thunder impulses, preferably in dbC or dbZ?
I think you could leave it running for awhile, unattended. Not for a hours or days, but for more than just a few minutes. You probably need to make sure your smartphone isn't set to time out after a few minutes. Another option might be the Decibel Meter app (be sure to watch the video I made about this app, too). This app starts running automatically when you open it, and automatically generates a chart. When you select a chart from the Records section and export it, you get a report that shows both the frequency and decibel readings at specific points in time, in a list. The NIOSH report will show you the highs and lows overall, but the Decibel Meter app will give you a moment-by-moment account with the date, the time, and specific readings for those moments. I think that might be what you're looking for.
On my IOS phone NIOSH appears confused with type overlaying each other line making it impossible to read. Also, there is annoying latency wait when changing any settings. It is impossible to get a dB reading with corresponding graphical spectrum display. I wanted to like NIOSH but I am very disappointed with this app.
Hi - are you using iOS or Android with this app? Do you have the latest operating system? I haven't had this issue myself. But NIOSH isn't the only smartphone app that reads decibels. I often use it -- it's free and presumably scientifically accurate, though sometimes it reads a bit lower than other apps. I do compare the results with other apps. On iOS, I've used SPL Meter by Andrew Smith. This app allow you to switch between A and C weighting and Slow-Fast response and it also uses a dial to set the range. (I haven't experimented a lot with the range.) I also recently downloaded another app: "decibel meter - dB sound detector." This one seems to have a lot of features, plus a choice of A, B, C, or Z-weighted, and it saves the results to a log. Some of these apps might cost a nominal fee, but it's probably a good idea to have multiple options.
@@Tad1945 I hope it helps you. Remember to use the "C" weighted decibels because they will capture more of the low-frequency sounds, like bass and footsteps and deep voices.
@@Tad1945 Correct. By default, most decibel-reader apps are set at "A," which doesn't pick up low frequencies very well. I've also been using another app recently called "decibel meter" by Ashraf Thoppukadavil, which seems to work pretty well. And another old standby, "SPL Meter," by Studio Six Digital. Both of these offer C-weighting and have robust features. Might be good to compare results between them.
