ACOUSTIC TEST

Hear the difference a door makes.

Acoustic Test in dB Pulse compares a source-side reading with a reading on the other side of a wall, door or window. The difference is a rough comparison of those two positions, not a certified sound insulation rating.

Feature checked against the app source · 22 October 2026

Two positions. One steady source.

Keep a steady source playing at a comfortable level. First take the source-side reading. Then move to the isolated area and take the second reading with the same device and microphone position as consistently as possible. The app shows both readings and their difference.

Do not turn a speaker up to hazardous levels for a test. Background noise, source distance, room reflections and microphone sensitivity all influence the result.

A comparison, with limits.

A two-position phone test does not measure an STC, Rw or laboratory transmission-loss rating. It cannot separate every sound path or replace standardized testing. Use it to explore a change, such as closing a door, while keeping the setup consistent.

The app's source code implements this as source reading minus isolated reading. The example above shows that arithmetic only. The browser meter is useful for an initial check; Acoustic Test is part of the iPhone app.

Continue in dB Pulse.

dB Pulse: Decibel Meter runs on iPhone with iOS 26 or later. Alongside Acoustic Test, it includes a live meter, daily noise dose, saved sessions and sustained-noise alarms. Pro adds a spectrum analyzer, reports and Apple Watch meter.

Try the browser meter · Measurement limits