- 1). Look at how the decibel meter picks up the sound it is analyzing. Handheld decibel meters typically have a microphone located on the body that is used to pick up and analyze sound. However, more expensive or professional-level decibel meters sometimes get plugged into the actual audio device in order to analyze the sound directly.
- 2). Find out how the decibel meter displays the information it is analyzing. Certain decibel meters have a digital screen and display information in the form of constantly updating numbers, similar to the way a digital clock displays time. However, certain decibel meters have a needle that changes position based on the sound levels it is picking up. The needle will point at the number that represents the current decibel level.
- 3). Find out what range a decibel meter operates under. Standard decibel meters typically have a range in the area of 30 to 130 decibels and can accurately measure anything in-between those two points. Other decibel meters have a wider range and can pick up and analyze audio that would sound distorted to the human ear.
- 4). Consider what type of environment a particular meter is designed for. Certain decibel meters are designed to be used in outdoor areas and are configured for that type of situation. Others may be designed to be used in a recording studio or other confined space and may not work as well when used outdoors.
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