"Previously, the dB Check was only programmed for Sensaphonics models," notes company president D. Michael Santucci. "But due to consumer requests, we decided to include the new Shure SE Series as well. Now users of both companies' earphones can tell exactly how loud they are monitoring, and how long they can do so safely."
When plugged in between the sound source and earphones, the Sensaphonics dB Check provides a real-time readout of the in-ear sound pressure level (SPL) in dBA, along with the number of minutes of daily exposure under both NIOSH and OSHA guidelines. The user simply selects the earphone model being used and a sampling time of up to one hour.
"One of the biggest problems with in-ear monitoring is knowing how loud you're actually listening," Santucci states. "In fact, studies show that most artists listen to their in-ears at the same volume as floor wedges. dB Check gives the artist enough information to make an intelligent decision on how loud they listen."
dB Check works by reading the dry voltage off the source device, combining that information with the earphones' sensitivity to translate the voltage into an A-weighted decibel reading. This patent-pending technology is available only from Sensaphonics, and works with all Sensaphonics musician earphones, plus the new Shure SE535, SE425 AND SE315 models.
The Sensaphonics dB Check in-ear sound level analyzer also includes an on-board electret microphone that allows the unit to measure open-air SPL levels. It recharges via a USB computer connection, so no batteries are required.
(Jim Evans)
