Decibel Meter and Recorder eS528L with Updated 2023 Software – Digital Sound Level Meter, Noise Logger and Tester – Max/Min/Hold, Range 30-130 dBA

Data storage did not work on 1 of 2 units purchased. They asked for a video in order to return only three days after purchase. Lacks class.

Buy a calibration set. Just do it. And no, you won't find anything at the same price point that will perform any better (I tried). I actually really like this thing, it's (after NIST cals done) very accurate and has about 15-16 hours of recording time at the very highest data rate- more if you lower it some. The display is easy to read, the buttons work well, and it's intuitive to use. The ding in the rating comes from the SOFTWARE. The software is AWEFUL, counterintuitive, and generally difficult to use. It was obviously rushed to market and has not been maintained.Just export the entire data set to Excel and process it by hand, you're far better off (Good luck getting the comms going!-- you'll get it working eventually, but be prepared for a bit of a struggle). One piece of advice: use a very high quality USB cable. Don't use junk cables, or the one that came with it. It's picky.

The unit itself seemed very good as a decibel meter. I had bought two different meters at the same time and both gave almost identical readings in a couple of different sound settings. The problem I had with this one was being able to start the recording process.The software downloaded from both the little disk included and from the website no problem (I tried both downloads because of the problem I was having). After the software was opened on my laptop.... I could not get the software to connect to the unit. I tried all three of my USB ports, a different USB cord than the one that came with the unit, etc... but I could not get the software to "find" the unit. Without "talking" to the software, I could not get the record button on the unit to do anything. I tried for over two hours and then gave up. The second meter that I had purchased was a little difficult to get into record mode, but I did get it to do it in about 10 minutes.I like the features of this unit for just using as a hand held meter.... but, if you need to record the "session", I would be leery.

I was nervous about purchasing this due to the many negative reviews about problems getting it working with a laptop and the software. I am running a modern laptop with the latest version of Windows and it was a breeze to set up. I downloaded the software from the manufacturer's website and installed it from there. Also easy.I needed the record over time feature and it is great. It allows me to record noise emanated by my business over time to ensure I am not causing a noise problem for neighbors. Downloading a full set of data just takes a few minutes and the graph view allows me to see when the problem times are.Would purchase again.

Updated to state that I found a software patch on EnnoLogic's website for the device. Once loaded, I was able to record and run reports. Still only 4 stars due to ease of use. Disappointed that it was such a hassle to get full use out of it.Bought this device to record noisy neighbors, however due to failed software, the device is useless for it's intended purposes. I can't speak to accuracy for measuring noise levels, however it seems to pick up noise to confirm that, yes, the neighbors are noisy. Without the ability to record, it's just a novelty item that I'll give to my son to play with.