SPL Meter vs Classical2Ear
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
SPL Meter
This application functions as a professional-grade sound level meter, measuring decibels (dB) with advanced DSP algorithms. It offers adjustable filters, decay rates, and ranges, and can be calibrated for accuracy. It supports both internal and external microphones for versatile sound measurement.
- A and C weighting filters
- ANSI Fast or Slow decay
- 40dB to 120dB ranges
- Adjustable calibration
- Internal/External mic support
- Universal app
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SPL Meter is a professional-grade sound level meter, also known as a decibel or dB meter, for your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. Modeled after a traditional analog SPL meter, we have faithfully reproduced all the characteristics and qualities found in those meters, including the ballistics, ranges, filters, and decay rates. Under the hood we have advanced DSP-based algorithms that meet or exceed ANSI / IEC Type 1 standards. And starting with iOS 6, we can disable the mic filters and limiters, to get the real world performance of a hand-held SPL meter. And now, upgrade SPL Meter with iTestMic, our pro-grade test & measurement mic, made specifically for iOS devices. Using iTestMic with SPL Meter, you get a calibrated, accurate SPL Meter, that meets industry standards for Type 2 performance. See our website for more information. But don't compare us to a Radio Shack meter, ours is much more accurate! We have also included a digital LCD display, as shown in the image, to make this the best SPL meter available for iPhone or iPad. And this is something that the old analog meters never had! The screen will flip when you flip the phone over, so that you can point the iPhone mic directly at the sound source. (iPhone X does not support upside down mode) SPL Meter is a universal app -- buy once, and use on all of your iOS devices. SPL Meter is built by the same team that created the other great professional audio and acoustics apps on the store, Studio Six Digital. Built on the engine of our more expensive "SPL" app, SPL Meter's filters and decay rates meet or exceed ANSI type 1. This app is not a toy or a game. SPL Meter is the one audio app that everyone who works in audio must have on their phone! Not only have we made the best one, but we've priced it so you can't afford not to get it. *** FEATURES: FILTERS -- A and C weighting filters are provided. DECAY -- Choose ANSI Fast or Slow. RANGES -- 40dB to 120dB in 9 ranges. CALIBRATION -- Comes pre-calibrated for the typical iPhone or iPad built-in and headset mic, but you can adjust the calibration if you have a professional, calibrated meter to compare it to. Accesses our cloud-based iOS device calibration database, which we updates as new devices are released. INTERNAL / EXTERNAL MIC -- Select Internal to activate the included compensation filter, which is designed to flatten the frequency response of the built-in or headset mic. External will work with our iPhone Measurement Mic, to be released later this summer. See our website for more details. SPL Meter is bargain-priced to make it easy for anyone to check out one of our professional, accurate apps. Studio Six Digital is dedicated to making the iPhone and Touch a professional audio and acoustics test device. Check out our full line of professional-grade audio and acoustics apps: SPL, the professional digital iPhone sound level meter, SPL Graph, for recording SPL over time, RTA, a 1/3 octave real-time analyzer, FFT, for detailed acoustic analysis, ETC, the energy-time curve function, RT60, for automated octave-band decay time measurement, Speaker Pop, to test speaker polarity, and Generator, the iPhone signal generator. Also, if you are looking for more great acoustical and audio test apps, have a look at AudioTools, our premier app for audio professionals.
Classical2Ear
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Compare. Analyze. Annotate. Unlock a deeper understanding of your classical music library. Whether you are a musician transcribing a complex solo, a student of classical form, or a dedicated listener, Classical2Ear gives you the tools to break down songs and capture your insights with precision. Precision Comparison Our intuitive interface allows you to isolate specific time segments of any classical track in your music library. Compare different time segments between two performances to analyze variations in performance, production, or composition. Local & Private Note-Taking * Keep your observations organized. Take detailed notes on every comparison you make. * No Sharing: Your insights are for your eyes only. The app has no social tracking or sharing features, ensuring your research remains private. * Seamless Sync: Using Apple’s iCloud technology, your notes automatically sync across your iPhone and iPad. Start your analysis on the go and finish it on a larger screen. Why Choose Classical2Ear? * One-Time Purchase: No subscriptions. No "pro" tiers. No hidden fees. * Privacy First: We don’t have servers, and we don't want your data. Your notes and your music library stay between you and Apple. Built for Music Students and Classical Enthusiasts: Designed for those who need more than just a "Play" button. Features at a Glance: * Segment Looping: Isolate and repeat specific time stamps. * Side-by-Side Analysis: Switch between performances with a single tap. * Text Notes: Capture your thoughts directly alongside the audio. * iCloud Integration: Your work follows your Apple ID, securely and privately. A Note on Compatibility: This app analyzes purchased or scanned classical (based on metadata) music audio files in your Music Library. Performances from Apple Music must be added to your library. (Please note: Some DRM-protected files may have limitations based on Apple Music permissions). Subscriptions Monthly for $0.99 or Annual for $9.99 Information about the auto-renewable nature of the subscription: - Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. - Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. - Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, and identify the cost of the renewal. - Subscriptions may be managed by the user and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to the user's Account Settings after purchase. - Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when the user purchases a subscription to that publication, where applicable. License terms: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: Classical2Ear at Free against SPL Meter's $0.99. SPL Meter's advantage is chart position (#84 vs unranked) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 18.6). On update cadence, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Classical2Ear is free to download; SPL Meter costs $0.99 up front. SPL Meter sells 1 one-off in-app purchase and Classical2Ear sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
SPL Meter ships an update every 3 months, Classical2Ear every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on October 31, 2026 and October 25, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | SPL Meter | Classical2Ear |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $0.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.0 (29 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 72.9% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 29 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 2 months — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Best chart rank | #84 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better | iPhone, iPad |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 — better | 18.6 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 36 MB | 6 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Andrew Smith | The Technical Area, LLC |
Bugs and requests
SPL Meter
Reported bugs
11 issues- Meter readings change completely and are not stable
- App crashes on iPhone 6s Plus with jumbled screen display
- Screen scaling issues on iPad models
- Display glitches when rotating device between portrait and landscape
- Greyed out settings after installation
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- Blurry UI and low resolution after updates
- App fails to respond or shows 999dB reading
- Incompatibility with iOS 8 and iOS 10.3.2
- Screen only fills bottom-left corner of display
- Microphone not responding with external mics
- Feedback/screeching with certain external microphones
Requested features
12 requests- Larger meter display in landscape mode
- Digital-only display option without analog meter face
- Peak hold and min/max reading indicators
- Time-based decibel graph visualization
- Linear response visual option in addition to logarithmic
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- Lighter display theme for outdoor readability
- Larger digital numbers for better visibility
- Data capture and note-tagging functionality
- Three-point calibration system
- Octave band analysis
- Automatic range selection
- Improved knob/dial controls (less touchy)
Classical2Ear
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
SPL Meter
- Controls & Ad-Free$0.99
Classical2Ear
- Classical2Ear monthly$0.991 Month
- Classical2Ear Annual Subscription$9.991 Year
Questions
Is SPL Meter free?
Is Classical2Ear free?
Do SPL Meter or Classical2Ear have ads?
Which is updated more often, SPL Meter or Classical2Ear?
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