Comparison

Tracebook vs ARCQ SPL

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Tracebook

Features
Read full description

Tracebook is an independent public non-profit community that promotes the open exchange of loudspeaker system reference data measured by audio professionals for audio professionals. The app is an iOS version of the Tracebook website found at https://trace-book.org. The reference data includes: • Magnitude • Phase • Coherence • Measurement details

About

ARCQ SPL

Transform your device into a precision sound pressure level meter. Analyze real-time A- and C-weighted measurements, view live spectrum analysis, and utilize flexible input options for accurate audio monitoring.

Highlights
  • Real-time A- and C-weighted measurements
  • Octave-band spectrum analyzer
  • Flexible input options (built-in, USB, Bluetooth)
  • Simultaneous metric display
  • Customizable averaging windows
  • On-device processing for privacy
Features
Read full description

SPL Meter turns your iPhone or iPad into a precision sound pressure level meter for musicians, audio engineers, AV techs, and anyone who needs to know how loud it really is. Built around real-time A- and C-weighted measurement, SPL Meter shows the readings the pros actually use — not a single number, but a full panel of simultaneous metrics. MEASUREMENTS • LAS / LCS — A- and C-weighted level with SLOW or FAST time weighting • LAeq / LCeq — equivalent continuous level over your chosen averaging window • LCpeak — true C-weighted peak, instant and max-hold • TWA — time-weighted average for noise-exposure style monitoring • Instant, average, and max-hold values side by side LIVE SPECTRUM • Real-time octave-band spectrum analyzer • Drag across the display to read the level at any frequency • Double-tap to expand for a full-screen view FLEXIBLE INPUT • Use the built-in microphone or any connected USB, Bluetooth, or headset input • Multi-channel interfaces supported — pick the exact input channel • A/B capture: freeze two readings and see the difference DESIGNED FOR REAL WORK • Choose your averaging window to suit the room and the source • Custom thresholds and profiles • Clean, high-contrast layout that reads at a glance on stage or in the field • Universal — optimized for both iPhone and iPad PRIVATE BY DESIGN SPL Meter does all processing on-device. Audio is never recorded, saved, or transmitted. There are no accounts, no analytics, no tracking, and no ads. A NOTE ON ACCURACY Like any phone-based meter, readings depend on your device's microphone and are not a substitute for a calibrated Class 1/2 sound level meter for compliance work. SPL Meter is a powerful, consistent tool for monitoring, comparison, and setup — not a certified measurement instrument.

Screenshots

Tracebook3 screens
ARCQ SPL4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is price: Tracebook at Free against ARCQ SPL's $5.99. ARCQ SPL's advantage is update cadence (every 2 days vs every 3 weeks). On ads, in-app purchases, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price Ā· Rating Ā· Positive reviews Ā· Number of ratings Ā· Update frequency Ā· Ads Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Monetization Ā· Best chart rank Ā· Devices Ā· Requires iOS

CostPrice Ā· In-app purchases Ā· Ads Ā· Monetization

Tracebook is free to download; ARCQ SPL costs $5.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Tracebook ships an update every 3 weeks, ARCQ SPL every 2 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and October 8, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard2 real differences Ā· 6 level
Tracebook versus ARCQ SPL: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterTracebookARCQ SPL
PriceFree — better$5.99
Positive reviews—100.0% of reviews
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeksEvery 2 days — better
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
Monetization—Paid
DevicesiPhone, iPadiPhone, iPad, Mac — better
Requires iOS16.6 — better17.0
Further details — not scored
Size3 MB2 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperMarcus PainterJRB LAB

In-app purchases

None

Tracebook

No in-app purchases

None

ARCQ SPL

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Tracebook free?
Tracebook is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is ARCQ SPL free?
ARCQ SPL costs $5.99, with no in-app purchases.
Do Tracebook or ARCQ SPL have ads?
Neither Tracebook nor ARCQ SPL shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Tracebook or ARCQ SPL?
Tracebook ships an update every 3 weeks, and ARCQ SPL every 2 days. Most recently, Tracebook was updated on October 1, 2026 and ARCQ SPL on October 8, 2026.

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