The all-new dB Check Pro in-ear sound level analyzer from Sensaphonics is now shipping. This product can answer the question of how loud a musician is listening to in-ear monitors (IEMs), with both earpieces in place. This patented, in-line device displays SPL levels and safe exposure times, showing both average and simultaneous levels being sent to the user’s ears. It also tracks ambient noise levels with its on-board microphone. According to the company, dB Check Pro is literally the only device on the market to give music professionals the knowledge of how loud and how long they can listen safely on stage, in rehearsal, and in the studio.

In keeping with Sensaphonics’ focus on preserving hearing health in the music industry, dB Check Pro is programmed to work with over 140 top professional IEM and headphone models from 12 leading manufacturers. This product is designed to provide musicians and sound engineers the practical knowledge they need to make smart listening choices.

“The biggest issue with in-ear monitors and hearing health is that there is no easy way to know if you are listening at safe levels. We’re changing that,” declares Sensaphonics President and audiologist Michael Santucci, AuD. “The dB Check Pro acts as a speedometer for your ears by letting you know when you’re putting yourself in danger of permanent sound-induced hearing loss. In an industry that requires excellent hearing while working at high volume levels, dB Check Pro can literally be a career saver. Every tour, every sound engineer, and every musician should have one.”

The dB Check Pro is an in-line measurement device that plugs in between an IEM or headphone and its sound source, such as a monitor mix from a console or wireless bodypack. It has no effect on sound quality. In fact, the user can listen normally even if dB Check Pro is turned off.

Setting up and using the dB Check Pro is quick and intuitive. The listener simply selects their IEM from a list of manufacturers and models, then presses the “play” icon to begin sound level analysis. The dB Check Pro’s OLED display shows both the time-averaged and real-time levels in dBA, plus daily safe exposure time in minutes under both NIOSH and OSHA scales.

Essentially, dB Check Pro works by translating the output voltage of IEMs or headphones into A-weighted decibels (dBA-SPL). To do this, it has been programmed with the manufacturer’s published specifications for sensitivity of each model. The dB Check Pro also functions as a basic environmental sound level meter, with an integral on-board microphone that measures ambient room levels. The user can set the View to display IEM/headphone levels, room ambience levels, or both together.

The dB Check Pro is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that provides 11 hours of use. Its mini-USB charging port also enables firmware updates to accommodate future IEM and headphone models. 

“At Sensaphonics, our mission is to protect the hearing of the entire music industry, not just our own clients. Intentionally designing dB Check Pro to work with all major IEM brands is a big step toward making that goal a reality,” says Dr Santucci. “It’s truly the only device that helps musicians make informed choices about how loud to monitor. The dB Check Pro is an incredible tool for using in-ear monitors safely and reducing your risk of permanent sound-induced hearing injury.”

The Sensaphonics dB Check Pro is priced at $500 and is now available for purchase online. For more information or to order, visit www.sensaphonics.com/products/db-check-pro.  

Featured image: Sensaphonics dB Check Pro helps save hearing by showing real-time levels and safe listening times for over 140 pro IEM and headphone models from 12 major manufacturers. Photo: Sensaphonics