PocketNoise Support

Professional Sound Level Meter & Noise Logger

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We typically respond within 24 hours on business days (Mon – Fri).

How to Use PocketNoise

🎙 1. Measuring Sound Levels

Step 1 — Open PocketNoise. On first launch, grant microphone permission when prompted. This is required for all dB measurements.

Step 2 — The Meter tab shows real-time decibel readings. Point your iPhone's microphone toward the sound source you want to measure.

Step 3 — The large gauge displays the current dB level. The color changes from green (safe) to yellow, orange, and red as levels increase.

💡 Tip: Hold the phone with the microphone (bottom edge) facing the sound source, and keep your hand away from covering the mic.

📋 2. Recording a Noise Session

Step 1 — Tap the Record button on the Meter screen to start logging noise levels.

Step 2 — PocketNoise logs dB samples at your configured interval (default: 1 second). The session continues until you stop it.

Step 3 — Tap Stop to end the recording. The session is automatically saved with start time, duration, average dB, and peak dB.

💡 Tip: You can tag the recording's GPS location by tapping the location icon during or after recording.

📊 3. Viewing Noise History

Tap the History tab to see all saved recordings:

Each entry shows date, duration, average dB, and peak dB at a glance.
Tap any entry to open the detail view with a full time-series chart.
Swipe left on an entry to delete it.

📄 4. Exporting a PDF Report

From the recording detail view, tap Export PDF to generate a professional report:

Open a recording from the History tab.
Tap the Export PDF or share button.
The PDF includes the recording metadata, time-series dB chart, and statistics (average, peak, minimum).
Use the iOS share sheet to save to Files, email, or AirDrop the report.

💡 Tip: PDF reports are useful for noise complaints, workplace documentation, or health records.

📍 5. Location Tagging

Attach a GPS location to any noise recording for location-aware documentation:

On first use, grant "While Using" location permission when prompted.
During or after a recording, tap the location pin icon to tag the current location.
The GPS coordinates are stored locally with the recording and appear in the PDF report.

Location access is entirely optional. The app's core features work without it.

🌙 6. Sleep Guard Mode

Sleep Guard alerts you when noise exceeds a set threshold during quiet hours:

Go to Settings → Sleep Guard Settings.
Enable Sleep Guard and set your quiet-hour window (e.g., 10 PM – 7 AM).
Set your noise threshold (e.g., 50 dB).
PocketNoise will send a local notification if noise exceeds the threshold during quiet hours.

💡 Tip: Useful for monitoring noisy neighbors, detecting snoring, or ensuring a quiet environment for a sleeping baby.

🎚 7. Frequency & Time Weighting

Adjust how the meter responds to different frequencies and time dynamics:

A-Weighting — Simulates human hearing sensitivity. Best for general noise assessment and health monitoring.
C-Weighting — Flat at mid and low frequencies. Best for peak measurements and machinery.
Z-Weighting — No frequency weighting. True flat response across all frequencies.
Fast (F) — 125 ms time constant. Tracks rapid noise changes.
Slow (S) — 1 second time constant. Smoothed reading, matches most professional meters.

Change these settings in Settings → Measurement.

⚙️ 8. Calibration

Fine-tune PocketNoise against a known reference:

Go to Settings → Calibration Offset.
Measure alongside a reference meter. Note the difference.
Adjust the offset (e.g., +2.5 dB or −1.0 dB) to match the reference.

💡 Tip: Device microphones vary. A calibration offset improves consistency but does not replace a certified Type 1/Type 2 sound level meter for compliance purposes.

📈 9. Frequency Spectrum Analyzer

Tap the Spectrum tab to view a real-time FFT display showing which frequency bands are loudest in your environment. Useful for identifying the source of noise (low-frequency hum, high-frequency machinery, etc.).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does PocketNoise ask for microphone permission?

Microphone access is required to measure ambient sound levels. The microphone input is processed in real time to calculate decibel values. No audio is recorded, stored as a file, or transmitted anywhere.

Why does PocketNoise ask for location permission?

Location access is optional and only requested if you tap the location pin to tag a noise recording with GPS coordinates. All location data is stored locally on your device and is never transmitted externally.

Are my readings accurate compared to a professional sound level meter?

PocketNoise uses your iPhone's built-in microphone, which varies by device model. Readings are generally within ±3–5 dB of a reference meter and are suitable for general monitoring and documentation. For regulatory compliance (OSHA, legal proceedings), use a certified Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meter per IEC 61672.

Does the app record audio?

No. PocketNoise only measures and logs decibel levels (numbers). No audio waveforms, voice, or sound clips are ever recorded, stored, or transmitted.

Can I use PocketNoise for OSHA compliance?

No. OSHA noise exposure regulations require Type 1 or Type 2 certified sound level meters meeting IEC 61672 standards. PocketNoise is designed for general monitoring and documentation, not regulatory compliance.

Where is my data stored?

All noise recordings, decibel samples, and app settings are stored locally on your device using SwiftData and iOS UserDefaults. Nothing is sent to external servers. Uninstalling the app removes all data.

Can I use PocketNoise offline?

Yes. PocketNoise works completely offline. All measurement, logging, charting, and PDF export features function without an internet connection.

How do I delete a noise recording?

In the History tab, swipe left on any recording and tap Delete.

Does PocketNoise collect any personal data?

No. PocketNoise does not collect, store, or transmit any personal information. All processing happens locally on your device. See our Privacy Policy for details.

The app crashed or isn't working properly. What should I do?

Try force-quitting and relaunching the app. If issues persist, please email us at daibou007@gmail.com with details about the problem, your device model, and iOS version.

Still Need Help?

We're happy to help with any questions or feedback.

Email: daibou007@gmail.com

Response time: within 24 hours on business days.