So, I'm the lighting guy. Switched from concerts to tradeshow during the pandemic. At that time, I was working for a guy that didn't really care, and would totally fight with the hall about things he knew he was wrong on. But that's not me. I don't like to argue with the guys just doing their job unless I am absolutely certain that me being right requires them being wrong.
So, I recently developed a need for an SPL meter. I could get a cheapo, and that would probably get the job done fine... But can I really trust the $30 model if it comes down to telling some hall guy that's been doing this since 1875 that his ear is wrong? I want to know for damned sure that my meter is correct before I make someone else's life difficult.
So. I don't need 1/100 decibel accuracy. But I do need absolute confidence that when the meter says 87 at a given point, the sound pressure is absolutely 87 and not 88. Is there a budget balanced model that you guys would put full faith in?
TIA