How Can I Calibrate A SWR Meter?

Do I need to calibrate the GM1351 SPL Meter? (Please answer, short!)?

• I got a cheap SPL Meter for general use to monitor SPL. Like how loud the music is, how loud it is on my bus, how loud is that, this, etc. I'm not using it for anything that needs CRITICAL CRITICAL accuracy like the really integrated audio stuff (I don't know a thing about that. I know I'm a noob.). Do I need to calibrate it. It's coming pre-calibrated and I've heard you only need to calibrate it to 94 dB at 1 Khertz if you need that really critical accuracy. If I do have to get it calibrated how do I for FREE? How often will I have to get it calibrated?

• Answer:

  You do not need to get it calibrated - it will work fine for everything you need it for. The calibrator for it will cost much more than the unit itself - it is not worth it. To have it calibrated would cost hundreds of dollars. The only people that use a calibrated spl meter are people who do noise measurements for the government or other critical applications.