Analogue or Digital sound level meter?

The meter from Radio Shack is the one I own as well. This is not a precision instrument, but can hardly be faulted considering the low selling price. I doubt that there is much difference in accuracy of the two models (digital / analog) The "slow" mode (where the viewer may easily follow the analog meter swing) is as easily interpreted as the lights on the digital model. With either one of these, the main use would be to test SPL in an automobile, surround sound levels balancing, and tests for ambient sound pressure levels to insure safety with long term exposure to work noise levels. For all these things, it is a great inexpensive tool.

I have used both and find the digital one much easier to use. Also, the test results are fascinating.

I also use the digital meter from Radio Shack. I've heard a lot of people say the analogue is the better meter but they (the shack) were out that day. The very helpful manager gave me a digital unit for the price of the analogue unit. Works for me.

Hi Bmpnyc, if you check back on your original post from yesterday I added a reply today that I hope clarifies what I meant. Sorry for the confusion. I found the thread under "RECENT DISCOURSE" last 48hrs on the forums page. Later...

Thanks everyone. I'll try the analogue meter first. It seems both work well and I'd rather put the extra change toward something else, hmmm...let me see...
A nice set of Cardas rca caps? a Hubble outlet? an Auric Illuminator? Chocolat???

Hi Bmpnyc, if you check back on your original post from yesterday I added a reply today that I hope clarifies what I meant. Sorry for the confusion. I found the thread under "RECENT DISCOURSE" last 48hrs on the forums page. Later...

Either might work, as Albert posted this is no high precision instrument but is very useful.
I use the digital one paired with Chesky + stereo Review test CD (CHE151). Track 18 has a frequency sweep from 310 to 21 Hz.
Setting the SPL on a tripod at your listening position and having ready a sheet with the frequencies and a little patience you can s put the numbers you get on an Excel spreadsheet in your computer and then you can get a very nice room response map. You might need to play a little with the scaling since you might be surprised of the hills and valleys you might get.
This way you can see problem areas in your setup and work to improve your sound.
Also I used this with a 100 Hz tone to find a good place to place my equipment where you get less vibration induced by the sound in the room and has provided improvements.
I also use this to see effects like power cords and vibration control tweaks to cross check the compromises in improvements obtained vs losses.
There are other options out there for doing this and you can go as sophisticated as you like but with a little thinking you can do many things with not investing too much.
Happy listening
Regards