Wondering if an app is any more (or less) accurate than my analog Radio Shack spl meter (that I have the corrections for).
Note that the linked Parts Express microphone requires a iPhone, a computer, a download, and 14 steps to calibrate. Is this progress?
Never really compared them. I do have a Radio Shack meter and the corrections (somewhere). I generally use my (Audio Control one third octave) RTA and I have compared the (same Audio Tools) App using their RTA and the microphone in my previous post and it is pretty good for what it is ($15). I also have the (Parts Express) USB microphone and Room EQ Wizard on the two Windows 10 music servers and have used RTA analysis with the program and it is really good (considering the microphone is just under $90) and in the same league as my RTA. It was not a really hard process in either case.
I'm much more used to the outboard RTA. The ideal spot is in a tape loop or between the amp and preamp and that sometimes is a pain (to get to) in my set-ups to some extent. I've used the USB microphone with Room EQ Wizard a few times and it is my goal to use it more in the next year. I'm much more used to the non-computer audio for the room analysis as I'm sure many of us are as well.
The problem with a correction chart and an SPL meter is that every room is different. Someone may be starting with a 6db room boost in their set-up at 125Hz and someone else without it. If one is applying that fixed correction for that frequency, it may not be accurate.