Ohr-1

I really started to realize how my ear demanded higher volumes over mixing time since I am using Ohr. Ohr shows me when I stert to mix at to high volumes, when it's time to turn it down or just take some rest. Cool gadget!

Can’t say enough about this little box. Having room levels always ready at a glance is such a game changer. If you value your hearing at all, getting the Ohr-1 is a no-brainer.

I love this little tool. I've been making records for 30+ years and have had various SPL tools hanging around me, but none that was so easy to use. I have mine just visible above my main work screen, plugged into power, and on all the time. It's a great, constant reminder to respect the ol' Fletcher-Munson curve.

I had previously purchased a handheld sound level meter and although it correlates with the reading produced by the Ohr-1, it isn't rechargeable and with an LCD display isn't viewable across a desk. I had tried to use it to get a feel for SPL with pre-recorded material and I thought I had made a decent judgement for monitoring levels whilst making my own music. On arrival I started up the Ohr-1 and began a project with just two parts from my Sequential Rev-2. The parts were recreations of Shine On You Crazy Diamond Part 1, hardly the most banging piece of synthesis ever created but almost immediately the Ohr-1 was into the red zone above 85dB. Admittedly I was rather enjoying myself but it just goes to show that we are not good judges of volume. I played the genuine article back through my monitors and found it uncomfortable if the volume rose above 80dB. I have been fairly careful with sound exposure over the years and still have very good hearing for my age but from now on the Ohr-1 will be a constant companion in the studio. It is a great size - small but highly visible and you cannot miss when the display starts to turn red. If I might be so bold, I would suggest that a future version could link up with a computer app to protect from accidental exposure to unexpected loud sounds created through user error or system faults. I am very happy I purchased this.

It does one thing really well.