Car Audio SPL Meter

An SPL meter measures sound pressure level in decibels. In car audio competition, an SPL meter is used to measure how loud a system plays inside a vehicle.

The industry-standard SPL meter for car and motorcycle audio competition — trusted by professional sound-off organizations worldwide for over 25 years.


Term-LAB MagnumCES Innovations LogoThe Term-LAB Magnum delivers accurate, repeatable SPL measurements from everyday listening levels up to 190+ dB. Originally introduced in 1998, the Term-LAB system evolved past conventional microphones by developing its own proprietary sensor technology for high-SPL environments, an innovation honored at the 2003 CES Innovations Design & Engineering Showcase. Since 2015, the fully digital Term-LAB Magnum has taken that legacy further, serving as the official SPL meter for sound-off organizations and tens of thousands of sanctioned events worldwide.

Best Car Audio Top 100Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential Car Audio Products of All Time by BestCarAudio.com, the Term-LAB revolutionized the industry. Once SPL competitors figured out how to fool traditional diaphragm-based microphones, Wayne Harris designed the Term-LAB system. By replacing standard mic elements with advanced pressure transducers, the system delivered accurate, tamper-proof SPL readings. Competitions were never the same—and today, the Term-LAB Magnum continues that standard as the ultimate professional tool for car audio competition, amplifier testing, and precision sound system tuning.

Term-LAB Digital Super Sensor

High-SPL Sensor Technology. 190+dB. No Calibration.

The Term-LAB Super Sensor is purpose-built for extreme sound pressure levels of car and motorcycle audio systems. This includes dual circuitry to allow for BOTH types of High SPL Measurements: Low Frequency, High SPL measurements AND Broadband, High SPL measurements. In standard SPL mode it operates like a normal SPL sensor. In RTA judging mode for open show style measurements, the max frequency is up to 3,000 Hz.

  • Low-Frequency HIGH SPL: Engineered for sub-bass and competition testing.
  • Broadband HIGH SPL: Engineered for demo vehicles and open show formats.
Winner's Edge Analysis Graph

Winner’s Edge Analysis

The Winner's Edge logging and analysis module is a free subscription benefit for Term-LAB Magnum/Rebel customers with an active maintenance plan.

Winner's Edge allows you to save measurements for test purposes. You can then analyze these measurements to identify problems and make adjustments to maximize your score. 

Winner's Edge Features Include

  • Supports multiple vehicle profiles
  • More than 100 measured and/or calculated values are stored when you save a measurement.
  • Flexible filters help you focus on only those measurements that meet specific criteria.
  • An integrated chart allows you to compare up to 4 different measurement parameters at once.
  • Current weather conditions may be saved with each measurement.
  • Winner's Edge will calculate the actual air density for the entered values.
  • Frequency Grouping can be used to compare performance between differing measurement conditions.

dB Drag Racing Competition Lanes

Engineered for the Lanes

Whether you're fine-tuning a build in the shop, testing amplifier performance, optimizing a car or motorcycle audio system, or running an official competition, the Term-LAB Magnum delivers the accuracy that sanctioning bodies, retailers, installers, and top competitors rely on every day.

  • Available Configurations: Single sensor, dual sensor, and combo packages.
  • XLR input for full spectrum analysis (20 Hz - 20 kHz)
  • Power Probes: Optional add-ons for simultaneous, real-time amplifier power measurement.
  • What's Included: Every Magnum system ships complete with the USB Interface, Digital Super Sensor, cables, military-grade hard case, and Term-LAB software license.

Trusted by competitors, retailers, event promoters, and certified judges across car and motorcycle audio organizations worldwide.

Ships worldwide. Includes full Term-LAB software license — compatible with Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Term-LAB Test Equipment

What is the most popular Term-LAB System purchased?

The most popular system is the Term-LAB Magnum MAX System. This is a fully loaded Term-LAB with 2 Sensors and 2 Power Probes. This setup allows you to measure SPL and AMPLIFIER POWER for 2 vehicles simultaneously.

Shop the Term-LAB Magnum MAX System →

What is a Term-LAB SPL Meter used for? 

A Term-LAB SPL (Sound Pressure Level) meter is a professional-grade audio analyzer designed specifically to measure the acoustic power output of high-performance audio sound systems. It is the official measurement tool used worldwide to track and certify scores for multiple car audio sound-off competitions including: dB Drag Racing, IASCA, MECA, USACi, iSPLL, Midwest SPL, EMMA, Bass Wars and MORE!

How accurate are Term-LAB Digital Super Sensors?

Term-LAB Digital Super Sensors utilize innovative technology to deliver accurate and consistent high sound pressure level measurements exceeding 190 dB. Built specifically for high-precision environments, each sensor features dual internal circuitry to provide maximum flexibility and accuracy under extreme acoustic pressure. This advanced internal design supports two distinct measurement modes tailored to specific testing requirements:

  • Low-Frequency High SPL: Engineered specifically for sub-bass and low-frequency analysis.
  • Broadband High SPL: Optimized for audio demo vehicles, featuring a maximum frequency range of 5 kHz.
  • The Term-LAB Super Sensor offers seamless, plug-and-play integration with existing Term-LAB Magnum and Term-LAB Rebel measurement systems, serving as the industry standard for reliable, laboratory-grade acoustic testing.

Shop the Term-LAB Super Sensor →

What is the difference between a Single-Sensor and Dual-Sensor system? 

The Single-Sensor system is perfect for individual competitors, retailers, and enthusiasts looking to tune a single vehicle. The Dual-Sensor system allows audio professionals and event promoters to measure two vehicles simultaneously in the competition lanes, drastically speeding up judging times.

Shop the Term-LAB Magnum Single-Sensor System →

Shop the Term-LAB Magnum Dual-Sensor System →

What are the benefits of a Term-LAB Digital Power Probe? 

The Term-LAB Digital Power Probe expands the capabilities of a standard setup by adding over 70 real-time measurements and True RMS power monitoring for precise amplifier analysis. It is engineered to support both single-ended and bridged outputs in high-power audio testing environment.

Designed for heavy power handling, the hardware accommodates up to 200 Vrms input voltage and 400 Amps AC current. The accompanying Term-LAB software allows for complete interface customization, providing operators with options to display up to five real-time readouts per bank from a selection of OVER 105 distinct measurements and calculations.

Shop the Term-LAB Digital Power Probe Kit →