Zoom H2 Handy Recorder level meter vs true SPL

  The sound level meter of the Zoom can be used for a rough indication of hearing protection.
I did a quick test to determine what the real sound level is at a particular level meter reading of the Zoom H2 recorder. With the gain at M setting a reading of zoom level meter roughly equals to following  SPLs measured with a calibrated SPL meter
-18 dB on the Zoom sound level meter equals to 85 dB(A)
-12 dB equals to 96dB(A)
- 6 dB equals to 100 dB(A)
with the gain at L setting -24 dB on the Zoom sound level meter equals to 98dB(A)

 If the level meter stays at -18dB or more for a prolonged time then you should use hearing protection. Of course this is not an accurate method but it's definitely better than nothing.