IPHONE/SMART PHONE USERS!!
Let's do a cool comparison of sorts ok? Open up your App Store and search for decibel meter. I'm on an iPhone and I loaded the first 4 free ones. They were all identical in their readings. Whether or not they are accurate DB readings isn't relevant if we're all using the same stuff. I can't speak for the android versions as I don't have one here right now to do it on as well and compare, but later I will.
To keep things similar, make sure you don't aim your microphone into an actual air stream as this also raises the level. I'm just looking for a general reading. Mine was taken in roughly the center of my room and although I moved it to within 2 feet of my fan, it didn't increase (again, not in the air flow)
My initial purpose is to see what other people are dealing with. Because I think my fan is too loud and want to get a baseline.
So if you want to join, please do! Also state whether you're using an android or iPhone device and also what type of exhaust you're running. Lets do this!
Ok I'm running a generic 6" fan and tested with an iPhone 5, my DB rating was from 80-82.