Is there a sound level meter program(software) that measures sound in dB (for computer)? Read on...?

Question

I want to see how loud I should be putting my music. Is there a program that can be installed on your computer to see how loud the music is? It could measure the sound via microphone. I would love to try out a trial version or download a free software that works. I want it to measure sound volume in dB :)
Any help appreciated. Also, please please don't give me other info other than that I ask of. I don't want 50 people telling me how loud I should listen to music, I already know :)

Answer 1

i found somethings here: http://www.darkwood.demon.co.uk/PC/meter.html
http://www.ymec.com/products/dssf3e/

There are some things to bear in mind. Without calibration, the results can only be considered approximate. the problem i see is that there is a limit to how loud something is that your microphone and soundcard can pick up.

"Your best best would be to purchase a radio shack sound level meter rather than trying to calibrate the PC, too little information is know about the input impedance and sensitivity of your sound card input to figure an accurate result."