# gm1356-recordings: reading a sound meter through its USB-HID protocol

> gm1356-recordings implements a Python client for live readings and stored logs from the Benetech GM1356 sound level meter. Its protocol notes describe eight-byte USB-HID reports, the 0xB5 import handshake, 0xC4 pull loop and packed recording samples. The author reports comparing decoded recordings with data on the device.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-08
- Original resource: <https://github.com/schappim/gm1356-recordings>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/schappim/gm1356-recordings/blob/3b8b3edfaa571a21c20cba48d58900e04bfb4324/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/gm1356-recordings-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/gm1356-recordings-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/gm1356-recordings-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Benetech GM1356 USB sound level meter.
- **Prerequisites:** macOS or Linux, Python 3.8 or newer, and libhidapi.
- **License:** MIT licence.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/schappim/gm1356-recordings/blob/3b8b3edfaa571a21c20cba48d58900e04bfb4324/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/schappim/gm1356-recordings/blob/3b8b3edfaa571a21c20cba48d58900e04bfb4324/PROTOCOL.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.