A sound level meter is used for acoustic measurements (often described as a Sound Pressure Meter SPL) - that is to say, 'sound that travels through the air'. To measure sound we need a microphone, the better the quality of microphone the more accurate the measurement will be. Microphone standards are defined in two ways, Class 1 or Class 2.
Class 1 can be used for many applications and is our preferred instrument as it covers a wide spectrum, Class 2 are very high spec and are normally deployed where the law prescribes a high level of accuracy such as labs, studios etc.
The most common way to measure sound is by using a unit of measurement called decibels (dB). With a portable sound level meter we can measure sound levels in multiple locations to ensure environmental conditions fall within your recommended exposure limit.
We can also leave the instrument on site and carryout data logging over a period of time
We often use a sound level meter during installations of rack components such as switch and router fans, CPU cooling etc and take these reading into account where the equipment is located and any sound proofing required if installations are close to populated areas. We have also used them to take workshop noise measurements, hifi speakers and vehicle acoustic level measurements
Specifications Standard applied: IEC61672-1 Class 2
Frequency range: 31.5Hz ~ 8KHz
Measuring level range: 30dB ~ 130dB
Frequency weighting: A/C
Microphone: 1/2 inch electret condenser
Calibration: External potentiometer for use with external calibrated source
Display 1999 count LCD, plus analog bargraph
Resolution: 0.1dB Refresh rate: 0.5 sec.
Accuracy: ±1.4dB, @1KHz, 94dB (under reference conditions)
Time weighting: FAST (125ms), SLOW (1 sec. )
Level ranges: LO: 30dB ~ 80dB
Med: 50dB ~ 100dB
Hi: 80dB ~ 130dB
Auto: 30dB ~ 130dB
Alarm function: Displays "OVER" when input exceeds maximum level of selected range Displays "UNDER" when input falls below minimum level of selected range
AC output 1.0Vrms at full scale, output impedance approximately 100 Ohms
DC output 10mV / dB, output impedance approx 1K Ohms
Data output: USB data traffic
Internal datalogging memory 32,700