![]() If you just want quick readings of ambient noise, they serve a purpose, though the accuracy is always debatable. Inexpensive: The cheapest sound level meters, often called decibel meters, can be found for around $20. It’s also nice to get some kind of case to protect the meter. A power-saving feature is a nice extra - it turns the machine off to save battery life if it’s left unattended. It’s always worth keeping a spare set handy. A few are rechargeable, but most take AAA or 9-volt batteries that need swapping out. ![]() ![]() That will be useful if you want to carry one in a pocket. Very few of these units are particularly large, but some are more compact than others. SizeĪlthough weight isn’t really a consideration with these devices, physical size may be. Sometimes multiple presses are required to access certain data, which can be frustrating, though they don’t usually take long to learn. It’s worth taking a moment to look at the function buttons to see if their purpose is obvious and they’re easy to operate. Most sound level meters have a clear digital LCD, usually backlit to allow for working in low-light situations. Some of the better sound level monitors have USB connectivity, which means that data can be shared with other devices and saved to them for recordkeeping or later processing. If you need any kind of proof of sound levels, it’s important you get the latter, which conforms to either American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Type 1 or 2. In a nutshell, sound level meters separate into two categories: general-purpose models that homeowners, teachers, and businesspeople might use, and professional models that are made to recognized standards and can be used in commercial and/or legal situations. The resolution of the display is usually in 0.1 increments both for decibels and frequency, though that doesn’t necessarily signify that the meter itself is capable of that accuracy. AccuracyĪccuracy is a key issue, and it’s a common question (see the FAQ section). More advanced models might split those into high and low ranges, thus providing greater accuracy. The frequency is between 30 and 8,500 hertz (usually expressed as 8.5 kilohertz). The decibel range is generally from 30 to 130 decibels, which covers everything from quiet conversation to aircraft engines). There are two ranges to consider: loudness in decibels (dB, dBA, or dBC) and frequency in hertz (Hz). However, this type of equipment is expensive, with kits starting at over $1,500. If you’re going to do that, you’d probably be better off getting a real sound level meter!Ī personal noise dosimeter attaches to clothing and is used to check accurate exposure rates for an individual. One of these can be a very cheap alternative (and at least one is free), but the accuracy of the measurements is questionable unless an external microphone is fitted. The main issue here is the quality of the microphone, which usually isn’t great and can result in poor readings. ![]() Virtual SLMs: There are a few virtual sound level meters around - software programs that can be used on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone. Most are handheld, and a few can be mounted on the wall to monitor noise continuously. While there may be a few physical differences, they all do pretty much the same job. These meters go by many other names, too, such as sound pressure level meters, decibel meters, noise level meters, and noise dosimeters. A sock, or windshield, usually covers the end of the microphone to take out extraneous wind noise, though it can be removed if necessary. The information is converted to an electrical signal, interpreted by a microprocessor, and delivered to a display. If everything were completely still, there would be absolute silence.Ī sound level meter (SLM) uses a microphone containing a sensitive diaphragm to measure changes in the air pressure. Sound can be described as a pressure wave caused by the vibration of an object. If you’re going to be using sound-analysis software, it’s important to check device compatibility.
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