For reliable measurements of acoustic noise, ATEC has a sound level meter rental to meet any need from a range leading manufacturers like Bruel & Kjaer, Fluke, and Larson Davis.
What is a Sound Level Meter?
The sound level meter is a device that measures noise and collects acoustic measurements. Usually a handheld instrument, sound level meters have a microphone to pick up the sound that travels through the air. The microphone will often use a preamplifier to better register how the air pressure changes due to the sound waves. The noise is then converted into an electrical signal where the sound level meter evaluates and produces an analysis of the noise on an LCD display.
Choosing the Best Sound Level Meter Rental
While cost and availability are important, the right sound level meter rental can depend on a variety of other characteristics:
- Test Standards - Many sound level meters are designed to meet certain test standards. A quality device may only meet the IEC 61672-1 standard but offers little help if testing for the ANSI S1.25-1992 standard.
- Type/Class - Each sound level meter rental falls into a type or class depending on its accuracy. A Type 1 device offers excellent accuracy and is fit for field and lab use. Type 2 meters are still reliable, but less accurate and less suited for lab use.
- Frequency and dB Range - The device's frequency range determines whether it can test for A, C, or Z-weighted frequencies. A decibel range also helps specify which meter is best to use in a certain setting or environment.
Sound Level Meter Measurements
When testing with a sound level meter rental, the device will produce a series of measurements to detail the surrounding acoustics. An SLM uses decibels (dB) to present the noise in a given area, although there are many ways to define that measurement.
In environments where noise levels are changing constantly, the device measures for Leq or the Equivalent Continuous Sound Level. If the decibels rise and fall as the noise is collected, the sound level meter determines the average sound level over that period.
To meet certain test standards like IEC 61672 and ANSI S1.4, sound level meters will also measure for time and frequency weighting.
Frequency Weighting
The human ear reacts differently to sound based on frequency, so the sound level meter measures for those frequencies. The most common frequency measurement is for A-weighting, presented as LAeq. A-weighting tests for sounds at medium-range levels, so LAeq measurements are often used in workplaces and similar environments. The devices can also check for C-weighted (lower) and Z-weighted (flat) frequencies.
Time Weighting
Modern sound level meters often have 3 options for time-weighting to meet international test standards:
- Fast time-weighting measures the sound level with a 125 millisecond (1/8 second) constant. Set to Fast, the device reacts much more quickly to noise level changes and is the most common method for measuring an area's sound.
- Slow time-weighting measures sound with a 1000 millisecond (1 second) constant. A sound level meter registers sound changes more slowly, offering a better measurement of average noise level if it is frequently changing.
- Impulse time-weighting uses a fast rise time of 35 milliseconds and slow decay of 1.5 seconds. Although rarely used today, Impulse more closely reflects how the human ear responds to noise changes.
Common Applications and Tests for a Sound Level Meter Rental
- Lab Testing
- Military Testing
- Weapon Manufacturing
- Building Acoustics
- Noise Pollution Studies
- Automotive Manufacturing
- Vehicle Noise Testing
- Aircraft and Airport Noise
- Construction Sites
- Facility Maintenance
- Workplaces and Schools
- Sound Insulation