Sound Level Meters:

Sound level meters by Quest Technologies provide reliable and accurate sound level measurement, real-time octave-band frequency analysers, and environmental noise monitoring systems for risk and exposure assessment. Whether you need a basic sound level meter or a sophisticated noise level measurement system, we guarantee reliability and functionality.

Workplace noise has been a major concern in the European Union. In fact, around one third of employees in Europe are exposed to potentially dangerous levels of workplace noise for at least a quarter of their time at work. The threat is not limited to just a few industries but spans across many occupations, such as construction noise, demolition or road repair noise; woodworking noise; plastics processing noise; engineering noise; textile manufacture noise; general fabrication noise; forging, pressing or stamping noise; paper or board making noise; canning or bottling and foundries workplace noise.

The European Union responded to the urgency of the situation by passing the Physical Agents (Noise) Directive. Great Britain also passed the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. It applies to England, Scotland and Wales In Northern Ireland a regulation equivalent is in effect; Control of Noise at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2006 applies.

This is the background against which the measurement of sound levels becomes important. Sound level meters (SLM) are one of the most reliable ways to measure noise levels. There are many different options when choosing a sound level meter and the options can become confusing.

However, no matter what kind of sound level meter is used, it must satisfy two basic requirements. First, there should be a method for operational field calibration of the equipment. Secondly, it should meet the requirements spelled out in the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards for sound level meters, octave band filters, and portable calibrators and be manufactured by a reputable company that designs and manufactures to these standards.

There are various types of sound level meters. Here are a few details that will help you select the ideal SLM-

Basic Sound Level Meters

The basic meter displays both the instantaneous sound pressure level (SPL) and the maximum sound pressure level encountered. These meters can only display the results and can't send them to a printer or computer. In addition, the signal conditioning circuits cannot be changed. Sound level meters may or may not include weighting networks and the response time constant that is required under many ordinances.

Weighting networks most commonly consist of "A", "C" and "Z" weighting. Each weighting circuit emulates how the human ear responds to sound. We know that humans can hear within a fixed range of frequencies and humans perceive that sound is louder or softer as frequency changes.

Response time constants indicate how quickly an instrument can recognize and process changing sound pressure levels The most common options today are "Fast", "Slow", "Peak" and "IEC Impulse" time constants.

Integrating Sound Level Meters

Integrating sound level meters automatically calculate the equivalent sound pressure levels over a period of time. This is typically referred to as Leq (level equivalent). There are noise regulations that require such data. Sound Level Meters and analysers should also document the performance of a field calibration in its output.

Data Logging Sound Level Meters

After integration, the next most commonly sought after capability in a sound level meter is data logging. Such sound level meters provide minute detail of the noise-testing event. Included is a minute-by-minute profile of the sound source’s sound pressure levels levels. These sound level meters should also provide hard copy and computer upload of test results on real-time and date basis.

Octave Band Sound Level Meters and Real Time Sound Analyzers

These are the top of the line products that are capable of determining and reporting the sound pressure levels and the average sound pressure levels at various frequencies. These meters are used for more minute study of noise levels than is demanded by noise regulations. Today many integrating sound level meters perform more than just simple sound measurements. These include logging instantaneous peak events, calculating noise dose, and making simultaneous measurements with different parameters chosen on two or even three sound level meters contained in one instrument. These higher-level instruments typically have both 1/1 and 1/3 octave-band filters included and operate in real-time to provide instantaneous frequency analysis.

Quest Technologies provides reliable sound level meters and real-time frequency analysers with all the above features. Whether you need a basic sound level meteror a sophisticated noise level measurement instrument, we guarantee unsurpassed reliability and functionality.