What does a sound level meter measure?

sound-level meter, device for measuring the intensity of noise, music, and other sounds. A typical meter consists of a microphone for picking up the sound and converting it into an electrical signal, followed by electronic circuitry for operating on this signal so that the desired characteristics can be measured.

What are the different types of sound level meters?

Types. The IEC 61672-1 specifies “three kinds of sound measuring instruments”. They are the “conventional” sound level meter, the integrating-averaging sound level meter, and the integrating sound level meter.

What does SPL mean in audio?

Sound pressure level
Sound pressure level, or SPL, is a measurement of sound pressure that uses Pascals (Pa) as its unit of measurement. We convert that into the more popular decibel scale or dB scale.

Which scale is used for measure noise level?

the decibel scale
On the decibel scale, the quietest audible sound (perceived near total silence) is 0 dB. A sound 10 times more powerful is 10 dB. A sound 100 times more powerful than near total silence is 20 dB.

What is a sound level?

Sound level refers to various logarithmic measurements of audible vibrations and may refer to: Sound exposure level, measure of the sound exposure of a sound relative to a reference value. Sound power level, measure of the rate at which sound energy is emitted, reflected, transmitted or received, per unit time.

How do you use a sound meter?

How to Use a Sound Level Meter

  1. place the sound level meter at a sufficient distance from any obstacles or reflectors.
  2. place the microphone of the sound level meter about 1,3 – 1,5 m above the ground.
  3. place the microphone of the sound level meter in the direction of the sound source.

What is a Type 1 sound level meter?

A Class 1 Sound Level Meter is a noise measurement instrument that meets the requirements of IEC 61672-1:2002 (or an equivalent such as BS EN 61672-1:2003) to Class 1 performance. Tolerances & Accuracy. This standard specifies two levels of performance, Class 1 and Class 2, with Class 1 being effectively more accurate.

What is the difference between SPL and dB?

For example, the faintest sound a young person with normal hearing can hear at 2,500 Hz is 0 dB SPL. In contrast, at 20 Hz (a very low frequency sound), the sound needs to be much louder at 72 dB SPL in order to just faintly hear it….

Frequency
Hz dB SPL dB HL
125 45.0 0
250 27.0 0
500 13.5 0

What is a good dB SPL?

So, the speaker’s sensitivity is basically the SPL level. You should also know that 88dB sensitivity measurement is about average. However, those measurements below 84 dB are relatively poor. On the other hand, those speakers with 92 dB or higher are worth investing in if you want a very loud and efficient speaker.

What is sound level?

How do you measure sound levels?

Download Sound Meter from the Android Market and launch the app. It starts right up to the sound meter and measures the minimum, mean, and maximum ambient sound levels in decibels (dB). It also highlights the typical noise levels of everyday sounds so you can get an idea of what those noise levels represent.