Understanding Sound Level Meters Part 2

Continuation from: Understanding Sound Measurement Concepts Part 1

Common metrics:

Leq – Equivalent Continuous sound pressure level. This represents the average rms value of sound level over a specified period of time, amounting to the same total sound energy as the source. This is a key metric to understand the total sound energy produced by a fluctuating source within a specified time period.

Lp – Instantaneous sound pressure level generated by the source.

Lmax – Maximum sound level over a specified period of time.

Ln – Percent of sound level over a specified alarm value.

Octave Bands:

Octave bands offer a filtering method of splitting the audible spectrum into smaller segments called octaves, allowing you to identify different noise levels across individual frequencies. This is useful in noise reduction and control, hearing protection, machinery testing, environmental noise issues, etc.

1/1 Octave Band: 1/1 Octave Band measurements are used when the frequency composition of a sound field is needed to be determined. The common octave frequency bands are: 31.5hz → 63Hz → 125Hz → 250Hz → 500Hz → 1.0khz → 2.0khz → 4.0khz → 8.0khz → 16KHz, and their composition is made up of the Lower Band Limit, Centre Frequency and Upper Band Limit.

1/3 Octave Band: Each 1/1 (single) Octave is further split into three, providing a more detailed view of noise content. 1/3 Octave Bands provide a further in-depth outlook on noise levels across the frequency composition. The bands are: 20Hz → 25Hz → 31.5hz → 40Hz → 50Hz → 63Hz → 80Hz → 100Hz → 125Hz → 160hz → 200Hz → 250Hz → 315hz → 400Hz → 500Hz → 630hz → 800Hz → 1.0khz → 1.25khz → 1.6kHz → 2.0khz → 2.5KHz → 3.15khz → 4.0khz → 5.0khz → 6.3khz → 8.0khz → 10kHz → 12.5khz → 16KHz → 20kHz.

Our range of Sound Level Meters for easier selection process

*Integrating feature allows the meter to record 800 groups of measurement or 6 days of data(hourly) with statistics of each group like 5, 10, 90 percentiles, std deviation, day or day/ night equivalent sound level, etc.

*Data output (PC interface, Bluetooth) and Printer are optional accessories to be purchased separately

Browse our range of Sound Level Meters: Metrix+ Sound Level Meters