Way back in the 60s, as traffic levels spiralled out of control in New York, someone from the city’s Noise Abatement Commission stood with a microphone, a crude receiver, a phonograph and a test tone to try to objectively plot just how much louder things had become. It was one of the first sound level meters – and things have come a long way since then.
In truth, a sound or noise level meter is any device that takes acoustic decibel measurements, working on the principle that changes in air pressure can be detected and recorded with objectivity in a standardised format. Today, they are highly sophisticated, reliable and accurate, typically consisting of a microphone, a preamplifier, a signal processor and a display. They’re used across the industry spectrum by any entity wanting to monitor, measure or manage sound or noise levels – like factories, roads and rail, construction, sports, concerts, venues and so much more.
But the list of confusing jargon associated with sound level meters is almost as long as the list of different types of sound level meters out there on the market – so how can you narrow down your short-list for your particular industry, application or needs?