Most modern sound level meters worth buying will be categorised as either Class (or Type) 1 or Class 2. While Class 2 is accurate and reliable enough for most applications, those who need extreme levels of accuracy should bump up the budget and go for Class 1. It will cost more, and it’s true that Class 2 noise level meters are usually perfectly high-performing for most tasks, but if those results are ever going to be challenged, there’s no doubt Class 1 has more credibility.
- Analysis?
Specifically, we’re talking here about frequency analysis, which will give the user extra information about the frequency profile of the sound being monitored. So if, for example, you are going to use that sound level meter to determine if and how much hearing protection is required for a particular application, you should probably shop for a device with 1/1 octave band capability. Environmental noise surveys, on the other hand, will benefit from 1/3 octave band capability as it will detect tones in the noise, while the most expensive Fast Fourier Transform feature is for extreme frequency detail.
- Extras?
Next up, think about what extra features or accessories you’ll need with your noise level meter setup. Acoustic calibrators, for instance, will tell you if your meter is working correctly, a dosimeter is a smaller, wearable sound level meter, and then there are accessories like weather resistant kits for sound level meters that will be set and left.