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WHAT IS A SOUND LEVEL METER

A sound level meter is a measuring instrument, designed to measure sound levels in a standardized way.
Commonly referred to as a sound meter, noise meter, decibel meter, or sound pressure level (SPL) meter, a sound level meter is designed to respond to sound in approximately the same way as the human ear.
The purpose of a sound level meter is to give objective, reproducible measurements of sound pressure levels (SPL).

 

HOW DOES A SOUND LEVEL METER WORK?

At its very core, a sound level meter basically consists of a microphone, a preamplifier, a signal processing unit, and a display.

The most suitable type of microphone for a sound level meter is a condenser microphone, which combines precision with measurement reliability. The microphone converts the sound signal to an equivalent electrical signal. The electrical signal produced by the microphone is at a very low level and must be enhanced by a preamplifier, before reaching the main processor.

Signal processing applies frequency weightings and time weightings to the signal, as specified by international standards such as IEC 61672 – 1, which a sound level meter complies with.

MEASUREMENT APPLICATIONS  

Sound level meters and analyzers are used to measure and manage noise from a variety of sources. They are often employed in environmental noise assessment from sound sources, such as industrial plants, road and rail traffic, and construction work.

In urban environments, noise pollution - or excessive noise exposure - directly affects the people who live and work in the affected areas. To ensure noise regulations are followed, noise is measured from a variety of sources as sports events, outdoor concerts, parks, and residential- or commercial neighbours. Each sound/noise source is defined by its own set of characteristics, which can pose challenges for the professionals assessing them.

HBK’s latest generation of Sound Level Meters seamlessly integrates high-performance measurement tools with purpose-built app -delivering Class 1 acoustic measurements with unmatched ease. Whether you're working in the field or the lab, this all-in-one solution offers intuitive control, project management, real-time data visualization, and instant on-site results. Engineered for accuracy, speed, and user-friendliness, it empowers professionals across industries to make confident, data-driven decisions - anytime, anywhere. Our experts are ready to help you find the right sound level meter configuration for your needs - whether it’s a field kit for environmental monitoring, or a lab setup for product testing.

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Robust, weather-resistant, and fully compliant with international standards. HBK sound level meters are ready for outdoor campaigns, industrial sites, and everyday fieldwork - without sacrificing ease of use.

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Each meter features a simple interface and connects wirelessly to mobile apps, guiding you through setup, measurement, and documentation. Data can be viewed, shared, and backed up via PC or cloud.

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Upgrade your sound level meter by adding new licensed apps - no need to return the instrument. Each system adapts to your measurement tasks as they evolve, from basic surveys to advanced applications.

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