Sound Level Meter Selection Guide
1
For workplace and environmental noise assessment, the minimum requirement is a sound level meter with Leq (time-averaged measurement) for reliable noise measurement, which is not available in low-cost entry-level instruments.
2
A sound calibrator is required to ensure measurement accuracy before and after each use. It is used to perform pre-calibration and post-calibration of the sound level meter, confirming that the instrument is operating correctly and that all measurements remain reliable and traceable.
3
Class 1 meters provide high-precision measurements for environmental and regulatory use, while Class 2 is suitable for general applications.
4
Frequency analysis options include 1/1 octave for basic profiling and 1/3 octave for detailed analysis. It is therefore important to determine whether frequency analysis is required and, if so, which option is needed.
5
Environmental monitoring typically also requires long-term logging and statistical indicators such as LN% (percentile levels). It is also important to determine whether long-term measurement is required, and whether remote access (modem) and a suitable power source (mains, battery, or solar) are needed.
TSI
Quest Sound Detector SD-200
Features:
- User-Friendly
- Meets applicable ANSI and IEC Class 2 standards
- Average Sound Pressure Level (LEQ/LAVG)
- Tri-color LEDs flash brightly when preset noise levels are reached
- Rechargeable
TSI
Quest Sound Examiner SE-400 Series
Features:
- Data Logging
- Class/Type 1 or 2 accuracy
- SPL, LEQ/LAVG, LMin, LMax, LPk, Elapsed time
- Peak and frequency weighting: A, C, Z
- Response Time: Fast and Slow
- Removable preamp (option)
- DMS compatible
- Meets applicable industry standard
TSI
Quest SoundPro SE-DL Series
Features:
- Class/Type 1 or 2 accuracy
- A, C and Z (flat) frequency weighting
- Fast, slow, and IEC impulse time response
- Selectable thresholds 10 dB – 140 dB
- Full (1/1) and third (1/3) octave band real-time analysis
- 3, 4, 5, 6 dB exchange rates
CASELLA
CEL-240 Series
Features:
- Rugged design suitable for most environments
- Fully compliant with IEC 61672, ANSI S1.4 Class 2
- 30 – 130 dB RMS measurement range
- A and C weighted sound levels
- Selectable fast, slow or impulsive time weighting
- Warranty: 2 years
CASELLA
CEL-62X Series
Features:
- Time history storage (1s to 30min intervals)
- Voice notes
- Single large measurement range
- Real-time octave band analysis
- Simultaneous measurement of all workplace noise parameters
- Automatic calibration function
- Warranty: 2 years
CASELLA
CEL-630 Series
Features:
- Ideal for environmental monitoring
- Statistical values (Ln%)
- Audio voice notes and audio (WAV) recording
- Marker, level and external events
- Real-time octave and 1/3 octave measurements
- Removable preamp
- Environmental outdoor kit available
- Warranty: 2 years
CASELLA
Environmental Noise Kit
Features:
- Internal power for to 10 days
- Protection from wind and light rain – not waterproof
- Quality materials and robust construction
- Self contained with rechargeable battery
- For use with the CEL-630 Series of sound level meters
- Time history data logged to the instrument
CASELLA
dBAdge2 Personal Noise Dosimeter
Features:
- Norms: IEC 61252, ANSI S1.25, ATEX, EEx
- Programmable delay and fixed run timer
- Bluetooth connectivity
- LAeq, LCpeak and exposure value parameters
- Time history.•Motion sensor, Audio notes and recording
- Octave analysis (31.5Hz to 8kHz)
- Warranty: 2 years
TSI
Quest Edge 4+ Personal Noise Dosimeter
Features:
- Dosimeter – Two independent dosimeters
- Measuring range – 70 dB to 140 dB
- Preprogrammed to OSHA and ACGIH standards
- Frequency weighting – A, C, Z
- Independent exchange rates – 3 dB, 4 dB or 5 dB
CASELLA
Sound Calibrator CEL-120
Features:
- A simple keypad for intuitive control, permitting calibration level changes when required
- A MEMS microphone and digital feedback loop to maintain the acoustic pressure
- IEC60942 Class 1 or Class 2
- Microprocessor control detects when the microphone is removed
- Low battery consumption, allowing batteries to last for up to 2 years of operation
TSI
Noise Indicator NI-100 Series
Features:
- Provides a visual “Go/No Go” flashing red or green indication
- Simple one-button operation with a rechargeable battery
- Small and lightweight
- Clip to lapel or pocket
CASELLA
HAVEX Kit (Hand Arm Vibration Meter)
Features:
- Hand-arm vibration exposure measurements
- Simple operation
- Robust accelerometer & cable
- Color display
- Stores over 900 measurements
- Supplied as a kit with everything you need to begin measuring
CIRRUS RESEARCH
Noise Dosimeter doseBadge
Features:
- Norms: IEC 61252, ANSI S1.25, ATEX, EEx, MSHA.
- Dural channel wireless personal dose meter.
- Robust metal case.
- LAeq, LCpeak and exposure value parameters.
- Exchange rates: 3dB, 4dB or 5dB.
- Time Weighting: None, ‘S’ (Slow).
- Free NoiseTools software.
- Warranty: 1 year (can be extended by a further 14 years).
CIRRUS RESEARCH
Triax Human Vibration Meter
Features:
- Simple operation.
- Versatile sensor; Hand-arm kit, Whole-body kit.
- Fully compliant with BS8041 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.
- Comprehensive data presentation.
- Robust and portable.
INSTANTEL
Micromate Vibration Monitor
Features:
- Fits in the palm of your hand
- Internal battery lasting up to 15 days
- Monitor remote locations
- Synchronizes Class 1 noise monitoring or air overpressure and vibration data on the same monitoring unit
- Can store over 1,000 events
- Seven(7) sensor options
INSTANTEL
Mircomate Plus Vibration Monitor
Features:
- Build-in Wi-Fi, cellular modems. GPS, USB-C port
- Flexible data retrieval with the Instantel cloud-based Vision II platform
- Time-synchronized sensors
- Advanced geophone functionality (can easily be mounted on horizontal or vertical surfaces)
- Only the geophones and microphones require calibration, not the unit
- Fail-safe keypad
INSTANTEL
Minimate Pro Vibration Monitor
Features:
- Reduce noise & electrical interference
- Rugged & reliable design
- Flexible power solutions
- Real-time OS
- Ethernet cable to transfer events using Instantel’s proprietary auto call home feature
- Advanced monitoring features (e.g., accelerometers, HF geophones, hydrophones, HP microphones)
INSTANTEL
Vision II Cloud-Based Platform
Features:
- Your Data, 24/7/365 – from anywhere
- Use Live Data™ for real-time monitoring
- add and manage as many companies, projects, users, and devices as needed
- Build your own custom graphs
- Visualize your entire project with an interactive map
- Results easily identifiable without complex analysis and just one look
INSTANTEL
THOR Desktop Software
Features:
- Access and control your Instantel monitoring units. anytime and anywhere
- Customizable event reports
- Manage units remotely
- Configurable notifications