What are the factors to consider when purchasing a sound level meter
Factors to consider when purchasing a sound level meter:
Price: When purchasing a sound level meter, the first consideration is the product price range. The price of a sound level meter depends on many factors, including functionality, accuracy level, number of channels, storage capacity, etc. In general, domestic sound level meters with the same indicators are much cheaper than imported products.
Function: For a sound level meter, the measurement function is the most important indicator. It not only determines the application range of the sound level meter, but also has the greatest relationship with the price of the sound level meter. According to the type of signal being measured, for steady-state noise signals, the function of the sound level meter only needs to measure the instantaneous sound pressure level; For the measurement of non-stationary signals, it is generally required to measure the time average sound level or equivalent sound level; For spectrum analysis, a noise spectrum analyzer should be selected.
Number of channels: A typical sound level meter only has one channel and only measures one channel of sound pressure level. Sometimes it is necessary to measure multiple sound pressure levels, so it is necessary to choose multiple channels. For example, measuring sound intensity level requires two channels, and measuring sound power level requires more channels. The use of multi-channel sound level meters greatly expands the use of sound level meters.
Accuracy level: Sound level meter Accuracy level: Level 1 and Level 2.
Spectrum analysis function: In order to perform spectrum analysis on noise, it is necessary to select the spectrum analysis function. The most commonly used in acoustic measurements are octave and one-third octave spectral analysis. Previously, analog filters were used for spectrum analysis, but now digital technology is mostly used for real-time spectrum analysis through digital filters.
Measurement range: The measurement range of a sound level meter sometimes needs to consider its upper measurement limit in order to measure high sound pressure levels, such as 140dB or even above 160dB; Sometimes it is necessary to consider its lower measurement limit in order to measure low sound pressure levels, such as below 20dB; The measurement range of a sound level meter is usually within the range of 25dB to 130dB.
Interface: Currently, sound level meters generally include interfaces such as RS232 and USB, which are used to connect to micro printers or computers. Users can choose according to their testing needs.
Calibration: The sound level meter requires the use of a sound calibrator for sound calibration during use. The sound calibrator is often used as a supporting instrument for the sound level meter and becomes an integral part of the sound level meter. There are two types of sound calibrators: piston sounders and sound level calibrators. The piston sounder produces a sound pressure level of 250Hz and 124dB, with an accuracy level of 1 or 0; The sound level calibrator produces a 1000Hz, 94dB sound pressure level with an accuracy level of 2 or 1. Level 1 sound level meters need to be calibrated using a Level 1 or Level 0 sound calibrator, while Level 2 sound level meters need to be calibrated using a Level 2 or Level 1 sound calibrator.
