What is a sound meter?
A sound level meter or simply a sound meter is a very useful device when it comes to audio speakers. It is a handheld instrument, which is generally used to measure noise or simply the sound. A sound meter generally has a pointed top, which prevents the sound to be reflected back to the microphone; some sound meters might not have a pointed top. The sound meter tends to pick even the smallest of the pressure variations of the sound waves, giving the user proper readings in decibels. The sound meters are primarily used for quantification of noise to study the potential noise pollution. Sound meters are available in digital and analog formats. The digital ones are more dominant in the market. Even though there are plenty of designs available, the basic structure of every sound meter comprises of a microphone, processing section, and a read out unit.
Different types of audio meters
Many options are available in the market when it comes to the sound level meters. Different grades and types of sound meters are available. The standards in sound meters are IEC 60651, ANSI S1.4, and IEC 60804. As far as the types of sound meters is concerned, there are generally two types â Type 1 and Type 2. The grade to be used by an individual hugely depends on the regulations that need to be taken into consideration. Type 2 sound meters are used for tracking noise at work, also categorized as occupational noise. The Type 1 sound meters are used for tracking the environmental noise regulations. The Type 1 is much advanced and is thus capable of measuring even the lower noise levels.
Products from different manufacturers
The Amprobe SM-10 audio speaker sound meter costs you about $175. This sound meter comes with A and C weightings, which helps in checking fulfillment to the safety conventions. The Amprobe SM-10 can cater to the measurement requirements of various segments like safety engineers, industrial health and safety regulations, quality control, etc. This sound meter abides the IEC651 Type 2, ANSI S1.4 Type 2, and JISC1502 requirements.
The SVAN 953 is a Type 2 digital sound level audio speaker meter, which comes with an in-built analyzer. It is best suitable for the purpose of general acoustic measurements, occupational health and safety monitoring as well as the environmental noise monitoring. This sound meter makes use of three acoustic profiles and provides significant results. The Svan 953 can be easily connected with USB connection to a computer. This is an easy-to-use efficient sound level meter.
Benefits of having an audio speaker meter
An audio speaker sound meter has great advantages for its user; not only does it help in measuring the decibels of sound in the environment but also allows the user to take measurements as per your settings. The type of weighting (A or C) can be easily controlled by the user as per his needs. The A weightings help in measuring volume in the same way as the human ear, whereas the C-weighting tends to treat all frequencies as the same. You can also alter the speed or duration of the audio sampling, which will provide an average volume level. Using an audio speaker sound meter, you can mix music and record it in an average volume. Sound meters will help in improving the audience response. The audio speaker sound meters also enable you to find out the high and low spots of a particular location.
How to use an audio speaker meter?
The sound meters can be used anywhere at anytime. Using a sound meter is no rocket science, anyone can use sound meter effectively by simply keeping in mind certain things. Ensure that the sound meter face is straight up and is held close to the ear level. Ideally, the meter is set at C weighting and set at the slow response level. If you wish to use a tripod, make sure you stand behind it so that your body does not affect the measurements. The channel levels must be set to zero before you start up the audio speaker sound meter.
