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Noise measurements

World-class experts in the field of sound and vibration measurements discuss everything there is to know about noise measurement.

The most important thing to know about measuring sound measurement is that it’s the transmission of energy through vibrating air particles, which is a form of vibration. As a result, sound measurements are concerned with changes in local air pressure caused by noise energy.

You can study the following topics in this section of the course:

ANSI/ASA S1.4-2014/Part 1 / IEC 61672:1-2013 sound level meters and noise sampling
IEC 61652 noise dosimeters and noise exposure
IEC 61672 noise monitoring terminals and environmental noise monitoring

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Anechoic Chamber

Anechoic Chamber: Definition, Applications, and Acoustic Standards An anechoic chamber is a specialized room designed to eliminate sound reflections and external noise, creating an environment that mimics free-field conditions. Such chambers are vital for precision acoustical measurements, equipment calibration, and auditory research. Their design follows strict criteria, such as those specified in ISO 3745:2012, to […]

How to choose the best sound level meter?

How to choose the best sound level meter? To choose the best sound level meter, consider factors such as accuracy, frequency range, data logging capabilities, and compliance with industry standards like IEC 61672. The ideal meter will depend on your specific needs, whether it’s monitoring workplace noise, conducting environmental assessments, or ensuring public safety in […]

Noise at the International Space Station

Noise at the International Space Station Challenges and Innovations Excessive noise can harm both spacecraft systems and astronaut well-being. High decibel levels may mask critical alarms and interfere with sensitive instruments. Meanwhile, astronauts exposed to loud or constant noise can experience hearing loss, stress, and reduced cognitive performance. Ensuring a safe acoustic environment is therefore […]

How to choose the best noise dosimeter

How to choose the best noise dosimeter for workplace noise monitoring Noise dosimeters are essential tools for monitoring sound exposure in the workplace. Choosing the best dosimeter involves understanding the difference between a personal sound dosimeter and other sound level meters, adhering to international standards like IEC 61252 and ANSI S1.25-1991, and evaluating specific device features. […]

Sound Wave

Sound wave definition, characteristics, and use in acoustics A sound wave is a mechanical disturbance that propagates through a medium such as air, water, or solids, carrying energy and information via oscillations of pressure and particle displacement. It encompasses a broad range of frequencies, including those audible to humans (20 Hz to 20 kHz) as […]

Sound frequency

Sound Frequency Sound Frequency: a comprehensive understanding of its nature, analysis methods, and applications is essential for acoustics, impacting human perception, health, and various technological fields. What is the meaning of frequency in sound? In acoustics, the frequency of sound refers to the number of vibrations or cycles that occur in a sound wave per […]

Sound Energy

Sound Energy: Definition, Characteristics, and Measurement Techniques Sound energy is a form of mechanical energy propagated through mediums such as air, water, or solids, emanating from the vibrations of an object and characterized by attributes like frequency, amplitude, and duration. It manifests in various forms, including audible sound within the frequency range perceivable by the […]

Calibration

Calibration Calibration is the process of establishing a relationship between quantity values and corresponding indications, ensuring measurement accuracy, consistency, and reliability. What is a calibration? By ISO/IEC GUIDE 99:2007, calibration is an operation that establishes a relation between the quantity values and corresponding indications. A calibration may be expressed by a statement, calibration function, calibration […]

Noise Monitoring

Noise Monitoring Noise monitoring involves long-term sound monitoring without human interaction and can be categorized into workplace monitoring and environmental noise monitoring. What is a noise monitoring? Noise monitoring involves the long-term tracking of sound levels without constant human intervention. There are two primary categories of noise monitoring: workplace noise monitoring and environmental noise monitoring. […]

Sound measurements

Sound Measurements Accurate sound measurements are essential for understanding and controlling sound in various applications, including acoustics, audio engineering, and environmental science. Sound Measurements Overview Conducting accurate sound measurements requires a deep understanding of the sound definition and factors affecting its properties such as speed or propagation. In addition, basic knowledge of sound measurement quantities […]

Occupational noise exposure

Occupational Noise Exposure Occupational noise exposure is commonly defined as the sound levels employees encounter during their regular work duties. Prolonged or repeated exposure can lead to hearing difficulties, reduced job performance, and broader safety concerns in various industries. Noise stands among the more significant workplace safety and health hazards because it directly affects communication, awareness […]

FFT Fast Fourier Transform

FFT Fast Fourier Transform FFT Fast Fourier Transform allows the decomposition of signals into their constituent sinusoids, enabling analysis in the frequency domain. What is FFT Fast Fourier Transform? The FFT Fast Fourier Transform is an algorithm used to compute the discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and its inverse more efficiently. The DFT is a transform […]

RT60 Reverberation Time

RT60 Reverberation Time Reverberation Time (RT60) is a crucial acoustic parameter for rooms, representing the time it takes for sound energy to decrease by 60 dB after the sound source stops. It’s used to assess and optimize room acoustics for various purposes. What is RT60 Reverberation Time? RT60 reverberation time is the main room acoustic […]

Leq Equivalent Continuous Sound Level

LEQ Equivalent Continuous Sound Level Leq (Equivalent Continuous Sound Level) is a crucial metric in acoustics and noise studies, representing the average sound level over a designated period. It reflects sound energy and potential hearing damage due to cumulative exposure. What is the meaning of Leq in acoustics? The Leq (Equivalent Continuous Sound Level) is […]

Sound Exposure Level

Sound Exposure Level Sound Exposure Level (SEL) is an acoustic parameter for measuring the total energy of a sound event, allowing for standardized comparison of noise events and assessment of their impact on the environment and human health. What is sound exposure? Sound exposure, according to IEC 61672-1:2013, is defined as the time integral of […]

Time Averaging and Time Weighting

Time Averaging and Time Weighting Time Averaging and Time Weighting are important in acoustics and vibration as they provide a smoothed representation of measured signals over a set period of time. Often, industry standards specify limits for noise and vibration over specific time intervals like 8-hour workdays or nighttime periods. Averaging is required to determine […]

Sound Pressure Level SPL

Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Sound pressure level (SPL), expressed in decibels (dB) is commonly used in acoustics. It can be measured in the air using a microphone and in water using a hydrophone. Definition of Sound Pressure Level (SPL) The sound pressure level is a logarithmic measure of the effective pressure of a sound relative […]

How to measure decibels?

How to measure decibels? There are as many different ways to measure decibels as there are decibel indicators. The most popular indicators are SPL, LEQ, and PEAK, depending on the noise measurements. What is a decibel? The decibel (dB) is a relative unit of measurement used to express the magnitude of a physical quantity (usually […]

What is Sound?

What is Sound? A sound is a form of energy that travels through the air, in a form of vibration of air particles. A sound is also a basic form of communication used by humans and animals. Sound can be produced by musical instruments, human vocal cords, as well as natural phenomena such as thunder. […]

AI Noise Sources Identification

AI Noise Sources Identification Enhancing Urban Noise Management with SvanNET AI AI noise sources identification, utilizing advanced technologies like SvanNET AI, enhances urban noise management by accurately recognizing and categorizing various noise types, thereby enabling effective monitoring and targeted mitigation strategies. Combined with the cost-effective SV 303, which addresses the financial barrier for multipoint noise […]

Noise directivity

Noise Directivity Improved Methods Of Noise Sources Identification Addressing the role of noise directivity in environmental noise monitoring, this study presents a comparative analysis of measurement site selection effects, illuminated by an unusual discovery: a dog’s bark perceived as originating from above a noise monitoring setup. This incident not only poses a humorous query regarding […]

Tonality

Tonality Tonality is a measure of sound quality, examining how humans perceive tonal components in acoustics. It involves identifying and measuring tones in sound spectra. Tonality plays a significant role in understanding sound quality and has diverse applications, from assessing noise annoyance to optimizing product sound design. What is tonality? Tonality is a measure of […]

Noise Monitoring Terminals (NMT) Based On MEMS Microphones

Development Of Low-Cost Noise Monitoring Terminals (NMT) Based On MEMS Microphones The article shows and discusses an example of NMTs with MEMS microphone meeting class 1 by IEC 61672-1. The rapid development of MEMS microphones (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) in the last decade years made it possible to use them in noise measurement instrumentation meeting the IEC […]

Microphone

Microphone: Types, Characteristics, and Uses A microphone is a transducer that converts sound waves into electrical signals. We distinguish between measurement microphones, designed for precise registration and measurement of sound levels, and acoustic microphones, intended for general audio applications. Acoustic microphones are used for recording or transmitting sounds, such as on stage, in recording studios, […]

How to choose a noise monitoring station

How to choose a noise monitoring station:

SV 307A: Integrated noise monitoring station with lifetime microphone warranty and patented remote microphone sensitivity check mechanism. Recommended for continuous monitoring of traffic and industrial noise.
SV 200A: Integrated 4G noise monitoring station designed to detect sound directionality. Recommended for aviation noise monitoring , thanks to its ability to identify dominant noise sources.
SV 279 PRO: Class 1 noise monitoring station based on SVAN 979, in a waterproof case. Designed for short- and medium-term measurements in harsh weather conditions.
SV 303: Smart city monitoring, a station dedicated to multi-point noise monitoring in cities. Integrates with sensors that monitor the urban environment, ideal for smart city applications.
Match SvanNET subscriptions to your monitoring station: enables remote monitoring, real-time data storage and analysis. Cloud integration allows easy access to measurement results from anywhere. Provides support for notifications when established noise thresholds are exceeded.
Select additional accessories for the monitoring station:
- Tripods or mounting brackets for stable installation at the target site.
- Wind shields to protect the microphone in harsh weather conditions.
- PC software for detailed analysis of measurement data.
- Consider power options:
- Permanent power supply for long-term monitoring.
- Rechargeable batteries or solar panels for locations without access to the power grid.
- Ensure that the station and its accessories meet local standards for noise monitoring.
- Regularly service and calibrate the station, to ensure accuracy of measurements.