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Noise measurements

Noise measurements in the UK

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:

BS EN 61672:1-2013 sound level meters and noise sampling
BS EN 61652 noise dosemeters and noise exposure
BS EN 61672 noise monitoring terminals and environmental noise monitoring

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Articles on noise measurements

NC RC and NR Curves

Ambient Noise Evaluation: NC, RC, and NR Curves Evaluating and specifying acceptable levels of indoor ambient noise is a key component of building design and performance assessment. Noise Criteria (NC), Room Criteria (RC) and Noise Rating (NR) curves provide standardised methods for describing both the level and spectral characteristics of background sound. Indoor ambient noise […]

Background noise

Background Noise in Acoustic Measurements Background noise is a critical factor in the domain of acoustics, essential for effective noise control and environmental assessments. It is generally defined as noise that contributes to the total sound level but is not the specific source under investigation. Table of Contents Key Takeaways Definition: While the term “residual […]

Space project report

COPYRIGHT: ESA–S. Uznański-Wiśniewski Space mission project report: A Deep Dive into the Next-Generation Wireless Acoustics Monitoring System The project successfully tested new commercial-off-the-shelf hardware from Svantek, confirming its reliability, enhanced usability, and seamless data integration, paving the way for its use on future deep-space missions such as the lunar Gateway. Table of Contents Key Takeaways […]

Choosing Class 1 Sound Level Meter

Choosing Class 1 Sound Level Meter Choosing a Class 1 sound level meter is not just about specifications. Today’s top meters from manufacturers such as HBK, NTi, Rion, Norsonic, and Svantek (SV 971A, SV 977D, and SVAN 979) all comply with IEC 61672-1:2013, hold type approval, and deliver trusted results for professional applications. They share […]

Anechoic Chamber

Anechoic Chamber: Definition, Applications, and Acoustic Standards An anechoic chamber is a specialised 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 […]

Noise at the International Space Station

Noise at the International Space Station Challenges and Innovations Excessive noise detrimentally affects both spacecraft systems and astronaut well-being. High decibel levels can mask critical alarms and interfere with sensitive instruments. Personnel exposed to loud or continuous noise often experience hearing loss, stress, and reduced cognitive performance. A managed acoustic environment is essential for maintaining […]

How to choose the best noise dosimeter

How to choose the best noise dosimeter for workplace noise monitoring Noise dosimeters are essential instruments for monitoring sound exposure in the workplace. Selecting the optimal device requires distinguishing between a personal sound dosimeter and a general sound level meter, whilst adhering to established standards such as BS EN 61252. The selection process also involves […]

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 […]

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, […]

Dosimeter Basics

Dosimeter A dosimeter is a portable measuring instrument designed to be worn on personal clothing. Typically, it is attached to garments using mounting clips, hence the popular term ‘badge dosimeter’. What is a dosimeter? A dosimeter is a portable device designed to measure cumulative exposure to physical agents like noise, vibration, or gases during a […]

Decibel meter vs sound level meter

Decibel meter vs sound level meter A decibel meter is a colloquial term for what is technically known as a sound level meter. It refers to cheaper, less reliable meters for measuring sound. What is a decibel meter? A decibel meter, or a sound level meter, measures sound pressure levels (SPL), expressed in decibels (dB), […]

Car Racing Noise

Car Racing Noise: Can It Damage Your Hearing? How Many Decibels at the Race Track is Safe? Yes, car racing noise can indeed damage your hearing. The noise levels at events like NASCAR, F1, and MotoGP races often exceed 130 decibels, posing a significant risk to hearing health. How Many Decibels at the Race Track […]

Urban Noise

Urban Noise: Management of City Noise Urban noise, originating from sources like traffic, construction, and social events, poses significant public health risks, including stress, sleep disturbances, and cardiovascular diseases, necessitating effective monitoring and regulation. Urban noise management relies on advanced technologies and proactive policies, particularly within smart cities, to ensure healthier and quieter living environments. […]

Transducer

What is a Transducer? Transducers convert energy from one form to another, enabling the measurement, monitoring, and control of various physical phenomena, especially in sound and vibration applications where they transform mechanical energy into electrical signals or vice versa. Choosing and using the right transducer involves ensuring proper connection, powering, calibration, and regular maintenance to […]

Noise in schools

The noise in schools is said to be a major stress factor for almost 80% of those who teach in schools. There are also examples of chronic noise-causing hearing damage. Noise pollution in schools Noise pollution in schools is a serious problem that can have negative impacts on the health, productivity, and learning of students […]

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. […]

Tonality

Tonality What is tonality? Tonality is a measure of sound quality that correlates to how humans perceive the tonal components of sound. The tonality analysis identifies and measures tones in a certain noise spectrum. In acoustics, tonality is a subject of psychoacoustics, which studies the correlation between acoustical stimuli and hearing sensations. What is a […]

The best sound level meter

The Best Sound Level Meter SV 971A Compact and Versatile Class 1 Sound Level Meter. Accuracy and full compliance with IEC 61672. Request a quote Easy in Use Simple UI and Mobile Apps https://svantek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Sequence-01-1.mp4 Small Size Only 225 grams (8.20 oz) Class 1 Accuracy ANSI/ASA S1.4 & IEC 61672 Discover your offer 3-year warranty for […]

The best noise monitor

Noise Monitoring System Automatic 24/7 environmental noise monitoring system for reliable long-term compliance and analysis Request a quote Main Features SvanNET AMS Cloud Smart surveillance platform with remote access and alerts https://svantek.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/opening_307.mp4 Easy Plug & Play Quick installation and full remote management 24/7 Monitoring Reliable, durable solution with automated system check Discover your offer 3-year […]

Speech Intelligibility

Speech Intelligibility What is speech intelligibility? Speech intelligibility refers to how well someone can be understood when they’re speaking. The speech that is transmitted across a room by a person or a public address system is never received as an exact replica of the original signal. Not only is background noise added but the signal […]

RT60 Reverberation Time

RT60 Reverberation Time What is RT60 Reverberation Time? RT60 reverberation time is the main room acoustic parameter. According to BS ISO 3382, it is the duration required for the sound energy in a room to decrease by 60 dB after the source emission has stopped. The values of RT60 may range from fractions of a […]

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. However, this is just the beginning. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3JQ0iDu98g What is a decibel? Decibel is a relative unit of measurement and each decibel is expressed as a ratio relative […]

How to choose the best sound level meter?

How to choose the best sound level meter? What is a sound level meter? A sound level meter is a device that measures: time-averaged or exponential time-weighted sound levels frequency-weighted noise levels frequency-weighted average noise exposure levels. Sound level meters are also known as noise meters, decibel meters, or dB meters. Following BS EN 61672, […]

Calibration

Calibration What is a calibration? According to 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 diagram, calibration curve, or calibration table. According to the definition given in the International Vocabulary of Metrology (VIM4) calibration […]