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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

Exchange Rate: 3dB vs. 5dB

Exchange Rate: 3dB vs. 5dB Understanding the Exchange Rate is critical for accurately assessing occupational noise exposure, yet it remains the most common source of confusion for safety professionals. This difficulty arises because regulations are often written in dense legal/technical language that obscures the practical implications. Table of Contents What is Exchange Rate? The exchange rate […]

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 […]

Sound Frequency

Sound Frequency A comprehensive understanding of sound frequency, including its nature, analysis methods, and applications, is essential for the field of acoustics. Sound frequency significantly impacts human perception and health, whilst also playing a critical role in various technological fields. What is the meaning of frequency in sound? In acoustics, sound frequency represents the number […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 (SEL)

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 in acoustics

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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]