Sound Level Meters

Sound Level Meters & Noise Meters

Sound Level Meters & Noise Meters

Cirrus Research offers a range of Class 1 and Class 2 handheld noise level meters and accessories to cover all noise measurement applications from simple noise tests to detailed noise analysis.

Our range of sound meters spans simple instruments that provide the measurement of sound pressure level, integrating-averaging instruments that provide Leq and occupational noise functions, as well as precision data logging noise meters with 1:1 & 1:3 real time octave band filters and in-measurement audio recording.

The Optimus+ sound level meters use the very latest technology to provide instruments that are simple to use whilst giving you the measurement information that you need to make an effective noise measurement.

All of our noise meters can be supplied as a complete noise measurement kit, which includes all of the accessories needed. The Optimus+ Green sound level meters can be used with an outdoor measurement kit, which provides weather protection for the instrument and microphone, allowing measurements to be made outdoors over long periods.


Sound Level Meters for Noise at Work

A range of integrating noise level meters with options including real-time octave band filters, VoiceTag audio recording and data logging. Ideal for:

  • Occupational & Industrial Hygiene Noise Evaluations
  • Noise at Work Surveys & Noise Exposure Calculations
  • Hearing Protector Selection using HML or Octave Band Methods
  • Machinery Noise Tests
  • Noise Ordinance & Community Noise Assessments
  • General Noise Measurements

Instruments

Measurements

  • LXY, LXYmax, LXYmin
  • LXeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, LCeq-LAeq, LXE
  • Graph of Short LAeq & LCPeak
  • Projected Noise Exposure (LEP,d/LEX,8)
  • Integrators 2 & 3: TWA, %Dose, Est %Dose
  • Real time 1:1 Octave Band Filters with NR & NC
  • Time history of LXYmax,LXeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, Octave Bands
Where X=A, C & Z Frequency Weightings and Y=F, S & I Time Weightings. All frequency & time weightings are measured simultaneously. Time history stored by data logging versions only. Octave Bands (C & D Versions), NR & NC curves (D Version)

Sound Level Meters for Environmetal Noise & Community Noise

A range of data logging sound level meters that are ideal for both Environmental and Occupational Noise measurements. Ideal for:

  • Environmental noise impact assessments
  • Occupational & Industrial Hygiene Noise Evaluations
  • Hearing Protector Selection using HML or Octave Band Methods
  • Tonal analysis using 1:3 Octave Band Filters
  • Detailed analysis using audio recording
  • Noise Ordinance & Community Noise Assessments
  • General Noise Measurements

Instruments

Measurements

  • LXY, LXYMax, LXYMin
  • LXeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, LAPeak, LCeq-LAeq, LXE, LAIeq
  • Graph of Short LAeq, LCPeak
  • Integrators 2 & 3: TWA, Dose %, Est Dose %
  • Real-Time 1:1 Octave Bands (Graphical & Numeric)
  • Real-Time 1:3 Octave Bands (Graphical & Numeric)
  • Tonal Noise Detection in 1:3 Octave Bands
  • NR & NC values & curves
  • Leq LF (20Hz to 200Hz)
  • Up to 28 Statistical Ln% Values
  • Time History of LXYMax, LAeq, LCeq, LZeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, LAPeak, LAIeq, LAVG, 1:1 Octave Bands, 1:3 Octave Bands
  • Tonal Noise Detection in 1:3 Octave Bands
  • Audio recording during measurement
  • Time, date & duration of measurement
Where X=A, C & Z Frequency Weightings and Y=F, S & I Time Weightings. All frequency & time weightings are measured simultaneously. Time history stored by data logging versions only. 1:1 Octave Bands (A, B & C Versions), 1:3 Octave Bands (B & C Versions), Tonal noise detection (C Versions), NR & NC curves (A, B & C Versions)

Sound Level Meters for Basic Noise Measurements

A range of simple sound level meters with Class 1 or Class 2 performance.. Ideal for:

  • Simple Noise Level Testing
  • Noise Ordinance Enforcement
  • Community Noise Assessment
  • Fire & Emergency Alarm Testing
  • Machinery Maintenance
  • Fireworks & Pyrotechnic Testing

Instruments

Measurements

  • LXY, LXYmax, LXYmin
  • Overall LXYmax
  • Time history of LXYmax
Where X=A, C & Z Frequency Weightings and Y=F, S & I Time Weightings. All frequency & time weightings are measured simultaneously. Time history stored by data logging versions only.

Sound Level Meters from Cirrus Research plc

Our Sound Level Meters and Noise Meters cover a wide range of applications and performance criteria including Noise at Work, Occupational and Environmental Noise.

Optimus Yellow Sound Level Meters- CR:150 Series

The first part of the optimus sound level meter family, designed for simple noise measurements with the very highest performance. A 120dB measurement range, OLED colour screen, optional data logging with a 4GB memory capable of storing over 10,000 measurements and very simple operation, the optimus yellow sound level meters are ideal where performance is key but the application does not call for integrated or frequency measurements. Lmax, Lmin with A,C & Z along with Fast, Slow and Impulse Time Weightings are provided.

Optimus Red Sound Level Meters - CR:160 Series

The optimus red instruments are the second part of the optimus family and are designed for occupational and noise at work measurements. All of the features of the optimus yellow are available with the additional of integrated noise functions such as Leq, LEP,d, Lavg, TWA, LAE (SEL), Peak(C), OSHA, ACGIH, MSHA, Exposure Calculator, Real time 1:1 Octave Band Filters, VoiceTag Audio Recording and Data Logging. A,C, & Z, Fast Slow & Impulse, Lmax, Lmin

Optimus Green Sound Level Meters - CR:170 Series

The optimus green are the third part of the optimus family and are designed for environmental, occupational, noise at work and simple noise applications. All of the features of the optimus yellow and optimus red are available with the additional of real time 1:3 octave band filters, 14 statistical % Ln values, repeating measurements and audio recording during measurements. Leq, LEP,d, Lavg, TWA, LAE (SEL), Peak(C), OSHA, ACGIH, MSHA, Exposure Calculator, Real time 1:1 & 1:3 Octave Band Filters, Audio Recording, VoiceTag Audio Recording and Data Logging. A,C, & Z, Fast Slow & Impulse, Lmax, Lmin, % Ln statistical values.

CR:260A Series Sound Level Meters

A range of sound level meters designed for Noise at Work applications. Leq, LEP,d, Peak(C) and LAE (SEL) are provided along with optional data logging and sequential 1:1 Octave Band Filters.

CR:800C Series Sound Level Meters

A range of robust, simple to use sound level meters that provide a range of functions including Leq, Lmax, % Ln, LAE as well as sequential 1:1 and 1:3 Octave Band Filters. The CR:800C Series of sound level meters can be used for both Noise at Work and Environmental Noise applications.

CR:306 Sound Level Meter

The CR:306 sound level meter is simple to use and is ideal for basic noise level measurements. Lmax and Sound Level along with dB(A) and dB(C) are provided.

CR:261S Vehicle Noise Meter

The CR:261S is a sound level meter design for noise measurements to ISO 5130 where the maximum noise level from vehicle exhausts is required.


Sound level meters - frequently asked questions

What are the different Classes of Sound Level Meters

Type/Class 1 Sound Level Meters

Sound Level Meters that meet the requirements of IEC 61672-1:2002 for a Class 1 instrument. These include the optimus yellow, red and green instruments along with the CR:800C Series. Find out more about Classes of Sound Level Meters on our blog.

Type/Class 2 Sound Level Meters

Sound Level Meters that meet the requirements of IEC 61672-1:2002 for a Class 2 instrument. These include the optimus yellow, red and green instruments along with the CR:800C Series. Find out more about Classes of Sound Level Meters on our blog.

Which meter do I need for measuring and assessing occupational noise?

At a minimum you need a Class 2 integrating sound level meter (SLM) that meets IEC 61672. These are meters that measure the LAeq (Equivalent Continuous Sound Level, also referred to as Leq). They measure varying sound levels over a period of time, then average that measurement to give you a single decibel value. This is the value that people responsible for Health and Safety need to use in their occupational noise assessments to determine the noise levels of an activity over time, or the noise exposure levels a person (or persons).

When should I use a Class 1 meter?

Yes, you can also use a Class 1 meter. Class 1 meters have a higher precision than Class 2 and are often used for environmental noise measurements and for certain laboratory applications. So if taking environmental measurements or boundary noise measurements are part of your job you might want to consider a Class 1 instrument.

Do I need to calibrate my decibel meter?

We recommend field calibrating your meter before and after every set of measurements with an acoustic calibrator.

We also recommend returning your meter to Cirrus Research annually for its factory calibration (periodic calibration). If you calibrate your meter with us every year we will extend your product warranty up to 15 years. Cirrus Research is also certified to carry out UKAS calibration which is the highest level of calibration you can get.

Do I need to have octave band filters on my noise meter?

If you want to make environmental noise measurements we recommend buying a Class 1 meter with 1:1 octave band filters at a minimum, or 1:3 filters more normally. Octave band measurements are not necessary for occupational noise measurements however, including them in your meter allows you to more accurately prescribe the correct level of hearing protection. The licence-free NoiseTools software we supply as standard will help you with this too.

More Information

Find out more

If you have any questions or if you would like any more information, please contact us and we will be pleased to help.

From the UK, contact us on 01723 891655.

From outside the UK, please contact us on +44 1723 891655.

You can also contact us via our contact form.

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