Our History

  • 1970's

  • 1970

    Cirrus Research Ltd is established.

  • 1977

    Cirrus introduces the first in a range of Sound Level Meters that would become known as the CRL 230 series.

    The CRL 231 was designed to be simple to use whilst meeting the needs of the time. The CRL 232 and CRL 234 followed, each using the same design philosophy of ease of use and high performance.

    The CRL 234 saw the introduction of the L3M Microphone Interface System which allowed the microphone transducer to be easily changed to meet different requirements.

  • 1979

    The CRL 235A Sound Level Meter is introduced. This instrument included the new DP15 interface system.

    This allowed additional processing modules to be connected to the instrument and included functions such as Integration, Vibration and Octave Band Filters.

  • 1980's

  • 1980

    In 1980, Cirrus introduces the CRL 222 Integrating Sound Level Meter which was the first handheld sound level meter to provide for the measurement of Leq and SEL.

  • 1984

    The CRL 222 was updgraded to the CRL 222A which provided an output that could connected to a computer, allowing for the capture of Short Leq elements.

    The CRL 222A was used at a live concert venue where it was used to provide real-time noise level information to the sound engineers, allowing them to effectively control the noise levels.

  • 1986

    The 1980's saw a high leap in microprocessor technology which allowed Cirrus to design the world's first Type 1 data storing sound level meter in the CRL 236 and the first Type 1 data storing real time analyser in the CRL 239 instruments.

    These instruments were later upgraded to the CRL 236A, CRL 236AF and CRL 239B versions with additional data logging, storage and faster storage capabilities.

    The arrival of the personal computer allowed software to be written to downloaded measurement data. The first Cirrus programs included Datatran which allowed information to be transferred quickly and easily to a PC.

  • 1990's

  • 1991

    Cirrus is awarded the Queens Award for Export Achievement, with noise measurement equipment exported to over 50 countries worldwide.

  • 1991

    The first of the new CRL 240 Noise Monitors series of outdoor and environmental noise monitoring terminals is launched.

    The CRL 243/1 and CRL 243/2 versions are installed at a number of airports across the world by Cirrus Research and a number of partners.

  • 1992

    Cirrus Research Ltd becomes Cirrus Research plc

  • 1992

    Cirrus introduces the CRL 701, the world's first twin channel data logging dosimeter to meet the new EC directive in all respects.

    Alongside the CRL 701, the CRL 702 sound level meter are introduced, starting a long line of Type 1 and Type 2 data logging sound level meters that continue to this day through the Optimus instruments.

  • 1995

    Cirrus introduces the revolutionary doseBadge Noise Dosimeter, the world's first truly wireless noise dosimeter.

    The doseBadge was a completely new design for a personal noise measurement instrument, different from anything that had come before or after.

  • 1998

    The first in a new generation of data logging sound level meters is introduced.

    The CR:800A family provided both Class 1 and Class 2 performance to the soon-to-be-introduced IEC 61672 standard as well as to the current IEC 60651 and 60804 standards.

  • 2000's

  • 2000

    The new millennium sees the introduction of the latest version of the doseBadge Noise Dosimeter,the CR:110A, which was partnered by the new RC:110A Reader.

  • 2003

    The CR:800A Series is updated to the B Series with a larger display and larger memory.

  • 2004

    The CR:110AIS version of the doseBadge which carries ATEX, EEx and IECEx Intrinsic Safety Certification is launched allowing the doseBadge to be used in explosive atmospheres.

  • 2004

    The 260 series of Sound Level Meter is launched. Based on the CR:800B Series, these are a range of simple yet accurate instruments designed for occupational noise measurements.

  • 2006

    2006 sees Cirrus obtain the first PTB Type Approval of a Sound Level Meter to the new IEC 61672 standard.

    The CR:261S Vehicle Noise Sound Level Meter was designed to meet a customer requirement and was designed, certified and delivered within 12 months.

  • 2008

    Cirrus becomes the first manufacturer to get pattern approval to IEC 60942:2003 with the new CR:515 and CR:514 Acoustic Calibrators.

    Type Approval was granted by the PTB to the latest standards, the first units of this type to obtain this prestigious certification.

  • 2008

    Cirrus introduces what would be the final version of the CR:800 instruments in the CR:800C.

    Updated with expanded memory and a USB connection, the CR:800C series provided a range of high performance sound level meters to cover a wide range of applications.

  • 2009

    The SoundSign Noise Activated Warning Sign, a new design of product from Cirrus is introduced.

  • 2010's

  • 2010

    Cirrus introduces its most important product since the doseBadge, the Optimus sound level meters.

    Now available with Type Approval from the PTB, LNE and APplus+ and incorporating over 20 versions and variants, the Optimus sound level meters cover almost every noise measurement application and feature ease of use, a highlight all of the Cirrus instruments since the CRL 231 way back in 1977.

  • 2012

    Cirrus releases the first of theTrojan Noise Nuisance Recorders enabling local councils to monitor, record and analyse noise nuisance complaints.

    Designed to meet the needs of Environmental Health Officers, Housing Associations and anyone who needs to measure, monitor and record noise nuisance, the Trojan Noise Nuisance Recorder is both simple to use and easy to deploy.

  • 2013

    Cirrus launches the Invictus Noise Monitor System for environmental noise assessments.

    An Invictus can be used on its own as a portable environmental noise monitor or can be combined with other instruments and sensors to form part of a larger, more comprehensive noise measurement and management system.

  • 2016

    The doseBadge5, next generation of the doseBadge noise dosimeter is released.

    It provides all of the unique features of the original doseBadge such as no controls, cables or displays with a range of new functions and features allowing it to be used for compliance with any occupational noise standard.

  • 2017

    The doseBadge5, next generation of the doseBadge noise dosimeter is updated with 1:1 octave band filters.

    The addition of 1:1 Octave Band Filters allows the doseBadge5 to be used, alongside the NoiseTools software, in the selection of hearing protection.


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.