FAQ

Examples of typical sound levels in dB(A)

Here below are some examples from typical sound levels in dB(A)

                 decibel scale examples of sound levels

How to measure sound?

A decibel meter is an instrument used to measure sound (noise) levels by measuring sound pressure also called SLM (Sound Level Meter), DB meter (Decibel) or if used for occupational noise, a noise dosimeter.

A typical sound level meter uses a microphone to register the sound, it will be processed by the sound level meter and the value (in dB) will be displayed on the meter.

The decibel is far out the most common unit used to measure and display values of sound. Most other values are derivatives or calculated values from the SPL such as Leq (equivalent sound level), Lmax, (maximum sound level), Lmin (minimum sound level), Lpeak (peak level), dB(A) (A-weighted sound level) and many more.

If the sound level meter is to be used to register sound in a classroom, factory, boundary, music event, road noise etc. then typically an equivalent noise value is required, the PLACID meters have these feature standard build in.

PLACID focusses on Class II instruments (IEC61672 or ANSI S1.4) which for most applications is sufficient.

There are many standards that describe how sound should be measured and interpreted, depending on the application and the country you are living in.

Let us know if you have any inquries on how to measure sound!

Soundlevel meter Class 2 tolerances (IEC61672-1:2013)

What is the accuracy for a soundlevel meter Class 2 (also called Type 2) as described in the IEC61672-1 standard ?

In the standard there are 2 classes of soundlevel meters, Class 1 and Class 2 (also called Type 1 and Type 2 soundlevel meters).

Most of the electronics in a soundlevel meter can qualify the specifications for a class 1 sound level meter and most of the times the microphone will determine the class of a soundlevel meter to be Class 1 or Class 2.

There are 2 main differences between Class 1 and Class 2 sound level meters, there is the accuracy which is higher with a Class 1 meter and the frequency range which is wider with a Class 1 meter.

Acoustic engineers and other professionals predominantly will use class 1 meters.

Class 2 meters are mostly used for indicative measurements or occupational noise measurements, noise from entertainment establishments, construction noise and vehicle noise that don’t require the full specs of a Class 1 instrument.

Frequency accuracyClass 1Class 2
20 Hz+/- 2.0 dB+/- 3.0 dB
1000 Hz+/- 0.7 dB+/- 1.0 dB
10000 Hz+2.0 dB / -3.0 dB+5.0 dB / -∞ dB
20000 Hz+3.0 dB / -∞ dB+5.0 dB / -∞dB

About Placid measurement microphone

In our everyday life, microphones are utilized in all our electronic devices such as PC’s, smart phones, televisions, even in smartwatches. Through this guide, we will explain more about the PLACID microphones that are explicitly designed to be utilized in a complex environment that measures sound: measurement microphones.

MEASUREMENT MICROPHONES

PLACID Instruments BV is a research-oriented high-tech enterprise mainly engaged in the research and development of acoustic measuring equipment, acoustic engineering design, and acoustic vibration technology consulting. The company’s core business is the R & D and manufacture of measurement sensors, test systems, professional recording microphones, professional audio equipment, and acoustic vibration test systems. Nowadays, this method brings values to a various range of measurement microphones for numerous applications from ultra-low to ultra-high sound levels over a very wide array of frequencies.

MEASUREMENT PHYSIC SETUP

Measurement microphones are built on a basic corporal principle: the capacitance microphone. Condenser microphones use two charged metal plates (a diaphragm and backplate) that form a capacitor. When soundwaves hit the mic’s diaphragm, they vibrate within the diaphragm, and the distance between the back plate and diaphragm impacts the voltage called capacitance.

Learn More about Placid measurement microphone

Here are 30 FAQs for placidinstruments.com covering measurement microphones, impedance tubes, accelerometers, artificial heads, and related acoustic measurement devices:

General FAQs

Placid Instruments provides measurement microphones, impedance tubes, accelerometers, artificial heads, and other acoustic testing equipment.

Yes, all measurement microphones and Bedrock Elite meters are delivered with ISO17025 accredited calibration certificates.

Yes, we offer customized solutions to meet specific requirements. Contact us for details.

Our impedance tubes meet ASTM and ISO standards, such as ASTM E1050 and ISO 10534-2.

Yes, we offer full technical support, including installation guidance and usage training.

Measurement Microphones FAQs

We supply condenser microphones for various applications, including environmental, industrial, and laboratory acoustics.

Our microphones typically cover a wide frequency range, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, depending on the model.

Yes, we offer weatherproof microphones suitable for long-term outdoor measurements.

Many of our microphones are supplied with integrated preamplifiers. Standalone preamplifiers are also available.

Contact our team for expert advice based on your specific application requirements.

Impedance Tube FAQs

Impedance tubes are used to measure the acoustic absorption and transmission loss of materials.

Our impedance tubes can test materials of various thicknesses; please refer to individual product specifications for details.

Yes, our impedance tubes are compatible with software for data acquisition and analysis.

Yes, our tubes support measurements up to 6,400 Hz, depending on the model.

Our impedance tubes are designed to provide highly accurate results, adhering to international standards.

Accelerometer FAQs

We supply piezoelectric accelerometers for vibration measurement in industrial, automotive, and research applications.

Yes, all accelerometers are provided with traceable calibration certificates.

Yes, we offer rugged accelerometers designed for use in extreme conditions.

The frequency range varies by model, typically covering 1 Hz to 10,000 Hz.

Yes, a variety of mounting accessories, including adhesive bases and magnetic mounts, are available.

Artificial Head FAQs

Artificial heads are used for binaural sound measurements and simulations of human hearing.

Yes, our artificial heads meet relevant standards for binaural measurements.

Yes, artificial heads are suitable for noise certification tests in automotive, aerospace, and consumer electronics.

Our artificial heads typically measure from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, depending on the model.

Yes, we offer compatible software for recording and analyzing binaural sound data.

Other FAQs

ISO17025 ensures that our calibration processes are internationally recognized for accuracy and reliability.

Yes, we offer non-accredited calibration services for specific applications, such as accelerometers.

Orders can be placed via our website or by contacting our sales team directly.

Yes, we ship our products worldwide.

Our products come with a standard warranty period of one year, extendable upon request.

Let me know if you’d like these FAQs formatted differently or if you want to add more details to specific questions.