THE SELECTION AND USE OF SOUND LEVEL METERS

The human ear is sensitive to variations in pressure over the range 0.00002 pascal to 20 pascal. These extremes correspond approximately to the lower and upper thresholds of human hearing respectively. The important function of a sound level meter is to measure the magnitude of the atmospheric pressure variations resulting in the sensation of sound by an observer while simultaneously weighing these in relation to the ear's frequency response. The author discusses the progress of sound level measurements since the publication of the final report of the Committee on the Problem of Noise, in 1963 and the introduction of relevant British Standards 3489:1962 (Specification for Sound Level Meters - Industrial Grade) and 4197:1967 (Specifications for a Precision Sound Level Meter). The report sought to define the problems, and the B.S.'s specify the technical requirements for instruments primarily concerned in measuring the phenomena causing it. The essential parts of a sound level meter are given as a microphone, attenuator(s), weighting network(s), amplifiers and an indicating meter. The design and operation of these components and operational measuring techniques are discussed. Illustrations convey information on examples of suitable instruments. /TRRL/

• Corporate Authors:

  Trade and Technical Press, Limited

  Crown House
  Morden, Surrey SM4 5EW,   England 
• Authors:
  • King, A C
• Publication Date: 1976-1

Language

• English

Media Info

• Features: Figures; Photos; References;
• Pagination: p. 11-16
• Serial:
  • Noise Control and Vibration Insulation
  • Volume: 7 N
  • Issue Number: 1
  • Publisher: Trade and Technical Press, Limited

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Design; Ear; Hearings; Measurement; Measuring instruments; Noise; Sound level; Standards
• ITRD Terms: 6155: Apparatus (measuring); 9011: Design (overall design); 6747: Sound level
• Subject Areas: Design; Environment; Highways; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00137726
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 13 1977 12:00AM