Sound Meters 101: Noise Meters and Sound Level Meter Accessories

Measuring noise levels and employees' noise exposure is an important part of a workplace noise control and hearing conservation program. A wide range of professional instruments can be used to measure noise levels. We carry a complete line of sound measuring devices: noise indicators, sound examiners, sound level meters, outdoor measuring systems. A noise indicator shows if the noise level is above the non-harmful 85 dB and if it is necessary to start using hearing protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs. A sound meter is a more robust device, which consists of a microphone, electronic circuits, and a display. It measures, records and processes data. To avoid noise reading alterations in windy areas, a windscreen is used to cover the microphone.

3M™ Noise Indicator NI-100

3M Noise Indicator NI-100 with a clip

The 3M™ NI-100 is a durable noise-indicating device that alerts users when noise levels exceed 85dB. It is one of the most affordable noise detection options available for monitoring noise levels. Red flashing LED light indicates noise levels that are above 85 dB, green flashing LED shows noise levels below 85 dB. NI-100 is easy-to–use: clips to a shirt or a  Duck Canvas Jacket, and turns on with a simple press-and-hold of a button. The unit will auto-power off after 10 hours.

3M™ Noise Indicator NI-100 is the ideal tool for Health & Safety Managers working in varied noise environments: it helps training workers within a Hearing Conservation Program to spot hazardous noise levels, to ensure that they know when to put on the hearing protection, or as a mapping tool to determine where noise studies are necessary.

Key Features:

• Accuracy: +/-3dB
• Standards: CE Approved
• Time Response: Slow
• Rechargeable battery that operates for up to 200 hours between charges
• LI-Poly flat cell with 200 hours of battery life before recharge is necessary
• Dimensions: 5.1cm (L) x 3.6cm (W) x 1.3cm (D) or 2"(L) x 1.4" (W) x .52" (D)
• Operating Temperature: 14 to 122°F

3M™ SOUND EXAMINERS

According to the international ANSI and IEC standards, the type/class of a sound level meter is defined by its accuracy: type 1 is more accurate than type 2.

Key Features: 

• Battery type: Lithium Polymer
• Weight: 0.9 lbs, Ship weight: 1.1 lbs
• Time response: Fast, Slow
• Range: 30 – 140 dBA
• Operating t°: 14°F to 122°F
• Atmospheric Pressure: Operating: 80 to 110 kPa; Storage: 50 to 150 kPa
• Drop Protection: Minimum 2 meters onto concrete, 2 times on each face
• Housing: ABS Polycarbonate IP65
• Internal Memory: 2MB (34 days at 1-minute logging)
• Communications: USB Interface
• User-selectable data logging intervals for download and analysis with 3M™ Detection Management Software
• Measurement Parameters: SPL, Peak, Lavg/Leq, Max, Ln, Elapsed Time, Min

Differences Between Models:

1. Type of Microphone

The Type 1 microphone is designed both for laboratory and field use. The Type 1 standard is extremely accurate and durable. It allows to make highly accurate, reliable acoustic measurements in most challenging environments and is popular among engineers and researchers.

The Type 2 microphone is a general purpose one with less strict,  easily-achieved standards. These microphones do not have the high-frequency response, low cartridge thermal noise levels, or high accuracy. It is a less expensive alternative for the situations when the measurement accuracy is not critical.

2. Intrinsic Safety (IS)

Intrinsic safety is covered under OSHA Regulations (Standards - 29 CFR), Hazardous (classified) locations 1910.307 and 1926.407.

Certified IS tools are designed to prevent the release of energy sufficient to cause ignition of flammable materials in hazardous environments.

Intrinsically safe products are engineered to be used in the following industries: petrochemical, oil platforms and refineries, pharmaceutical, bulk materials, mining, pipelines, grain handling and processing, and for any environment where explosive gases are present.

Additional information:

1. Quick start guide
2. Watch the Operation Video
3. Brochure: 3M_Sound_Examiner_SE-400_IS
4. Download Sound Examiners: key features

3M™ Sound Examiner™ SE-401-IS

3M Sound Examiner SE-401-IS

3M Sound Examiner SE-401-IS is a high-quality user-friendly instrument engineered to be used in potentially hazardous work environments: pharmaceutical, automotive, transportation, metal production, military maintenance, repair and operation, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas industries.

The benefit of 3M Sound Examiner SE-401-IS is that it offers intuitive interface which does not require training and is certified intrinsically safe. The averaging functionality allows for easy measurement in various environments. Other important advantages of using this meter include a large backlit display and remote printing capabilities.

• Data logging
• Type 1 microphone
• Standards/Approvals?: IEC 61672-1 (2002), ANSI S1.43 (R2007), CE

3M™ Sound Examiner™ SE-402-IS

3M Sound Examiner SE-402-IS

The 3M Sound Examiner Sound Level Meter SE-402-IS is an intrinsically safe meter engineered to accurately measure noise levels in highly variable environments. This easy-to-use instrument calculates the average sound pressure level (LEQ/LAVG) over the run time; data log the maximum, minimum and peak values, and enables data to be downloaded for further analysis.

• Data logging
• Type 1 microphone
• Intrinsically safe

Manual: 3M SE-402-IS User Manual

3M™ Sound Examiner™ SE-402-R

3M Sound-Examiner-SE-402R

The 3M Sound Examiner SE-402-R is a versatile compact meter with accurate sound measurement and intuitive analysis capabilities. The tool computes the average sound pressure level (LEQ/LAVG) over the run time, helping to assess occupational and environmental noise levels. The aerodynamic shape, removable preamp, onboard data logging, and SoundPatrol portable digital printing functionalities ensure the improvement in operating efficiency and reporting in acoustics, heat stress, and environment monitoring.

Key Features:

• Data logging
• Type 2 microphone
• Remote capability with removable preamp
• Serial printing for SoundPatrol feature

Brochure:  The 3M SoundPro System

The 3M™ SoundPro™ DL Series Sound Level Meter SP-DL-1-1/3

SoundPro DL 1/1 & 1/3 Octave Datalogging RTA X

The 3M SoundPro DL Series Sound Level Meter SP-DL-1-1/3 provides Class 1 sound level monitoring and comprehensive data analysis. With real-time frequency analysis displayed on its large screen display and data storing capabilities, it’s easy to use to post-process and evaluate workplace noise levels. Applications include occupational noise evaluations, environmental noise assessments, noise ordinance enforcement and legal metrology, general sound and frequency analysis, vehicle noise evaluations.

Key features:

• Type 1 unit with 1/1 and 1/3 Octave RTA and standard accessories
• Type 1 Microphone
• Octave Band Analysis?: 1/3, 1/1
• Replaceable battery
• 4 x AA Alkaline cell batteries
• Battery life: > 10 hours
• Optional Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH Cells) batteries available
• Quick keypad calibration
• Removable SD memory card(2) virtual broadband SLMs
• Complete session, study and time history data logging
• Time Response: Fast, Impulse, Slow
• 7.9cm x 28.2cm x 4.1cm / 3.1"W X 11.1"H X 1.6" (D) (with preamp and microphone)
• Standards/Approvals?:? IEC 61326-1 (2005), IEC 61672-1 (2002), ANSI S1.4 (R2006), ANSI S1.43 (R2007), IEC 61260 (2001), ANSI S1.11 (R2009), CE, WEEE, RoHS
• Measurement Parameters: SPL, Dose, Sel, Peak, TWA, Taktm, Ldn, Ln, PDOSE, CNEL, Exposure, C-A, Lavg/Leq, 1/1 and 1/3 Octave, Max, Min

Manual: SoundPro User Manual

The 3M™ SoundPro™ DL Series Sound Level Meter SP-DL-2-1/3

3M SoundPro SE-DL Series Sound Level Meter SP-DL-2-1/3

The 3M SoundPro DL Series Sound Level Meter SP-DL-2-1/3 provides Class 2 sound level monitoring and comprehensive data analysis. With real-time frequency analysis displayed on its large screen display and data storing capabilities, it’s easy to use to post-process and evaluate workplace noise levels.

Key features:

• Type 2 unit with 1/1 and 1/3 Octave RTA
• Type 2 microphone
• Octave Band Analysis: 1/3, 1/1
• Replaceable battery
• 4 x AA Alkaline cell batteries
• Battery life: > 10 hours
• Optional Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH Cells) batteries available
• Quick keypad calibration
• Removable SD memory card(2) virtual broadband SLMs
• Complete session, study and time history data logging
• Time Response: Fast, Impulse, Slow
• 7.9cm x 28.2cm x 4.1cm / 3.1"W X 11.1"H X 1.6" (D) (with preamp and microphone)
• Standards/Approvals?:IEC 61326-1 (2005), IEC 61672-1 (2002), ANSI S1.4 (R2006), ANSI S1.43 (R2007), IEC 61260 (2001), ANSI S1.11 (R2009), CE, WEEE, RoHS
• Measurement Parameters: SPL, Dose, Sel, Peak, TWA, Taktm, Ldn, Ln, PDOSE, CNEL, Exposure, C-A, Lavg/Leq, 1/1 and 1/3 Octave, Max, Min

The 3M™ SoundPro™ Outdoor Measuring System (OMS)

SP-OMS Outdoor Measuring System

The SoundPro Outdoor Measuring System (OMS) helps protect the instrument from exposure to wind, rain, snow, chemicals, particulates, animals, vandalism and theft. It is also used for extended battery life with up to one week of continuous monitoring. Outdoor measuring system (OMS) allows for unattended sound level meter monitoring. Design allows for the case to be padlocked. It does not include the SoundPro series meter. The outdoor measurement system should be stored in a cool dry location with the lid closed whenever possible. The OMS is only for the Sound Pro type 1 or type 2, due to how it plugs in. It won't work on the SE-402 or SE-401 but might work on the SE-402-R.

Key Features:

• Battery: 12 Volt, 42 Amp-Hour
• Battery runtime: 80% of 42 Amp-Hours, 34 Amp-Hours of 12 Volt power
• Operating Temperature: 32°F to 122°F
• Microphone: Type 1 Precision QE4936, or Type 2 General QE7052

Outdoor System Includes:

• Main parts: weatherproof case, base shaft, with sealed nut, 2 inch tall preamp adapter, microphone, windscreen/weather shield, bird spikes, outdoor extension cable assembly, case plug w/059-330 0-ring, cable insertion tool, outdoor 12V power cable, battery, outdoor power distribution panel, universal input 12V/5A battery charger, USA 115V IEC320 line cord #18AWG, desiccant SG-40 rechargeable canister.
• The exposed components are made of stainless steel or plastic to resist corrosion.
• Applications include transportation noise assessment, industrial fence line monitoring, construction site monitoring, complaint investigations, noise ordinance enforcement, environmental impact studies, noise control research and engineering

For more information about our Sound Meters product line, please go to www.pksafety.com, and follow us on Twitter: @PKSafetydotcom

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