Fundamentals of acoustics 45

of the measurement (either to evaluate exposure or to determine the optimum approach for noise
control).

Table 1.5. Frequency weighting characteristics for A and C networks (*).

Frequency Weighting, dB
Hz
A C
31.5 - 39 -3
63 - 26 -1
125 - 16 0
250 - 9 0
500 - 3 0
1,000 0 0
2,000 1 0
4,000 1 -1
8,000 -1 -3

*This is a simplified table, for illustration purposes. The full characteristics for the A, B and
C weighting networks of the sound level meter have been specified by the IEC (IEC 60651).

1.5.1. Types of Noise ( see ISO 12001 )

Noise may be classified as steady, non-steady or impulsive, depending upon the temporal
variations in sound pressure level. The various types of noise and instrumentation required for
their measurement are illustrated in Table 1.6.
Steady noise is a noise with negligibly small fluctuations of sound pressure level within the
period of observation. If a slightly more precise single-number description is needed, assessment
by NR (Noise Rating) curves may be used.
A noise is called non-steady when its sound pressure levels shift significantly during the
period of observation. This type of noise can be divided into intermittent noise and fluctuating
noise.
Fluctuating noise is a noise for which the level changes continuously and to a great extent
during the period of observation.
Tonal noise may be either continuous or fluctuating and is characterised by one or two single
frequencies. This type of noise is much more annoying than broadband noise characterised by
energy at many different frequencies and of the same sound pressure level as the tonal noise.