DEPARTMENT OF BUILT ENVIRONMENT STUDIES AND TECHNOLOGY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (HONS.) CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

AP246

BUILDING ENVIRONMENT SYSTEM

CMA 533

LAB WORK:
SOUND LEVEL METER

GROUP:
AP246 3H

PREPARED BY:
NAME MATRIC NUMBER
FARAH SYAZANA BINTI ZIL HUSHAM 2022602548
NUR ARISHA BINTI ABD RAHMAN 2022481356
NUR BAIDURI BINTI SHAMSAINI @ SHAMSAIMI 2022864308
PUTRI NADILA EMYLIA BINTI SURI 2022855684

PREPARED FOR:
PN ZALIDA BINTI SALLEH

DATE OF SUBMISSION:
23 DECEMBER 2022
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Alhamdulillah, praise be to Allah SWT, who provides the ideas, physical strength, and
emotional strength to complete this report. Completing this report requires more than just
effort. The project can be completed on time with enthusiasm and determination. All the time
spent searching for and discussing ideas, as well as justifying theoretical clues to drive the
output, was effort and time.

A large round of praise and admiration goes to the lecturer who has assisted us throughout the
process, Puan Zalida Binti Salleh, who has provided us advice on how to finish this report.
Every week in class, she reminds us and provides us with the proper instructions. Even in
online learning, she has been very helpful with additional information and recommendations
as needed. Furthermore, thank you for always making our report easier to comprehend, for
always completing and knowing exactly what the work is about, and for always giving us
time to understand it.

Last but not least, a million thanks to all of our classmates who assisted us with our group
project. They always provide us ideas and comments on our report so that we may improve it
in numerous ways. We hope the report gets received and that our efforts were worthwhile.
Thank you.

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT i
TABLE OF CONTENT ii
LIST OF FIGURES iii
LIST OF TABLES iv

1.0 INTRODUCTION TO SOUND LEVEL METER 1

1.1 Name or Model of Sound Level Meter Equipment 2
1.2 Photos of The Sound Level Meter 5
1.3 The Function of Sound Level Meter 6
1.4 The Range of Sounf Level Meter 8

2.0 PROCEDURE TO USE SOND LEVEL METER 13

3.0 CALIBRATE A SOUND LEVEL METER 18

REFERENCES v

ii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1.1: Sound Level Meter with casing 5

Figure 1.2: Sound Level Meter test 5
Figure 1.3: Sound Level Meter (front view) 5
Figure 1.4: Sound Level Meter (side view) 6
Figure 1.5: Sound Level Meter (back view) 6
Figure 1.6: Electronic Circuits on how Sound Level Meter Work 8
Figure 1.7: The Decibel scale 10
Figure 2.1: Backlit Fast Auto mode 13
Figure 2.2: Press Range button 14
Figure 2.3: Fast Time Weighting 14
Figure 2.4: Slow Time Weighting 15
Figure 2.5: Sound level meter on HOLD 15
Figure 2.6: Taking a reading using a Sound Level Meter 16
Figure 2.7: Record Function ON 16
Figure 2.8: Record Function Maximum 17
Figure 2.9: Record Function Minimum 17
Figure 3.1: Sound calibrator use for this lab 18
Figure 3.2: Shown that how to insert sound calibrator 18
Figure 3.3: Manual range selection 18
Figure 3.4: Weighting selection 19
Figure 3.5: Calibrator adjustment 19

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 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1.1: Specification of Sound Level Meter 2

Table 1.2: Sound Level Meter Models 11

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 1.0 INTRODUCTION TO SOUND LEVEL METER

An SLM (Sound Level Meter) is a small, portable device that measures sound pressure levels
directly and incorporates frequency weighting networks that roughly represent the inverse of
equal loudness contours at different levels. It provides accurate, repeatable measurements of
sound pressure levels and responds to sound in a manner that is similar to that of the human
ear. The Sound Level Meter is using battery to start functioning.

The Sound Level Meter consist of three important components. There are calibrated
microphones, electronic circuits and a display. The microphone is to provide accuracy,
repeatable measurements of sound pressure levels and responds to sound in a manner that is
similar to that of the human ear. It is also able to detect any air movement or pressure
variation that associate with the sound and convert it to the electrical signals. Next is, the
signals will be processed using the electronic circuit in the Sound Level Meter. Lastly the
result will be shown in display in decibels (dB)

The unit of the Sound Level Meter is known as decibels (dB). Generally, decibel is
the unit used to measure the intensity of the sound. The smallest decibel scale ever counted
was 0 dB which is comparable to silence meanwhile 60dB and more than 85 dB is considered
loud able to cause harm to the one who listens.

There are two types of sound level meter. The first one is standard sound level meter
which also known as exponentially averaging sound level meter. This type is using root-
mean-square (RMS) circuit to convert an AC signal from the microphone to a DC signal.
However, the standard sound level meters are limited to determine the risk of hearing damage
around the environment. The second type is integrating-averaging sound level meter. This
type of sound level meter is functioning comparable and frequently grouped together. It is
known that integrating-averaging sound level meter is able to calculate sound exposure only
using pressure square into time which make it different from the conventional sound level
method where the frequency-weighted need to be added every time.

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1.1 Name or Model of Sound Level Meter Equipment

Name of Equipment : Sound level Meter

Brand/Model : SL-4023SD
Date of Purchase : 2008
Price of the item : RM 850.00
Type of Unit : RM1464.86
Specification :

Table 1.1: Specification of Sound Level Meter

Circuit Custom one-chip of microprocessor LSI (Large-scale
integration) circuit
Display The LCD size is 52mm x 38mm equipped with green
backlight (ON/OFF)
Resolution 0.1dB
Accuracy ‘A’ frequency weighting network meet IEC 61672
class 2 meanwhile the result under 94dB, the
accuracy follows the following regulation.
31.5Hz ± 3.5 dB
63 Hz ± 2.5 dB
125 Hz ± 2.0 dB
250 Hz ± 1.9 dB
500 Hz ± 1.9 dB
1 K Hz ± 1.4 dB
2 K Hz ± 2.6 dB
4 K Hz ± 3.6 dB
8 K Hz ± 5.6 dB
Frequency weighting There are two types of weighting: A & C
network
A Weighting: This characteristic is stimulated as a
“human ear listing’ response. In general, always
choose A weighted when measuring ambient noise
level

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 B Weighting: Characteristic are close to “Flat”
answer. It is usually suitable for machine noise check
to identify the sound pressure level of the tested
devices

Time weighting 1. Fast t=200ms

2. Slow t=500ms
Data hold To freeze the measurement taken
Peak hold To keep the highest measurement
Range selector 1. Auto range: 30-130dB
2. Manual range: 30 to 80 dB, 50 to 100 dB, 80 to
130 dB, 50 dB on each step, with over & under range
indicating
Frequency 31.5-8000 Hz
Microphone type & Size Electrical condenser microphone.
Out size is 12.7mm while 0.5mm diameter
Calibration VR Built with external calibration VR, and easy to
calibrate on 94 dB level by screwdriver
Calibrator B & K (Bruel & kjaer), MULTIFUNCTION
ACOUSTIC CALIBRATOR 4226.
Datalogger sampling Auto: 1s to 3600s
time/setting range Manual: will saved the data once the data logger
button is pushed
Memory card 1GB-16GB
Advance Settings 1. Set clock time (Year/Month/Date, Hour/Minute/
Second)
2. Decimal point of SD card setting
3. Auto power OFF management
4. Set beep Sound ON/OFF
5. Set sampling time
6. SD memory card Format
Memory recall Max & Min values

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Sampling time of display Approximately 0.1s
Data Output RS 232/USB PC computer interface
AC output Corresponding to each range step to AC 0.5Vrms
Power off Automatically shuts off to save up battery or
manually pushed the button OFF
Operating temperature 0-50 Celsius
Operating humidity >85% RH
Power supply 1. Alkaline or heavy-duty DC 1.5 V battery
2. ADC 9V adapter input
Power current 1. Normal operation: approximately DC 12Ma
2.When SD card save the data, but an LCD Backlight
is OFF: approximately DC51Ma
3.AIf LCD backlight on, the power consumption will
increase approx. 30 mA
Weight 0.489Kg
Dimension 245 x 68 x 45 mm.
Optional accessory Sound calibrator (94 dB), SC-941.
Sound calibrator (94/114 dB), SC-942.
Sound wind shield ball, SB-01 * SD Card (2 GB )
USB cable, USB-01.
RS232 cable, UPCB-02.
Data Acquisition software SW-U801-WIN.
AC to DC 9V adapter.
Soft carrying case, CA-05A and hard carrying case,
CA-06

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1.2 Photos of The Sound Level Meter

Figure 1.1: Sound Level Meter with casing

Figure 1.2: Sound Level Meter test

Figure 1.3: Sound Level Meter (front view)

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 Figure 1.4: Sound Level Meter (side view)

Figure 1.5: Sound Level Meter (back view)

1.3 The Function of Sound Level Meter

Sound meters are ideal for determining, monitoring, and managing sound
levels. They are utilised in a variety of situations in factories, other industrial
operations, and construction sites. Sound level meters are also handy for setting up
audio equipment at events or for personal usage.

Sound measurements are made using a sound level meter (NTi Audio, 2010).
A sound-level meter is a device that measures the volume of sound, noise, and other
things. A standard meter consists of a microphone that picks up sound and converts it

6
into an electrical signal, followed by electronic circuitry that operates on this signal to
measure the desired qualities (Encylopaedia Britannica & William L. Hosch, 2013).

It is sometimes referred to as a sound pressure level meter (SPL), a decibel

meter (dB meter), a noise level meter (noise meter), or a noise dosimeter. It is
essentially a device that can detect audio frequencies and is controlled by a
microcontroller. When the noise level reaches a crucial level, the microcontroller
measures, compares, and takes the appropriate action (producing an audio
announcement). A noise meter can evaluate whether the sound is within legal limits.
The sound level meter can measure the sound parameter in decibels (dB), which is the
industry standard for measuring loudness.

A microphone, a meter display, and electrical circuits are the three main
components of a sound level meter. It can detect the strength of a sound wave. It all
starts with the microphone on a sound level meter, which has a flexible membrane
that moves when a sound wave hits it. When motions are detected by the microphone,
they are transformed into an alternating current electrical signal. The alternating
current electrical signal is an accurate electronic representation of sound waves. The
root-mean-square (RMS) detector circuit subsequently converts the AC electrical
impulses to DC. The RMS circuit then outputs a linear voltage, which is routed
through a logarithmic circuit to the meter display, which displays the sound wave
measurement in decibels (O'Brien, 2018).

The three different types of sound level meters are the "conventional" sound
level meter, the integrating-averaging sound level meter, and the integrating sound
level meter.

i. Standard sound level meter

The root-mean-square (RMS) circuit is used by the standard sound level meter,
also referred to as an exponentially averaging sound level meter, to change the AC
signal from the microphone into a DC signal. Measuring the risk of hearing
damage is the only function of conventional sound lemvel meters.

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 ii. Integrating or integrating-averaging sound level meters
Sound level meters that integrate and sound level meters that integrate-average are
typically grouped together since they are functionally equivalent. In contrast to the
traditional sound level meter, which also includes frequency-weighted noise, the
integrating meter determines sound exposure using pressure squared into time.

Contrarily, the management and control of occupational noise is frequently practised

using integrating or integrating-averaging sound level meters (Scarlet Tech, 2018).

Figure 1.6: Electronic Circuits on how Sound Level Meter Work

Source: https://scarlet-tech.com/products/sound-level-meter-overview/

1.4 The Range of Sound Level Meter

The value of the noise intensity level can be calculated from the value of the sound
intensity. Equations can be used to calculate the intensity of sound (Indrayani, Sri
Asfiati, Riky, & Rajagukguk, 2020). The sound level meter can measure the sound
parameter in decibels (dB), which is the industry standard for measuring loudness.

When selecting a noise level meter, consider the following factors: what type of noise
environment will be assessed, and what range does the sound pressure level need to
measure? And what is the cost of a sound level meter? To measure ambient noise, a
Class 1 level meter is necessary. A Class 2 sound meter is most likely appropriate for
industrial sound measurement. Most sound level meters offer a noise range of 30-130
dB. The range is determined by the thing being measured. Users may need a lower
range than 25 dB for environmental noise monitoring, but not necessary up to 140 dB.
In the case of industrial noise, the top limit must be at least 140 decibels. Class 1

8
meters are more expensive than class 2 meters, although both will provide accurate
sound readings as long as the tool follows the IEC 61672-1 standards. The sound level
meter can measure the sound parameter in decibels (dB), which is the industry
standard for measuring loudness.

Finding the proper sound meter for a given purpose might be difficult; users
must first identify how the sound level meter will be used. Professional sound
pressure measurements often adhere to standard methods that stipulate the sort of
sound meter to be used.

Professional sound meter type:

i. Sound level meter of class 1
These are the most accurate and expensive noise meters available. These are
commonly employed in professional measurements such as traffic, train noise,
aviation noise, building acoustics, engineering measurements, and sound power.

ii. Sound level meter of class 2

These are less expensive while yet providing precise measurements. Class 2
sound levels are commonly employed in offices, classrooms, and general
industrial facilities.

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 Figure 1.7: The Decibel scale

The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale that is more closely related to how the human
ear responds to loudness, making it appropriate for this function. It develops a more
relevant loudness scale in the field of health and safety. SLMs are often manufactured
as handheld, portable devices. Many manufacturers sell a variety of easy-to-use and
compliance sound level meters to meet your needs.

The international standard IEC 61672-1 provides the performance standards

for a professional sound level meter. This standard specifies two performance
categories: Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 sound level meters are more accurate and cost

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 more than class 2 sound level meters. One of the most important specifications of IEC
61672-1 is the acceptance limits for fluctuations in observed decibel levels at
specified frequencies ranging from 10 Hz to 20 kHz. Class 1 sound level meters have
a frequency range of 16 Hz-16 kHz, while class 2 sound level meters have a frequency
range of 20 Hz-8 kHz.

1.5 The Price of Sound Level Meter

Table 1.2: Sound Level Meter Models

NO PICTURE BRAND MODEL PRICE

LASERLINER Sound Test-

Master

Dimension: 35L x 80W x 245H mm

1 Max. Frequency: 8000 Hz RM 867.19
Frequency Range: 31.5 Hz – 8000 Hz
Reading Range: 30 – 130 dB
Display: LED

EXTECH SDL600

Dimension: 73L x 48W x 250H mm

Max. Frequency: 8000z RM
2
Frequency Range: 31.5 Hz – 8000 Hz 3042.21
Reading Range: 30 – 130 dB
Display: LED

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 VOLTCRAFT Sound level
meter SL-200

Dimension: 32L x 55W x 210H mm

3 Max. Frequency: 8000z RM 515.63
Frequency Range: 31.5 Hz – 8000 Hz
Reading Range: 30 – 130 dB
Display: Digital

TESTO Sound Level Meter

816-1

Dimension: 180L x 175W x 75H mm

4 Max. Frequency: 8000z RM 2948.46
Frequency Range: 20 Hz – 8000 Hz
Reading Range: 30 – 130 dB
Display: Digital

BEHA AMPROBE Sound level meter

Data logger SM-10

Dimension: 38L x 55W x 200H mm

5 Max. Frequency: 8000z RM 1382.82
Frequency Range: 31.5 Hz – 8000 Hz
Reading Range: 30 – 130 dB
Display: LED

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 2.0 PROCEDURE TO USE SOND LEVEL METER

Turn the sound level meter equipment by pressing the Power On/Off Button, the meter’s
default function is Auto range, A frequency weighting and fast time weighting. Upon turning
on the equipment, the LCD display will show the unit “A. Fast Auto “. Change the frequency
weighting by pressing A/C button to select A or C. Powering the equipment on will light up
the LCD backlight automatically, to turn the backlight off, press Backlight button.

Figure 2.1: Backlit Fast Auto mode

Set the proper measuring range based on the assessment by pressing the Range button. Under
the auto range, press the Range button. Enter the manual range and auto range in sequence. 3
manual ranges :

Manual range 1, 30 - 80 dB range :

Display will show the unit of “30 - 80”
Manual range 2, 50 – 100 dB range :
Display will show the unit of “50 -1 00”
Manual range 3, 80 – 130 dB range :
Display will show the unit of “80 - 130”

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 Figure 1.2: Press Range button
Based on the measuring sound source, choose time weighting whether fast or slow by pressing
the Time Weighting button. The choice of time weighting will be displayed on the LCD.

Figure 2.3: Fast Time Weighting

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 Figure 2.4: Slow Time Weighting
While taking the measurement, press Hold button to keep the measured value. The LCD will
display a HOLD symbol while doing so. Press the Hold button again to release the hold
function and continue taking the measurement.

Figure 2.5: Sound level meter on HOLD

During measurement, place the sound level meter atleast 1.5 meter away from source of noise.
Eliminate any obstacles between SLM to the source of sound to ensure the reading are not
tampered.

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 Figure 2.6: Taking a reading using a Sound Level Meter
To take data recording to record maximum and minimum readings, press REC button. The
symbol along with maximum value will appear on the display. To delete the maximum value,
press the Hold button to remove it and only show the REC symbol. Press the REC button
again to display the minimum value, the display will show the REC symbol. Again, press
Hold button to delete the minimum value. Lastly, press REC button for more than 2 seconds
to exit the memory record function and to revert to the normal current reading.

Figure 2.7: Record Function ON

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Figure 2.8: Record Function Maximum

Figure 2.9: Record Function Minimum

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 3.0 CALIBRATE A SOUND LEVEL METER

Prepare the "SOUND CALIBRATOR," an optional device, such as the "SC-941" or "SC-
942" (set range to 94.0 dB). Turn on the sound calibrator and insert the calibrator's output
socket into the sound level meter's "Microphone" head.

Figure 3.1: Sound calibrator use for this lab

Figure 3.2: Shown that how to insert sound calibrator

Next, select "50-100 dB" for the manual range.

Figure 3.3: Manual range selection

Then, choose "Time Weighting" in the "Fast" position, then choose "A" weighting.

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 Figure 3.4: Weighting selection
Lastly, when the display reading value is within " 94 +/- 0.2 " dB, carefully adjust the
Calibration VR with a screw driver.

Figure 3.5: Calibrator adjustment

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 REFERENCES

Howstuffworks (2021). What is a decibel, and how is measured? Retrieved 19/12/2021 from
https://science.howstuffworks.com/question124.htm

NTI (2021). What is Sound Level Meter Retrieved 19/12/2021 from.

https://www.nti-audio.com/en/support/know-how/what-is-a-sound-level-meter

ScarletTech (2020) What is Sound Level Meter. Retrieved 19/12/2021 from

https://scarlet-tech.com/products/sound-level-meter-overview/

Lutron (2008). Sound Level Meter - SL-4023SD. Retrieved 19/12/2021 from

http://instrumentsgroup.co.za/

Electronic, 2.C. (2021). Sound Level Meters. Conrad.com. Retrieved 20/12/2022 from
https://www.conrad.com/o/sound-level-meters-0508010

่ ดเสียง รุน
LEGATOOL. (2017). เครืองวั ่ อ้ Lutron [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved
่ SL-4023SD ยีห
20/12/2022 from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgnjCUpR-4U

Encylopaedia Britannica, & William L. Hosch. (2013, September 30). Sound-Level Meter.
Retrieved 20/12/2022 from
https://www.britannica.com/technology/sound-level-meter

Indrayani, Sri Asfiati, Riky, M. N., & Rajagukguk, J. (2020). Journal of Physics: Conference
Series. Measurement and Evaluation of Sound Intensity at The Medan Railway Station Using
a Sound Level Meter, p. 7.

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NTi Audio. (2010). What is a Sound Level Meter. Retrieved 20/12/2022 from
https://www.nti-audio.com/en/support/know-how/what-is-a-sound-level-meter

O'Brien, L. (2018, March 29). UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF SOUND

LEVEL METER CALIBRATION. Retrieved 20/13/2022 from
https://e2bcal.com/understanding-importance-sound-level-meter-calibration/

Scarlet Tech. (2018). Sound Level Meter - Overview. Retrieved 20/12/2022 from
https://scarlet-tech.com/products/sound-level-meter-overview/

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