The 8 best noise meters

One of the harmful factors that adversely affects human health and well-being is noise. It is not without reason that people who work in conditions of strong sound exposure are entitled to extra pay or extra days off. To estimate the noise level, there are special instruments. Sound is fed into the device through a microphone, converted into decibels, and the results are displayed on the noise meter. Today there is a wide range of these devices in Russian stores. There are professional models as well as household devices. Recommendations of our experts will help potential buyers to find their noise meter.

Suggestions for selection

Filters. One of the most important elements in a noise meter is the sound filter. They come in 4 types, each of which is responsible for sound level and pressure level. Two filters are most often used in noise meters.

  1. A sound filter designation is responsible for device operation and displaying data obtained at a low volume level.
  2. C-filter required for maximum volume.

Classification. All noise meters are divided into 4 categories according to their accuracy.

  1. Zero class has the most precise measurements, but its field of application is very narrow due to the space price.
  2. For certified laboratories, experimental work devices of the first class are created. They are distinguished by their minimal error.
  3. Second class devices have a high level of noise measurement. These are the most common devices in the industry. They allow you to monitor the condition of the sound impact, both in the entire room, as well as in a limited area.
  4. High accuracy of noise measurements is not required in the household. It is important for a person to know the approximate value in order to draw a conclusion about the safety of a particular piece of equipment. At the same time the device should be affordable. All these requirements are met by models of the third class.

Temporal properties.Noise meters also differ in time intervals of measurements.

  1. Instruments labeled F (fast) allow you to estimate the degree of noise exposure in continuous mode.
  2. If the task is to measure noise with interruptions in operation, then the S (slow) models are suitable.
  3. To perform impulse sound measurements, you will need devices marked I (pik).

Additional Options.Noise meter manufacturers introduce various modern options.

  1. Illuminated display allows to take readings in poor visibility conditions.
  2. The USB port allows communication with a personal computer.
  3. Requires analog output for connection to an oscilloscope.
  4. Built-in memory allows a specified number of measurements to be stored in the device.

We have selected the 8 best noise meters in this review. You can buy them in the trading network of our country. When assigning the places, the editorial staff of expertology magazine based on expert opinion, taking into account feedback from Russian consumers.

Rating of the best noise meters

Nominationplaceproduct nameprice
Rating of the best noise meters1Testo 81517 800€
2SoundTest-Master17 900€
3MEGEON 9214014 500€
4SEED DT-8852 48075510 600€
5Smart Sensor AR8144 000€
6Megeon 921352 990€
7ADA ZSM 135 A005171 750€

Testo 815

Rating: 4.9

Testo 815.jpg

German Testo 815 noise meter demonstrates high measurement accuracy. The error is only 1 dB, there is a wind shield for wind protection. The manufacturer has made it possible to mount the device on a tripod. Thanks to the built-in display it is convenient for the users to carry out visual control of the results. To control the operation of the device there is a pushbutton panel. The range of measured sound level values is from 32 to 130 dB. The noise meter is powered by crown, time of operation is 70 hours. Operating temperature range from 0 to +40°C. Experts gave the device the second place in the review.

In reviews users praise the noise meter for measuring accuracy and German quality. To the disadvantages they include a small amount of memory (memorizes minimum and maximum values).

Advantages of

  • high precision;
  • German quality;
  • easy operation;
  • Has a wind shield.

Disadvantages

  • small memory.

SoundTest-Master

Rating: 4.8

SoundTest-Master.jpg

For operative noise level control in the industrial premises is suitable device firmLaser

  • The SoundTest-Master. The German development is equipped with a sensitive condenser microphone that is protected against dust with a special cover. Experts praised the noise meter for its intuitive operation and the bundled software. With connection to a PC, the results can be monitored in real time. Up to 16,000 measurement results can be stored. The device is designed to work in the frequency range from 31,5 to 8000 Hz.Sound level range: 30dB – 130dB.Accuracy of measurement: ± 1.5 dB. Power supply of the noise meter is provided by 6 AAA batteries, which contribute to the overall weight of the product (350 g).

    The model takes the honorable third place for its clear display with backlight, reliability and small error.

    Advantages

    • sensitive microphone;
    • protection from dust and wind;
    • quality assembly;
    • ability to connect to PC.

    Disadvantages

    • high weight.

    MEGEON 92140

    Rating: 4.7

    MEGEON 92140.jpg

    Instantly assess the noise level in the workplace allows the unit MEGEON 92140. Measuring range is 30…130 dB, all results are shown on the backlit display. Special soft pouch protects the microphone from dust and wind. The manufacturer has made it possible to connect the noise meter to your computer through USB. In order to save battery power (4×1.5 V), the product is equipped with an auto-off function (after 10 minutes of inactivity). Experts estimated the accuracy of the device at its true value; accuracy of readings does not exceed 1.2 dB. Included with the noise meter is a telescopic tripod and a hard plastic case.

    Users praise the device in reviews for the rapid measurement of noise, built-in memory (4700 readings), rich equipment, but note such a significant drawback, such as small print on the display.

    Advantages

    • fast noise measurement;
    • the ability to connect to a PC;
    • rich packaging;
    • accuracy.

    Disadvantages

    • Small font on display.

    SEM DT-8852 480755

    Score : 4.6

    CEM DT-8852 480755.jpg

    The Chinese noise meter CEM DT-8852 480755 can store a large number of measurements (up to 32600 pcs.). Experts like this model for its large and clear characters on the display. The soft tip prevents the sensitive microphone from getting dirty and protects it from strong winds. The level of detected noise varies from 30 dB to 130 dB, there are 4 measuring modes (1 automatic and 3 manual). It is worth noting that the measurement error does not exceed 2 dB.Can be connected to oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer; analogue output is available for this purpose. The manufacturer provided their product with tripod, battery, case, USB-cable and screwdriver.

    Users consider the combination of price and functionality a good deal. The device has a long time running on a crone (30 hours). Only have minor complaints about the build quality.

    Advantages

    • backlit display;
    • windproof cap;
    • long working time;
    • rich package.

    Disadvantages

    • Poor build quality.

    Smart Sensor AR814

    Rating: 4.5

    SMART SENSOR AR814.jpg

    Noises of any origin (mechanical, electromagnetic, etc.). d.) can register the device Smart Sensor AR814. This device converts sound signals into electrical impulses. The manufacturer made the noise meter a modern device with a rich set of functions. Model can record signal, transfer data to a PC for further processing. Measuring range 30-130 dB with results displayed for 2 seconds. Experts liked the clear characters, backlight, charge indication, auto power off option. The model falls in the top 6 reviews for its lightness (126 g), compactness and comfortable price.

    Users are satisfied with the convenience of operation, reasonable price and functionality of the Chinese noise meter. Disadvantages include low measurement accuracy and slowness.

    Advantages

    • multifunctionality;
    • lightness;
    • compactness;
    • reasonable price.

    Disadvantages

    • inaccurate readings;
    • Slow response.

    Megeon 92135

    Rating: 4.4

    Megeon 92135.jpg

    On the role of a simple household noise meter is suitable domestic development Megeon 92135. Designed for measuring background sound in homes, offices or schools and for testing industrial equipment. The device is capable of working in a wide range (30-130 dB), powered by three AAA batteries. Thanks to the backlight of the display it is possible to use the sound meter under poor visibility conditions. Experts noted such a useful feature as an auto shutoff of the device in case of prolonged inactivity. the measurement results are displayed on the LCD with an error of up to 1.5 dB.

    Domestic users especially like the affordable price, light weight (150 g) and compact size of the device. The set with the device includes only the windproof cap and batteries.

    Advantages

    • reasonable price;
    • Lightness and compactness;
    • backlight display;
    • auto shut off.

    Disadvantages

    • Poor equipment;
    • modest accuracy.

    ADA ZSM 135 A00517

    Rating: 4.3

    ADA ZSM 135 A00517.jpg

    The most affordable noise meter ADA ZSM 135 A00517 was also cold-resistant. Unlike competitors, it continues to measure even at negative temperatures (down to -20°C). Experts also praised the Hong Kong development for its responsiveness, with a response time of only 300 msec. As for the noise range, it should range from 35 to 135 dB. Frequency range is within the range of 31,5-8000 Hz. The product should be credited with a backlit LCD display. Powered by 3 AAA thumbtack batteries, their capacity is enough for 60 hours of work.

    This device is the last one in our review, but its high error level (from 2 dB) prevented it from getting to the higher positions. Users don’t like the black screen background either. But for the auto shutdown and the price the manufacturer deserves praise.

    Advantages

    • low price;
    • performance;
    • A wide range of temperatures;
    • auto shut-off.

    Disadvantages

    • high error rate;
    • black screen background.
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