Development and Design: Sound Level Evaluation for Raspberry Pi 4

This article proposes a Sound Level Evaluation solution based on the popular Raspberry Pi 4 and the possibilities of using the Sfera Labs' Exo Sense Pi - a compact multi-sensor module - as a sound meter. The Exo Sense Pi combines several environmental sensors and connectivity options, and integrates a digital microphone which can be used to evaluate ambient noise levels or measuring noise sources. This article was originally published in audioXpress, March 2022.

Global Specialties announced the release of its GNV-100 Series of Sound Level Meters. Equipped with frequency weighting selection, these sound level meters precisely target the frequency range of the required application. Users can choose A weighting, mimicking the perceptible frequencies of the human ear, such as for OSHA compliance and noise ordinance enforcement, or choose C weighting, suited for audio engineers and factory environments that deal with substantial bass or low frequency noise.

Sound and vibration specialist Brüel & Kjær has released the new B&K 2245 class 1 sound level meter, providing a complete solution for basic noise measurements, while combining functionality, ease-of-use and versatility. The latest in Brüel & Kjær’s range of iconic sound level meters was designed to instill confidence in professionals whose work involves noise measurement tasks, providing the reliability associated with the brand, while offering the flexibility to work in combination with dedicated mobile apps.

NTi Audio has launched a new generation of the very popular display projector for the XL2 Sound Level Meter. The new version of this very popular sound level visualizer now features an XL View Level display, a prediction mode available in a separate window, and the ability to retrieve measurement data from the XL2 without interruption to the measurement process.

NTi Audio has implemented NoiseScout, a complete professional solution for unattended sound level monitoring. With a Noise Monitoring Station from NTi Audio, both short-term sound level measurements and long-term monitoring can be easily achieved. At the core is an XL2 Sound Level Meter, which in turn connects to the Internet via a NetBox. The remote access to the monitoring station is managed via the NTi Audio Gateway or the self-managing NoiseScout Web Portal.

The XL2 Audio and Acoustic Analyzer in combination with the new Limit Light visual indicator, from NTi Audio, offer a practical turnkey solution for live sound monitoring. The sound level limits are set in the XL2 and the connected Limit Light provides a pre-warning with an orange light and indicates that actually measured levels have been exceeded with a red light. The dimmable color display provides a simple confirmation of the sound level monitored.

With version 1.40 of NTi Audio’s XL2 Data Explorer software it’s now possible to quickly analyze and report on large measurement datasets, defining or changing the audit interval after the measurement, to add percentile levels to graphs and reports, greatly enhancing analysis capabilities.