Äänitasomittari

Äänitasomittari, also known as a sound level meter, is an instrument used to measure the level of sound pressure in a specific environment. It quantifies sound intensity in decibels (dB). These devices typically consist of a microphone, a signal conditioner, and a display. The microphone captures the sound waves, which are then converted into an electrical signal. This signal is processed to measure its amplitude, representing the sound pressure. The result is usually displayed as a numerical value on a screen.

Sound level meters are employed in a variety of applications. They are crucial for noise pollution monitoring in urban areas, industrial settings, and near construction sites. In workplaces, they help ensure compliance with occupational safety regulations regarding noise exposure. Audiologists use them to assess hearing sensitivity and for audiometric testing. Furthermore, they are utilized in acoustics research, product development (e.g., testing the noise levels of appliances), and in the entertainment industry for sound system calibration.

There are different types of sound level meters, ranging from basic handheld models for general measurements to more sophisticated Type 1 and Type 2 meters used for precision work and legal metrology. These meters often include features like frequency weighting (e.g., A-weighting, C-weighting) to mimic human hearing response at different sound levels, and time weighting (e.g., fast, slow) to account for the duration of sound events.