äänitasomittarilla

An äänitasomittari, or sound level meter, is an instrument used to measure sound pressure level. It typically consists of a microphone, a signal conditioner, and a display. The microphone converts sound waves into electrical signals, which are then amplified and filtered by the signal conditioner. The display shows the sound pressure level, usually in decibels (dB).

Sound level meters are essential tools for various applications, including noise pollution monitoring, occupational health and safety assessments, architectural acoustics, and environmental impact studies. They help determine if noise levels are within acceptable limits and identify potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to loud sounds. Different types of sound level meters exist, varying in their accuracy, frequency weighting capabilities, and data logging features.

Frequency weighting is a key feature of sound level meters, allowing them to mimic the human ear's response to different frequencies. The most common weighting is the A-weighting (dBA), which is used to measure sound levels that approximate human perception of loudness. Other weightings, such as C-weighting (dBC) and Z-weighting (unweighted), are used for specific purposes. Advanced sound level meters can also measure peak sound levels and integrate sound exposure over time, providing metrics like equivalent continuous sound level (Leq). Calibration of sound level meters is crucial to ensure accurate measurements, and this is typically done using a sound calibrator.