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Optimus Industrial - Octave Band Sound Level Meter

Octave Band Sound Level Meter
Octave Band Sound Level Meter
Octave Band Sound Level Meter Occupational Noise Measurements Real-Time Octave Band Filters

Price List

CR162C
€2424.00
Octave Band Sound Level Meter - Class 2
In stock

CK162C
€2893.00
Kit with Class 2 Octave Band Sound Level Meter, Calibrator and Case
In stock
CR161C
€3300.00
Octave Band Sound Level Meter - Class 1
In stock

CK161C
€3936.00
Kit with Class 1 Octave Band Sound Level Meter, Calibrator and Case
In stock
CR514
€401.00
Class 2 Sound Level Calibrator
In stock

CR515
€564.00
Class 1 Sound Level Calibrator
In stock
ZL174
€70.00
DC Output Cable - 18 pin to phono, 1 m
Lead time 1 week

ZL175
€145.00
RS232 Cable - 18 pin to 9 pin D female
Lead time 1 week

ZL202
€118.00
Microphone extension cable 2 m
Lead time 1 week

ZL205
€139.00
Microphone extension cable 5 m
Lead time 1 week

ZL210
€173.00
Microphone extension cable 10 m
Lead time 1 week

ZL220
€215.00
Microphone extension cable 20 m
Lead time 1 week

The delivery price is calculated during checkout based on your location and the goods ordered. Our basic delivery prices are:

Delivery within Ireland: €27.00

Delivery Service: Three working days*

* For products that are in stock and the order received by midday.

Some products go through a final configuration and calibration before being shipped. If the calibration labs are busy this can add up to two days on to the delivery schedule but guarantees a fresh calibration.

CR162C
€2424.00
Octave Band Sound Level Meter - Class 2
In stock

CK162C
€2893.00
Kit with Class 2 Octave Band Sound Level Meter, Calibrator and Case
In stock

Features

  • Meets noise regulations and guidelines
  • Real-Time Octave Band Filters
  • Voice tag recording
  • Bluetooth and mobile app
  • Noise Rating (NR) and Noise Criterion (NC)
  • Single range 20 to 140 dB
  • 15 Year Warranty

Applications

  • Occupational noise surveys
  • Hearing protector selection
  • Noise exposure and dose % calculations
  • Detailed occupational noise assessments
  • Air conditioning - HVAC - noise level checks

Overview

The Optimus Industrial sound level meter is for measuring sound levels in factories and other work environments in line with the occupational noise regulations.

Octave Band Filters

This version of the Optimus is fitted with real-time octave band filters. The nature of "real-time" filters is that the meter measures in all bands at the same time - parallel filters.

Octave bands gives a description of the frequency content of the noise measured. The most common use is for selecting the correct hearing protectors, ensuring that they attenuate the sound levels at the frequencies of interest.

The NoiseTools software, which is included with this meter, has a calculator that takes the octave band measurement and calculates the assumed level at the ear when using different hearing protectors.

Buying the Right Meter

Most occupational noise regulations state that you should use at least a Class 2 Integrating Sound Level Meter that provides you with measurements of LAeq and LPeak. The meter should be verified by a suitably equipped laboratory when new and every year or two years. You also need a Calibrator to check the meter's function before making measurements.

Our Recommendation

For a full occupational noise assessment with detailed hearing protector selection, especially for areas with very high noise levels, we recommend the CK162C Octave Band Measurement Kit. This includes a suitable calibrator, carrying case and software.

If you only need to carry out a basic occupational noise survey, still in line with the regulations, then see the standard Optimus Industrial sound level meter.

Optimus Industrial Noise Measurements

The Optimus Industrial Sound Level Meter measures all the parameters that are needed for an occupational noise survey. What's more, it measures them all at the same time, so there is no need to work out which measurements you need before starting.

It measures all parameters at the same time in a single measurement span:

  • LAeq, Lavg and LPeak - the main occupational noise parameters
  • A, C and Z frequency weightings
  • LCeq - LAeq calculation for quick hearing protector selection
  • Octave band filters for detailed hearing protector selection

As a data logging meter it stores:

  • Overall Leq, Lavg, Peak, Max and Min
  • Time History
  • Date, Time and run time
  • Voice Tag
  • Real-Time Octave Band Filters

The meter's display shows the main parameters that are needed when making occupational noise measurements: LAeq or Lavg (average sound level), LPeak (maximum peak level) and the current sound level. With a button push or two, it can also show more detail, such as LEPd, TWA, dose %, exposure, octave band spectrum, memory and calibration status.

The bar on the left of the display shows the current level, changing to yellow and then red when the sound level goes above the defined action levels (usually 80dBA and 85 dBA).

Data Logging - Parameters Stored

Although the display shows only the commonly used parameters (Leq, Lavg, Peak, etc), the meter stores the sound levels for all time and frequency weightings, along with a time history for the more common ones and the octave band spectra.

Summary - These "overall" values describe the noise for the whole measurement period. They include the Max and Min values for all frequency and time weightings, along with the all important Leq (A, C and Z weighted) and Peak (C and Z weighted).

Time History - The meter can be set to store time history measurements at one of a number of rates between 10 ms and 2 seconds. It stores the Leq (A, C and Z) and the Peak (C and Z), giving a very informative graph of the noise over time. This is particularly useful when monitoring for long periods.

Voice Tag

An easy and reliable way of making on-site notes with your noise measurements. Make a brief recording (either your voice or the actual noise) just before taking a measurement.

Before starting a measurement, the meter will ask if you want to record a "Voice Tag". The meter will record any speech or the noise in question (to help you identify it later) for up to 30 seconds. This audio is transferred to the software automatically along with the measurement.

Real-Time Octave Band Filters

This version of the Optimus meter also has Real-Time (or "parallel") Octave Band Filters. The meter measures in all bands at the same time, storing the octave spectrum every second or every 1/2 second.

Hearing Protector Assessment

When noise levels are very high, you need to be sure that the hearing protectors that are being used are adequate. The NoiseTools software takes the octave band measurements and calculates the level at the ear when using different hearing protectors.

Noise at Work

The Optimus Industrial was designed specifically for occupational noise measurements in line with the regulations. It provides all the noise measurement parameters that you need in a meter of the correct grade.

For simple measurements it isn't necessary to download to a computer, you can read the summary information from the display. The main parameters for occupational noise are LAeq or Lavg and Lpeak, so you can just note these down. However, for a more detailed survey and for long-term records, it is better to download to the NoiseTools software. The downloaded measurements include the octave band data too, which is useful for assessing high-noise environments.

The overall process for making occupational noise measurements consists of:

  • Calibration check
  • Make the measurements close to the point of noise exposure
  • Re-check calibration
  • Calculate noise exposure

1. Calibration Check

calibrating the sound level meter
Calibration Check

Most regulations and guidelines state that the meter's calibration should be checked before making measurements, and that you should keep records of these calibration checks.

Fit the Calibrator over the microphone as shown, switch it on and press the Calibrate button. The meter will automatically make any adjustments.

Calibration details are stored in the meter so that you can either make note or download them to a computer if you have the data logging option.

2. Basic Measurements

To start a measurement, simply press the Start key, shown on the right. This process is the same for any model of this meter, whether you have data logging or not.

The meter will start measuring the Leq, Lavg and Peak (the main parameters needed for occupational noise), along with a few other useful parameters.

When you are happy that you have measured for long enough (the average has settled for example), simply press the Stop key.

3. Data Logging Measurements

The meter will automatically store the LAeq, Lavg, LCeq, LPeak and a few others parameters. It will also store these every second, or whatever rate the meter is set to. You don't have to decide what to save as it stores it all.

Once you have finished making measurements, they can be downloaded to a computer using the NoiseTools software provided.

4. Octave Band Measurements

the meter stores the octave band spectrum automatically every 1/2 second. The measurement process is exactly the same as described above, no need to choose what you need.

Octave band results can be displayed on the meter's screen or downloaded using the Noise Tools software for inclusion in reports or for analysing the performance of your hearing protectors.

5. Final Calibration Check

Many occupational noise regulations recommend a second calibration check, at the end of the measurement process. This ensures the meter's performance hasn't drifted since the start.

Noise Rating

Commonly used in Europe, the noise rating value is generally used for assessing the indoor noise levels, often in connection with air conditioning units and similar indoor equipment. Some example applications along with typical NR levels are:

  • NR 25 - Concert hall, studio, church
  • NR 30 - Home, hospital, cinema
  • NR 35 - Library, school, hotel, quiet office
  • NR 40 - Corridor, cloakroom, restaurant, office
  • NR 45 - Department store, supermarket, busy office
  • NR 50 - Typing pool, office with business machines
  • NR 60 - Light engineering works
  • NR 70 - Heavy engineering works

Calculating Noise Rating

The sound level meter carries out all the calculations for you. NR calculations are carried out from the octave band measurement results. The octave band measurements are compared with the standard Noise Rating Curves. The NR value is the lowest NR curve that is not exceeded by any of the octave band measurements.

Noise Rating Example Calculation

The NR calculation process is better shown on a chart. This shows an example for explanation purposes, it is not a screen image from the Optimus sound level meter.

noise rating calculation

The blue bars show the octave band measurements. The red lines are the standard noise rating curves. This example would return a noise rating value of 85 dB.

Noise Criterion

Commonly used in the US, the noise criterion value is for assessing the indoor noise levels, often in connection with air conditioning units and similar indoor equipment. Some example applications along with typical NC levels are:

  • NC 25 to 30 - Private home, quite office, school
  • NC 30 to 35 - Courtroom, hospital
  • NC 35 to 40 - Corridor, lobby, open-plan offices, library
  • NC 40 to 45 - Service & support areas, busy office, restaurant
  • NC 45 to 65 - Factory, sports center

Calculating Noise Criterion

The sound level meter carries out all the calculations for you. NC calculations are carried out from the octave band measurement results. The octave band measurements are compared with the standard Noise Criterion Curves. The NC value is the lowest NC curve that is not exceeded by any of the octave band measurements.

Noise Criterion Example Calculation

The NC calculation process is better shown on a chart. This shows an example for explanation purposes, it is not a screen image from the Optimus sound level meter.

noise criterion calculation

The blue bars show the octave band measurements. The red lines are the standard noise criterion curves. This example would return a noise criterion value of 62 dB.

For Data Logging Meters

This meter and the noise measurement kits include the NoiseTools software - there is no extra charge for this. You can download the software to evaluate it before making a purchase.

NoiseTools Software

The NoiseTools software runs on a Windows PC. It is compatible with all recent versions of Windows, from Windows 7 onwards.

  • Downloads measurements from the Optimus meter
  • Produce noise reports, including custom noise at work reports
  • Print or export reports for sharing
  • Listen to Voice Tags
  • Hearing protection selection reports
  • Select suitable hearing protectors
  • Link measurements to projects, people and places
  • Free, lifetime updates
  • Licence free with no installation restrictions

More information about NoiseTools

Optimus Industrial Options

There are not too many options for this version of the Optimus sound level meter as most are included. It includes all the parameters that you need for occupational noise measurements in line with the regulations and directives. It also has real-time octave band filters fitted and comes with data logging and the NoiseTools software.

The main options are:

  • Class 1 or Class 2? - Most occupational noise regulations say Class 2 is adequate.
  • Calibrator - The noise at work regulations state that you should have a calibrator.
  • Noise Measurement Kit - These include meter, calibrator and a carrying case.

Sound Level Calibrator

The most important of the accessories is the Calibrator. The regulations state that you should use one to check the function of the meter before and after making any measurements.

Class 1 or Class 2?

A Class 1 sound level meter is a little more accurate than a Class 2 model. It is also more expensive. If you are using the meter exclusively for occupational noise measurements then the regulations are quite clear: Class 2 is adequate. For this reason we recommend the Class 2 model.

However, if you need to make other noise measurements, such as noise emitting from your factory into the local environment, then it might be wise to go for a Class 1 meter. In these instances the local authority (Environmental Health Officer for example) will usually expect measurements made with a Class 1 meter.

Noise Measurement Kit

The Noise Measurement Kits, order codes CK162C and CK161C, include a sound level meter (with octave bands), calibrator of the correct class, software, carrying case and download cable.

StandardsIEC 61672-1:2013 Class 1 or Class 2
IEC 61672-1:2002 Class 1 or Class 2 Group X
IEC 60651:2001 Type 1 I or Type 2 I
IEC 60804:2000 Type 1 or Type 2
IEC 61252:1993 personal sound exposure meters
ANSI S1.4 -1983 (R2006), ANSI S1.43 - 1997 (R2007), ANSI S1.25:1991
IEC 61260:1996 & ANSI S1.11-2004
DIN 45657:2005-03
 
Measurement Range20dB to 140dB RMS single range
Noise floor<18dB(A) Class 1, <21dB(A) Class 2
Frequency weightingsRMS & peak : A, C, & Z measured simultaneously
Frequency bands10 octave bands, 31.5Hz to 16kHz
Time weightingsFast, Slow & Impulse measured simultaneously
 
Memory8GB, 32GB factory fit option
Time history data rates10ms, 62.5ms, 125ms, 250ms, 1/2 sec, 1 sec or 2 sec
VoiceTagUp to 30 seconds of audio notes with each measurement
 
IntegratorsThree simultaneous “virtual” noise meters. Integrator 1 is preset to Q3 for Leq functions. Integrators 2 & 3 can be configured with the following
Exchange rate3, 4 or 5 dB
Threshold70dB to 120dB (1 dB steps)
Time weightingNone or Slow
Criterion level70dB to 120dB (1 dB steps)
Criterion time1 to 12 hours in 1 hour steps
Integrator quick settingsEU, OSHA HC & OSHA NC, OSHA HC & ACGIH, MSHA HC & MSHA EC, Custom
Size283mm x 65mm x 30mm
Weight300gms/10oz
 
Power4 x AA alkaline
Typically 12 hours with alkaline AA
Typically 20 hours with lithium AA non-rechargeable
External power: 5v-15v via MultiIO socket via ZL:171 cable (2.1mm socket)
 
OutputsUSB Type B to PC
AC & DC output via ZL:174 (2 x Phono, 1m)
Multi-pin IO for external power via ZL:171 cable (2.1mm socket)
Bluetooth BLE compatible with Anrdoid and iOS devices
 
CaseMaterial: high impact ABS-PC with soft touch back and keypad
Tripod mount1/4" Whitworth socket
EnvironmentalTemperature: Operating -10°C to +50°C, storage -20°C to +60°C
Humidity: Up to 95% RH non-condensing
Electromagnetic performanceIEC 61672-1:2002, IEC 61672-2:2003, IEC 61672-1:2013 & IEC 61672-2:2013
Except where modified by EN 61000-6-1:2007 & EN 61000-6-1:2007
 
Language OptionsEnglish, French, German, Spanish, Italian
 
Display functionsLXY, LXYMax, LXYMin, LXeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, LCeq-LAeq, LXE
Graph of short LAeq, LCPeak, TWA, dose%, est dose%
Measurement run time
Real-time octave band filters
 
Stored functionsLXYMax & time history of LXYMax
LAeq, LCeq, LZeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, LAPeak, Lavg, TWA. %dose
Time history of LAeq, LCeq, LZeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, LAPeak, LAIeq, Lavg
Octave bands models: overall Leq & Leq time history for each band
 
where x=A ,C ,Z; y= F, S, I