8 best sound level meters

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

One of the harmful factors that negatively affects human well-being and health is noise. It is not for nothing that people working in conditions of strong sound exposure are entitled to an additional payment or additional days of rest. To assess the noise level, there are special instruments. Sound enters the device through the microphone, which is then converted into decibels, and the results are displayed on the display of the sound level meter. Today, a wide range of these devices is presented in stores in Russia. Among them there are both professional models and household devices. Our experts' advice will help potential buyers find their noise meter.

Selection recommendations

Filters. One of the most important elements in a sound level meter is sound filters. They are of 4 types, each of them is responsible for the sound level and the degree of its pressure. Two filters are most commonly used in noise meters.

1. A sound filter labeled A is responsible for the operation of the device and demonstration of the received data at a low volume level.
2. Filter C is required to determine the degree of maximum loudness.

Classification. All noise meters are divided into 4 categories in terms of accuracy.

1. Zero class has the most accurate measurements, its scope is very narrow due to the cosmic price.
2. First-class devices have been created for certified laboratories and experimental work. They differ in the minimum error.
3. A high level of noise measurement is demonstrated by devices of the second class. These are the most common devices in the manufacturing industry. They allow you to monitor the state of sound exposure, both in the entire room, and in a limited area.
4. In everyday life, high accuracy of noise measurements is not required. It is important for a person to know the approximate value in order to draw a conclusion about the safety of a particular technique. In this case, the device must be affordable. Models of the third class meet all these requirements.

Temporary properties. The noise meters differ and the time intervals of the measurements.

1. Devices with the designation F (fast) allow assessing the degree of noise exposure in continuous mode.
2. If the task is to measure intermittent noise, then S (slow) models are suitable.
3. To measure impulse sounds, you need devices labeled I (pik).

Additional options. Manufacturers implement various modern options in sound level meters.

1. The backlit display allows reading in poor visibility conditions.
2. Communication with a personal computer allows organizing a USB connector.
3. An analog output is required to connect to an oscilloscope.
4. The built-in memory allows you to store a certain number of measurements in the device.

We have selected the 8 best sound level meters for our review. You can buy them in the trade network of our country. When allocating seats, the editorial staff of the magazine relied on the opinion of experts, taking into account the reviews of Russian consumers.

Rating of the best sound level meters

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best sound level meters	1	Testo 815	RUB 17 800
	2	SoundTest-Master	RUB 17,900
	3	MEGEON 92140	RUB 14,500
	4	CEM DT-8852 480755	RUB 10 600
	5	Smart Sensor AR814	RUB 4,000
	6	Megeon 92135	RUB 2,990
	7	ADA ZSM 135 A00517	RUB 1,750

Testo 815

Rating: 4.9

High measurement accuracy is demonstrated by the German sound level meter Testo 815. The error is only 1 dB, there is a protective screen for protection from the wind. The manufacturer has provided the ability to mount the device on a tripod. Thanks to the built-in display, it is convenient for users to visually check the results. There is a keypad to control the operation of the device. The measured sound level range is 32 to 130 dB. The sound level meter is powered by the crown, the operating time is 70 hours. The working temperature range varies from 0 to + 40 ° С. Experts gave the device second place in the review.

In the reviews, users praise the sound level meter for the accuracy of measurements and German quality. On the downside, they include a small amount of memory (it remembers the minimum and maximum values).

Advantages

• high accuracy;
• German quality;
• Ease of controls;
• there is a windscreen.

disadvantages

• small amount of memory.

SoundTest-Master

Rating: 4.8

For operational control of the noise level in industrial premises, a Laserliner SoundTest-Master device is suitable. The German design is equipped with a sensitive condenser microphone, which is protected from dust by a special case. The experts praised the sound level meter for its intuitive operation and the included software. When connected to a PC, you can monitor the measurement results in real time. The memory can store up to 16,000 measurement results. The device is designed to operate in the frequency range from 31.5 to 8000 Hz. The range of measured values ​​of the sound level: 30 – 130 dB. Measurement accuracy: ± 1.5 dB. The sound level meter is powered by 6 AAA batteries, which contribute to the total weight of the product (350 g).

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

Advantages

• sensitive microphone;
• dust and wind protection;
• high-quality assembly;
• the ability to connect to a PC.

disadvantages

• great weight.

MEGEON 92140

Rating: 4.7

The MEGEON 92140 device allows you to instantly assess the noise level in the production area. The measurement range is 30 … 130 dB, all results are reflected in a backlit display. A special soft case protects the microphone from dust and wind. The manufacturer has provided the ability to connect the sound level meter to a computer via 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). The experts appreciated the accuracy of the device, the reading error does not exceed 1.2 dB. The sound level meter comes with a telescopic tripod and a hard plastic case.

In reviews, users praise the device for its fast noise measurement, built-in memory (4700 readings), rich package bundle, but note such a significant drawback as the small print on the display.

Advantages

• quick noise measurement;
• the ability to connect to a PC;
• rich equipment;
• accuracy.

disadvantages

• small print on display.

CEM DT-8852 480755

Rating: 4.6

The Chinese sound level meter CEM DT-8852 480755 can memorize a large number of measurements (up to 32600 pieces). Experts liked this model for its large and clear symbols on the display. The soft nozzle prevents dirt on the sensitive microphone and protects it from strong winds. The detected noise level varies from 30 to 130 dB, there are 4 measurement modes (1 automatic and 3 manual). It should be noted that the measurement error does not exceed 2 dB. The device can be connected to an oscilloscope or spectrum analyzer; there is an analog output for this. The manufacturer has completed its product with a tripod, battery, case, USB cable and screwdriver.

Users find it a good combination of cost and functionality. The device works on the crown for a long time (30 hours). There are only minor complaints about the build quality.

Advantages

• backlit display;
• windproof nozzle;
• long working time;
• rich equipment.

disadvantages

• the build quality is lame.

Smart Sensor AR814

Rating: 4.5

Noises of any origin (mechanical, electromagnetic, etc.) can be detected by the Smart Sensor AR814. This device converts sound signals into electrical impulses. The manufacturer has made the sound level meter a modern device with a rich set of functions. The model can record a signal, transfer data to a PC for further processing. The measurement range is 30-130 dB, the results are reflected on the display for 2 s. The experts liked the clear symbols, backlighting, charge indication, auto-off option. The model is in the TOP-6 of the review for its lightness (126 g), compactness and comfortable price.

Users are satisfied with the ease of use, affordable price and functionality of the Chinese sound level meter. The disadvantages include low measurement accuracy and slowness.

Advantages

• multifunctionality;
• ease;
• compactness;
• affordable price.

disadvantages

• inaccurate readings;
• responds slowly.

Megeon 92135

Rating: 4.4

Domestic development Megeon 92135 is suitable for the role of a simple household sound level meter. The model is intended for measuring the sound background in homes, offices or schools, as well as for testing production equipment. The device is capable of operating in a wide range (30-130 dB), powered by three AAA batteries. Thanks to the display backlight, you can use the sound level meter in poor visibility conditions. The experts noted such a useful option as the automatic shutdown of the device after prolonged inactivity. The measurement results are displayed on the LCD display with an error of up to 1.5 dB.

Domestic users liked the affordable price, lightness (150 g) and compactness of the device most of all. The device comes with only a windproof cap and batteries.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• lightness and compactness;
• display backlight;
• auto shutdown.

disadvantages

• poor equipment;
• modest accuracy.

ADA ZSM 135 A00517

Rating: 4.3

The most affordable sound level meter ADA ZSM 135 А00517 was also cold-resistant. Unlike competitors, it continues to take measurements even at negative temperatures (down to -20 ° C). Experts also praised the Hong Kong development for its speed, the response time is only 300ms. As for the noise range, it should vary from 35 to 135 dB. The frequency interval is in the range of 31.5-8000 Hz. The backlit LCD display should be added to the asset. The device is powered by 3 AAA finger-type batteries, their capacity is enough for 60 hours of operation.

This device closes our review; a high error (from 2 dB) prevented it from reaching higher positions. Users do not like the black background of the screen. But for the auto shutdown and the price, the manufacturer deserves praise.

Advantages

• low price;
• high-speed performance;
• wide temperature range;
• auto shutdown.

disadvantages

• high error;
• black screen background.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.