The CR160 series Optimus 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. There is also no need to choose the measurement range, as the meter has just one range covering 20 to 140 dB(A).

• Measures all parameters at the same time
  • Lavg, Leq, TWA and LPeak - the main occupational noise parameters
  • A, C and Z frequency weightings
  • Maximum (Lmax) and Minimum (Lmin) for all of above
  • LCeq - LAeq calculation for quick hearing protector selection

Data logging versions also store: Overall Leq, Lavg, TWA, Peak, Max and Min Time History (see below) Date, Time and run time Voice Tag Real-Time Octave Band Filters (option)

Real-Time Octave Option

The meter's display shows the main parameters that are needed when making noise at work measurements: Lavg & Leq (average sound level), LCPeak, LZPeak (maximum peak level) and the current Slow sound level. With a button push or two, it can also show more detail, such as TWA, exposure, LEPD, 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.

Time History

The meter can be set to store time history measurements at one of a number of rates between 10ms 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.

The data logging version of the meter can also have 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 (included with the data logging meters) takes the octave band measurements and calculates the level at the ear when using different hearing protectors. More about the software...

The Voice Tag feature is included with all data logging versions of the meter.

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.

You can skip this stage if you don't need a voice tag, or the option can be disabled altogether.

When viewing the measurement on a computer the Play Voice Tag button lets you listen to the recording on the computer's speakers.