Sound Level Sensor User Manual
Order Code: SLS-BTA
The Sound Level Sensor measures sound level in decibels. It can be used for activities such as
- Environmental noise studies
- Sound level comparisons
- Investigating room acoustics
- Investigating sound insulation
Note: Vernier products are designed for educational use. Our products are not designed nor are they recommended for any industrial, medical, or commercial process such as life support, patient diagnosis, control of a manufacturing process, or industrial testing of any kind.
What's Included
- Sound Level Sensor
Compatible Software and Interfaces
Choose a platform below to see its compatibility requirements. This sensor requires an interface (sold separately).LabQuest
Interface LabQuest App LabQuest 3 Full support LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support LabQuest (discontinued) Full support Computers
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Logger Pro Logger Lite LabQuest Mini Full support Full support Full support LabQuest 3 Full support Full support Incompatible LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support Full support Full support LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support 1 Full support Full support 1 Go!Link Full support Full support Full support LabQuest (discontinued) Full support Full support Full support LabPro (discontinued) Incompatible Full support Full support Compatibility Notes
Chromebook
Software Interface Graphical Analysis LabQuest Mini Full support LabQuest 3 Full support LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support 1 Go!Link Full support LabQuest (discontinued) Full support Compatibility Notes
iOS
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support Full support LabQuest 3 Full support 1 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
Android
Software Interface Graphical Analysis Graphical Analysis GW LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support Incompatible LabQuest 3 Full support 1 Full support 1 LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support 1 Full support 1 Compatibility Notes
Arduino
Software Interface Arduino Vernier Arduino® Interface Shield Full support LabVIEW
Software Interface NI LabVIEW SensorDAQ (discontinued) Full support Vernier myDAQ Adapter Full support 1 Go!Link Full support LabQuest Mini Full support LabQuest Stream (discontinued) Full support LabQuest 3 Full support LabQuest 2 (discontinued) Full support LabQuest (discontinued) Full support Compatibility Notes
Texas Instruments
Software Interface EasyData TI-84 SmartView DataQuest TI-Nspire Software EasyLink Full support 1 Full support 2 Full support Full support 2 CBL 2 (discontinued) Full support 3 Incompatible Incompatible Incompatible LabPro (discontinued) Full support 3 Incompatible Incompatible Incompatible TI-Nspire Lab Cradle (discontinued) Incompatible Incompatible Full support Full support Compatibility Notes
Quick Start
- Plug the sensor into the interface (LabQuest 3, LabQuest Mini, etc.).
- Connect the interface to your device.
- If using USB, connect to the USB port on your computer.
- If using Bluetooth® wireless technology, click your interface type and then select your device.
- Prepare for data collection:
- Vernier Graphical Analysis®: Launch the app, if necessary, and click Sensor Data Collection.
- LabQuest® App: Choose New from the File menu.
The software will identify the sensor and load a default data-collection setup. You are now ready to collect data.
Need Additional Information?
Visit the following link:
Using the Product
Connect the sensor following the steps in the Quick Start section of this user manual.
The sensing microphone on the Sound Level Sensor is located inside the hole in the top of the case. Because the microphone is located inside the sensor, it is helpful to point the microphone hole toward the source of the sounds you are measuring.
When using the Sound Level Sensor, be mindful of the environment around the sensor. Wind blowing across the opening or vibrations from the surface on which it is resting can cause the sensor to read much higher than it should. When collecting data, place the sensor on its foam feet or hold the sensor in your hand to separate the microphone from extraneous vibrations.
Calibration
The Sound Level Sensor will never need to be calibrated. Each sensor is carefully calibrated before it ships, and this unique calibration is stored on a smart chip in the sensor. Note: There is no method to perform a calibration of this sensor in most of our software programs; however, there is no need to do so. Logger Pro does allow for an approximate calibration, but the results would likely be less accurate than the custom factory calibration.
Specifications
|
Sensor |
3/8" electret (prepolarized) condenser microphone |
|
Measurement range |
55 to 110 dB |
|
Frequency range |
30 to 10,000 Hz |
|
Resolution |
0.1 dB |
|
Accuracy |
3 dB (ref 90 dB @ 1 kHz) |
|
Stored calibration |
Sensor Reading = K0 + K1*voltage + K2*voltage^2
|
How the Sensor Works
The Sound Level Sensor uses an electret condenser microphone mounted inside the sensor case. The output of this microphone is amplified, filtered, and averaged over 50 ms to produce a single sound pressure level measurement.
The Sound Level Sensor is A-weighted, meaning it discriminates against low frequencies, in a manner similar to the response of the ear. With this setting, the meter primarily measures in the 500 to 10,000 Hz range.
Suggested Sound Level Studies
You can collect sound level data in many real-world situations; for example, you can
- Collect sound levels before, during, and after a concert or dance.
- Collect sound levels throughout the day in a school hallway or shopping mall.
- Use the Sound Level Sensor to judge cheering contests at pep rallies.
- Collect data outside and inside a car equipped with a stereo system.
- Make a model of an ear and ear canal. Measure sound levels at the “ear drum” when a headset is placed over the ear. Repeat the experiment, but place an earplug between the headset and the meter.
Example Sound Levels
| Source | Sound Pressure Level (dBA) |
|---|---|
| Threshold of pain | 130 |
| Construction noise | 110 |
| Subway train | 100 |
| Noisy restaurant | 80 |
| Busy traffic, normal radio | 70 |
| Normal conversation, dishwasher | 60 |
| Quiet office | 50 |
| Soft whisper | 30 |
| Threshold of hearing | 0 |
Additional Experiments
For more information about experiments related to this product, see www.vernier.com/sls-bta
Troubleshooting
Connect the Sound Level Sensor to an interface. The data-collection software will identify the sensor and begin a live readout of the sound level. Normal classroom sound levels should be 60–70 dB; a quiet office should read around 55 dB.
For additional troubleshooting, see www.vernier.com/til/3485
Repair Information
If you have followed the troubleshooting steps and are still having trouble with your Sound Level Sensor, contact Vernier Technical Support at support@vernier.com or call 888-837-6437. Support specialists will work with you to determine if the unit needs to be sent in for repair. At that time, a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number will be issued and instructions will be communicated on how to return the unit for repair.
Warranty
Warranty information for this product can be found on the Support tab at www.vernier.com/sls-bta/#support
General warranty information can be found at www.vernier.com/warranty
Contact Support
Fill out our online support form or call us toll-free at 1-888-837-6437.