A sound level meter and an acoustic camera answer different questions. Knowing which one you need depends on what you are trying to find out — and often, the two methods work best together.
Sound level meter: how loud is it?
A sound level meter measures the overall noise level at a specific location. It tells you how loud it is and whether that complies with an applicable limit. This is the right tool for regulatory compliance, permit applications, disputes, and establishing the existing noise conditions at a site. The output is an accredited protocol with measured dB values.
Acoustic camera: where is it coming from?
An acoustic camera uses an array of microphones and beamforming technology to visualise where noise is coming from. It creates a colour noise map overlaid on a real image, showing which part of a machine, duct, wall or structure is producing the most sound. This is the right tool for diagnostics — identifying the source before a fix, or verifying that a noise-reduction measure has worked.
Often, they work together
In many projects, noise measurements establish the measured level (and whether it complies), while the acoustic camera identifies which source is contributing to it. Combining the two gives a complete picture: how loud, and why.
Not sure which one you need? Contact us and we'll help determine the right approach for your project.