This manual is a technical guide to the sound level meter and noise measurements, including the performance of Sound Level Meter NL-43/NL-53, microphone structure and characteristics, and how extension cables and windscreens affect measurements. You can download the Instruction Manuals from our website: https://rion-sv.com/nl-43_53_63/manual/...
Microphone The Class 2 Sound Level Meter NL-43 and Class 1 Sound Level Meter NL-53 are each fitted with a 1/2 inch free-field electret microphone. The NL-43 uses the UC-52 microphone, and the NL-53 uses the UC-59. Structure and operating principle As shown in the figure below, in general, an electret condenser microphone used for taking measurements consists of five parts: a diaphragm, film, back electrode, insulator, and case.
Microphone Microphone UC-52 specifications Model UC-52 Nominal outer diameter 1/2 inch Sensitivity level (representative value) -33 dB (re. 1 V/Pa at 1 kHz, standard environmental conditions*) Frequency response 20 Hz to 8 kHz Capacitance (representative value) 19 pF Dimensions ø13.2 mm × 12.0 mm Weight 5.4 g * Standard environment conditions: temperature = 23°C, humidity = 50% RH, air pressure = 101.325 kPa...
Preamplifier Necessity of a preamplifier As condenser microphones are small capacitive transducers, they have high impedance, which is especially high at low frequencies. Therefore, extremely high load resistance is required to obtain an even response down to low frequencies. The relationship between the microphone capacitance and the low cutoff frequency is as follows: 2π...
Effects of Microphone Extension Cable If you use a microphone extension cable to extend the distance between the microphone/preamplifier and the sound level meter, the length of the cable limits the sound pressure level and frequency that can be measured. This is due to the capacity of the extension cable.
Frequency Weighting Frequency weighting A, C and Z of the sound level meter are achieved by frequency weighting circuits with electrical characteristics as shown in the following figures. Response (dB) A-weighting C-weighting Z-weighting 100 200 500 1 k 5 k 10 k 20 k 50 k Frequency (Hz) Characteristics of frequency weighting circuits...
Root-mean-square Detection Circuit and Time Weighting A root-mean-square detection circuit is used to convert the output signal of the microphone preamplifier to a root- mean-square value and calculate the evaluation value (decibel value). This shows that it can be calculated by squaring the instantaneous voltage ( e ) of the time waveform up to time ( T ) and taking the square root of the averaged value.
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Root-mean-square Detection Circuit and Time Weighting Relationship between time weighting and time constant Time constant Time weighting Rising characteristics Falling characteristics F (Fast) 125 ms 125 ms S (Slow) I (Impulse) 35 ms 1.5 s The figure below shows the circuit equivalent to the root-mean-square detection with time weighting. τ is the time constant and τ...
Measurement Function (Time-average sound level, equivalent continuous sound level) (Time-average A-weighted sound level, equivalent continuous A-weighted sound level) is the sound level of continuous stationary sound, which over a given period of time has the same total energy as the fluctuating noise. It is defined by the following formula: : Time variable of integration from an arbitrary start time at t...
Measurement Function (Sound exposure level) (sound exposure level) is the noise level of a stationary sound that is 1 second long with energy equal to that of a single acoustic event, and is defined by the following formula: : Time variable of integration from an arbitrary start time at t to the end of the interval at t : Time interval T = t : Reference time (1 second)
Measurement Function (Takt-max sound level) Atm5 For the duration of the measurement, the maximum level within a 5-second interval is sampled and the power average is determined. L is calculated according to the following equation. Atm5 Lm/10 10 log Lm : Maximum level within interval (5 seconds) : Number of samples The number of samples is determine according to the following equation.
Influence of Background Noise Background noise refers to the noise in the usage environment when there is no sound that is subject to measurement. As the indicated value of the sound level meter is a mix between the sound to be measured and the background noise, the indicated value may be larger than when only the sound subject to measurement is measured.
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Standard Explanation paragraph Description See also NL-43 NL-53 Reference environment conditions Ambient temperature: 23°C Ambient temperature: 23°C Static pressure: 101.325 kPa Static pressure: 101.325 kPa Relative humidity: 50% Relative humidity: 50% Performance specifications General 5.1.3 Classification of emissions and immunity...
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Description See also NL-43 NL-53 Adjustments at the calibration check frequency 5.2.1 Model of sound calibrator(s) 9.2.4 a) NC-75/NC-74 (RION) NC-75/NC-74 (RION) NC-72B/NC-72A (RION) NC-72B/NC-72A (RION) 5.2.3 Procedure for calibration and adjustment with 9.2.4 c) » [Calibration] » [Calibration]...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Standard Explanation paragraph Description See also NL-43 NL-53 5.3.5 Corrections for use during periodic testing 5.3.5.1 Correction data of the multi-frequency sound 9.2.5 d) Refer to Table 3 Refer to Table 3 5.3.5.3 calibrator 9.3 d) Directional characteristics...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Standard Explanation paragraph Description See also NL-43 NL-53 5.19 Analogue or digital output 5.19.1 Electric output connector 9.2.6 n) • AC output • AC output Frequency weighting: A, C, Z Frequency weighting: A, C, Z Output voltage: 1 Vrms Output voltage: 1 Vrms (output range upper limit)
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Standard Explanation Description See also paragraph NL-43 NL-53 5.23.4 Continuous operating time expected for the 9.2.3 a) » [Specifications] » [Specifications] normal mode of operation when full capacity batteries are installed 5.23.5 Operation from an external power supply 9.2.3 c) »...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Standard Explanation Description See also paragraph NL-43 NL-53 Provision for use with auxiliary devices Correction value applied to measurement 9.2.7 b) Refer to Table 1 and Fig. 4 Refer to Table 1 and Fig. 4 results when extending the distance between The device also conforms to The device also conforms to...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Standard Explanation paragraph Description See also NL-43 NL-53 9.2.2 c) Description of the frequency weightings 5.1.10 Refer to 5.1.10 Refer to 5.1.10 5.5.8 Refer to 5.5.8 Refer to 5.5.8 9.2.2 d) Description of the time weightings 5.8.1 Refer to 5.8.1 Refer to 5.8.1...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Standard Explanation Description See also paragraph NL-43 NL-53 9.2.6 e) Measurement guidelines and procedures at 6.2.2 Refer to 6.2.2 Refer to 6.2.2 65-85 (kPa) 9.2.6 f) Procedure for setting integration time and 5.20.1 Refer to 5.20.1 Refer to 5.20.1 time of the day...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Standard Explanation paragraph Description See also NL-43 NL-53 9.3 e) Directional index in relation to random incidence 5.5.5 Refer to 5.5.5 Refer to 5.5.5 9.3 f) Upper and lower limits of linear operating 5.6.10 Refer to 5.6.10 Refer to 5.6.10...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) NL-43/NL-53 free-field characteristics Table 1. NL-43/NL-53 free-field characteristics Direct connection between preamplifier and sound level meter, without a windscreen installed Microphone Frequency Response (dB) Influence of Housing Reflection (dB) Nominal Exact NL-43/53 Frequency Frequency Electrical Response UC-52...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Microphone Frequency Response (dB) Influence of Housing Reflection (dB) Nominal Exact NL-43/53 Frequency Frequency Electrical Response UC-52 UC-59 Expanded Expanded NL-43/53 (Hz) (Hz) (dB) (NL-43) (NL-53) Uncertainty Uncertainty 4500 4466.8 -0.1 0.20 4750 4731.5 0.20 5000...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Direct connection between preamplifier and sound level meter, with Windscreen WS-10 installed Microphone Frequency Influence of Housing NL-43/53 Effect of Windscreen(dB) Nominal Exact Response(dB) Reflection(dB) Electrical Frequency Frequency Response UC-52 UC-59 Expanded Expanded WS-10 WS-10 Expanded...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Microphone Frequency Influence of Housing NL-43/53 Effect of Windscreen(dB) Nominal Exact Response(dB) Reflection(dB) Electrical Frequency Frequency Response UC-52 UC-59 Expanded Expanded WS-10 WS-10 Expanded (Hz) (Hz) NL-43/53 (dB) (NL-43) (NL-53) Uncertainty Uncertainty Effect Correction Uncertainty 5000...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Connection between preamplifier and sound level meter via microphone extension cable EC-04 series, with All-Weather Windscreen WS-15 installed Microphone Frequency Influence of Housing NL-43/53 Effect of Windscreen(dB) Nominal Exact Response(dB) Reflection(dB) Electrical Frequency Frequency Response UC-52...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Microphone Frequency Influence of Housing NL-43/53 Effect of Windscreen(dB) Nominal Exact Response(dB) Reflection(dB) Electrical Frequency Frequency Response UC-52 UC-59 Expanded NH-24/25 Expanded WS-15 WS-15 Expanded (Hz) (Hz) (dB) (NL-43) (NL-53) Uncertainty (NL-43/53) Uncertainty Effect Correction Uncertainty...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Direct connection between preamplifier and sound level meter, with Rain-protection Windscreen WS-16 installed Microphone Frequency Influence of Housing NL-43/53 Effect of Windscreen(dB) Nominal Exact Response(dB) Reflection(dB) Electrical Frequency Frequency Response UC-52 UC-59 Expanded NH-24/25 Expanded WS-16...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Microphone Frequency Influence of Housing NL-43/53 Effect of Windscreen(dB) Nominal Exact Response(dB) Reflection(dB) Electrical Frequency Frequency Response UC-52 UC-59 Expanded NH-24/25 Expanded WS-16 WS-16 Expanded (Hz) (Hz) (dB) (NL-43) (NL-53) Uncertainty (NL-43/53) Uncertainty Effect Correction Uncertainty...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Reference incident direction and position of reference point Reference incident direction Position of reference point Center point on diaphragm surface Fig. 1. Reference incident direction and position of reference point...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Microphone frequency response The frequency response of a free-field microphone is represented by the response to the sound waves from the reference incident direction in a free-field. Below is an example of the frequency response of microphone UC-52 and UC-59. Response (dB) 10 k...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Acoustic influence of housing The NL-43/NL-53 is designed to minimize the influence of housing-related acoustic reflections on measurements. Below are examples of the acoustic influence from the housing of the sound level meter. Response (dB) 10 k...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Effects of Windscreen WS-10 The influence of wind noise on measurement results can be a problem when taking measurements outdoors in the wind or of a ventilation system. In such cases, attach the included Windscreen WS-10 to the microphone. The figures below show the effects of wind noise suppression produced by WS-10.
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Response (dB) No correction With correction 10 k 100 k Frequency (Hz) Fig. 7. Windscreen (WS-10) frequency response...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Effects of All-Weather Windscreen WS-15 The All-Weather Windscreen WS-15 not only suppresses wind noise but also protects the microphone from rain. The following figures show the characteristics of WS-15. Microphone only Microphone only WS-15 attached WS-15 attached Wind noise...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Effects of Rain-protection Windscreen WS-16 The Rain-protection Windscreen WS-16 not only suppresses wind noise but also protects the microphone from rain. The following figures show the characteristics of WS-16. Microphone only Microphone only WS-16 attached WS-16 attached Wind noise...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) The following figure shows the immunity test conditions (NL-43/NL-53 direction, operation mode and connection state) against power frequency magnetic fields and radio frequency electromagnetic fields. Under these conditions, the effects of exposure to power frequency magnetic field and radio frequency electromagnetic field are at their largest. The same applies to the operation mode and connection state in which radio frequency emissions are at their largest.
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) 8.10 Upper and lower limits of linear operating range for sound pressure level Table 4. Upper and lower limits of linear operating range for sound pressure level A-weighting 31.5 Hz 1 kHz 4 kHz 8 kHz 12.5 kHz Upper limit...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) 8.11 Directional characteristics The directional characteristics of the sound level meter are expressed as the difference between the measurement value of the reference incident direction (0°) and the measurement value of any incident angle θ. The electret condenser microphone used in the NL-43/NL-53 is a pressure-type microphone, so it is primarily omnidirectional.
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Table 5. Directional characteristics of NL-43 (horizontal direction) Nominal frequency / exact frequency (Hz) Angle (degrees) 250/251.19 315/316.23 400/398.11 500/501.19 630/630.96 800/794.33 1000/1000.0 1250/1258.9 0° 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 10°...
Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) 8.12 Random incidence response The random incidence response represents the random incidence sensitivity level in a diffuse field minus the free- field sensitivity level in the free-field. The high-frequency response is lower in a diffuse field than in a free-field. This can be corrected using the diffuse sound field correction function.
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) NL-43 Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz) Random incidence response (dB) correction amount 1800 1778.3 -0.3 1900 1883.6 -0.3 2000 1995.3 -0.3 2120 2113.5 -0.4 2240 2238.7 -0.6 2360 2371.4 -0.6 2500 2511.9...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Response (dB) No correction With correction 10 k 100 k Frequency (Hz) Fig. 28. Random incidence response of NL-43 with WS-10 attached Table 20. Random incidence response of NL-43 with WS-10 attached Random incidence response of Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz)
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Random incidence response of Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz) NL-43 with WS-10 attached (dB) correction amount 2500 2511.9 -0.7 2650 2660.7 -0.4 2800 2818.4 -0.7 3000 2985.4 -0.8 3150 3162.3 -0.8 3350...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) � � � -� Response (dB) -� -� -� No correction With correction -�� ��� � k �� k ��� k Frequency (Hz) Fig. 29. Random incidence response of NL-43 with WS-15 attached Table 21.
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Random incidence response of Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz) NL-43 with WS-15 attached (dB) correction amount 2360 2371.4 -0.7 2500 2511.9 -0.9 2650 2660.7 -0.9 2800 2818.4 -1.0 3000 2985.4 -1.0 3150...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Response (dB) No correction With correction 10 k 100 k Frequency (Hz) Fig. 30 Random incidence response of NL-43 with WS-16 attached Table 22. Random incidence response of NL-43 with WS-16 attached Random incidence response of Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz)
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Random incidence response of Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz) NL-53 with WS-16 attached (dB) correction amount 2360 2371.4 -1.2 2500 2511.9 -1.2 2650 2660.7 -0.8 2800 2818.4 -1.2 3000 2985.4 -1.2 3150...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Response (dB) No correction With correction 10 k 100 k Frequency (Hz) Fig. 31 NL-53 random incidence response Table 23. NL-53 random incidence response NL-53 Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz) Random incidence response (dB) correction amount 63.096...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) NL-53 Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz) Random incidence response (dB) correction amount 2360 2371.4 -0.6 2500 2511.9 -0.5 2650 2660.7 -0.3 2800 2818.4 -0.5 3000 2985.4 -0.7 3150 3162.3 -0.8 3350 3349.7...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Response (dB) No correction With correction 10 k 100 k Frequency (Hz) Fig. 32 Random incidence response of NL-53 with WS-10 attached Table 24. Random incidence response of NL-53 with WS-10 attached Random incidence response of Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz)
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Random incidence response of Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz) NL-53 with WS-10 attached (dB) correction amount 2360 2371.4 -0.7 2500 2511.9 -0.6 2650 2660.7 -0.5 2800 2818.4 -0.5 3000 2985.4 -0.7 3150...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) � � � -� Response -� (dB) -� -� No correction With correction -�� ��� � k �� k ��� k Frequency (Hz) Fig. 33 Random incidence response of NL-53 with WS-15 attached Table 25.
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Random incidence response of Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz) NL-53 with WS-15 attached (dB) correction amount 2360 2371.4 -0.6 2500 2511.9 -0.7 2650 2660.7 -0.8 2800 2818.4 -0.9 3000 2985.4 -1.0 3150...
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) � � � -� Response -� (dB) -� -� No correction With correction -�� ��� � k �� k ��� k Frequency (Hz) Fig. 34 Random incidence response of NL-53 with WS-16 attached Table 26.
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Descriptions for IEC 61672-1 (JIS C 1509-1) Random incidence response of Diffuse sound field Nominal frequency (Hz) Exact frequency (Hz) NL-53 with WS-16 attached (dB) correction amount 2360 2371.4 -0.6 2500 2511.9 -0.7 2650 2660.7 -0.8 2800 2818.4 -0.9 3000 2985.4 -1.0 3150...
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• QR code is a registered trademark of DENSO WAVE Incorporated. • All company names and product names mentioned in this manual are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. https://www.rion.co.jp/english/ 3-20-41 Higashimotomachi, Kokubunji, Tokyo 185-8533, Japan No. 66122 23-05...
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