Sound Level or Leq?

The decision to use either the Sound Level (Fast or Slow) or the Leq / Lavg is usually determined by any measurement regulations that are being followed or by the nature of the noise being measured. Many occupational noise regulations state that the Leq or Lavg should be used but the guidelines for many motor vehicle measurements state that the Sound Level can be used.

Check the measurement standards for any references to Leq, Lavg or Integrating Sound Level Meter. If these terms are used then you must measure the Leq or Lavg. If not, you should be fine with a standard non-integrating sound level meter, which certainly costs less. If in doubt, please email NoiseMeters, putting in as much information about your application as you can.

Sound Level

This is the basic measurement of any Sound Level Meter. A Frequency Weighting and Time Weighting will be applied to the sound signal that is picked up by the microphone. The sound level is expressed in decibels, or dB.

The Sound Level is the basic measurement used for many applications. However, you should check any regulations that you are following to ensure that the Sound Level alone is adequate.

Parameters such as Max (Lmax), Min (Lmin) and Ln (percentiles) are all based on the Sound Level.

Leq, Lavg - Average Sound Level

The Leq or Lavg is best described as the Average Sound Level over the period of the measurement. Usually measured with A-weighting, the Leq has no time constant applied, but the Lavg is usually Slow time weighted. As it is an average, it will settle to a steady value, making it much easier to read accurately than with a simple instantaneous Sound Level. Being an average, it is also showing the total energy of the noise being measured, so it is a better indicator of potential hearing damage or the likelihood that the noise will generate complaints.

A sound level meter that measures the Leq or Lavg will be referred to as an Integrating Sound Level Meter and it should meet the standards IEC60804, IEC 61672 or ANSI S1.4.