Professional Measurement Tips
Get the most accurate results from your sound measurements
5 min read
December 2024
Whether you're a first-time user or experienced with sound measurement, these professional tips will help you get more accurate and consistent results. Learn from acoustic engineers and safety professionals about the best practices for various measurement scenarios.
Essential Quick Tips
Proper Positioning
- • Hold device at arm's length
- • Point mic toward sound source
- • Keep at ear height when possible
- • Avoid reflective surfaces
Environmental Factors
- • Shield from wind outdoors
- • Avoid air vents indoors
- • Note weather conditions
- • Consider humidity effects
Device Preparation
- • Remove phone cases
- • Clean microphone port
- • Close other apps
- • Ensure full permissions
Tips for Different Scenarios
Home Environment Testing
Measuring appliance noise:
- • Measure at typical usage distance (1-2 meters)
- • Test different operating modes
- • Compare with background noise off
- • Document time of day for consistency
Testing room acoustics:
- • Measure at multiple positions
- • Test with windows open vs closed
- • Check corner buildup effects
- • Note furnishing changes
Workplace Measurements
Employee exposure assessment:
- • Measure at ear level of workers
- • Sample throughout entire shift
- • Include all noise sources
- • Document measurement locations
- • Note any unusual conditions
Equipment monitoring:
- • Establish baseline when new
- • Regular monitoring schedule
- • Compare similar equipment
- • Track changes over time
Outdoor Measurements
Special considerations for outdoor sound measurement:
- • Use windscreen or shield microphone with hand
- • Avoid measurements in rain or strong wind
- • Account for temperature inversions
- • Note traffic patterns and times
- • Consider seasonal variations (leaves, snow)
- • Measure at property boundaries for complaints
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't Do This
- • Covering the microphone with your hand
- • Measuring with case or cover on
- • Standing too close to walls
- • Ignoring wind effects
- • Taking single short measurements
- • Using damaged devices
- • Measuring in extreme temperatures
✓ Do This Instead
- • Keep microphone unobstructed
- • Remove all cases and covers
- • Maintain 1m+ from surfaces
- • Shield from wind or wait
- • Average multiple readings
- • Test device functionality first
- • Work within device limits
Advanced Measurement Techniques
Professional Methods
Time-Based Analysis
- • L10: Level exceeded 10% of time (peaks)
- • L50: Median level (typical)
- • L90: Background level (quiet periods)
- • Leq: Energy average over period
Track these manually by noting readings at regular intervals
Spatial Mapping
- • Create measurement grid
- • Document each position
- • Maintain consistent height
- • Map noise contours
Useful for identifying noise sources and planning treatments
Documentation Best Practices
Record Keeping Tips
Proper documentation makes your measurements useful and credible:
Essential Information
- • Date and time of measurement
- • Exact location and position
- • Weather conditions
- • Device used and settings
- • Duration of measurement
- • Background conditions
Additional Context
- • Photos of measurement setup
- • Sketch of area layout
- • List of noise sources
- • Unusual occurrences
- • Witness information
- • Follow-up actions needed
Smartphone-Specific Tips
iPhone Tips
- • Microphone at bottom edge
- • Avoid covering with finger
- • Disable noise cancellation
- • Use in portrait orientation
Android Tips
- • Check mic location (varies)
- • Disable audio enhancements
- • Close background apps
- • Consider external mic option
Tablet Tips
- • Often multiple microphones
- • Use primary (bottom) mic
- • Larger size helps stability
- • Good for stationary monitoring
Remember: Consistency is key to useful measurements. Use the same device, position, and conditions when comparing readings over time. Document everything for future reference.