What is an Integrating Sound Level Meter?

If a sound level meter integrates then it accumulates the total sound energy over a measurement period and calculates an average, presenting the results in decibels. Put in simple terms, it averages the noise level throughout the measurement time and this means that the reading on the display settles down to a readable level. It also means that all the sound energy has been captured, whereas it is easy to miss something when doing it by eye and very difficult to average it, particularly with a digital meter.

An integrating sound level meter or integrating averaging sound level meter will usually provide you with a parameter called the Leq, which stands the "equivalent continuous level". This is presented in decibels and is "A" weighted for most applications, so is more correctly called the LAeq,t. The A giving the frequency weightined and the t signifying that it is averaged over time t.

When Should an Integrating Sound Level Meter be used?

An integrating meter should be used whenever the regulations state that you need a parameter such as Leq or SEL (also called LAE). Many environmental noise regulations are written around Leq, as are the European Noise at Work Regulations. Please check your regulations and if you have any doubt contact us for advice.