Recommendations for a sound level meter

[James_W]

I need a calibrated instrument to measure the dB (A weighted) of a sound source.

I don't need to know the frequency.

I need to be able to setup the instrument from LabVIEW - so serial comms

 and the instrument should sample at least at 100Hz.

The instrument I am currently using (TECPEL) has comms issues, poor documentation, locks up frequently and is poorly supported by non english speakers in the Far East. Someone else originally spec'd this instrument and now I am looking for a reliable replacement from and english speking company with good pre sales and after service support.

can anyone recommend a good unit?

It is to be mounted on a fixture (so DC input is good) and must have a range of at least 40-120dB.

Thanks for any helpful replies.

James

[MahdiehG]

Hi James,

Thanks for your question. If you want a device that would work well with LabVIEW, why not use NI hardware! All of our hardware work seamlessly with LabVIEW and they are all supported by National Instruments as well. 

We have a range of modules that would be suitable for your application. If you prefer one of our engineers could even come onsite (free of charge) and talk to you about your application and how you plan to use your NI card. We have branches all over the world so you would be supported no matter where you are. As you know we also have local support in the UK.

For more information please call 01635 523 545 and ask to speak with one of our Sales Engineers.

I hope this helps, please let me know if you have any other questions. 

[James_W]

The Tecpel 330 cost was £120, to get a dynamic range on NI hardware above 102dB I'm being told I need to move to a PXI system. £5000 is not an acceptable cost for a replacement instrument (before sofware is written).

Any more ideas on a more reasonable cost basis (less than £500) please?

Cheers

James