Environmental Monitoring
Environmental noise is an accumulation of noise pollution that occurs outside. This noise can be caused by transport, industrial, and construction activities. Noise levels are regulated by governments who provide guidelines to consultants for monitoring.
This page provides some basic common information on terminology and how long-term noise monitoring is done. The XL3 Acoustic Analyzer in combination with the Environmental Noise Bundle forms the professional environmental noise measurement solution.
- Noise annoyance assessment
- Rating level calculation
- Verifying boundary noise level emission
Overview
The XL3 is a class 1 sound level meter and offers a flexible handheld instrument with accurate and reliable measurements. Data recording can be scheduled to occur at pre-determined times or automatically triggered when pre-determined levels are exceeded. The Data Explorer software automatically marks periods containing tones or impulse and calculates the rating level Lr for comparison with the applicable limits.
Measurement Functions
The Sound Level Meter monitors the noise pollution to verify any annoying or excessive noise. All sound levels such as actual, Lmin, Lmax, Leq and the sound exposure level LAE are simultaneously measured and logged with frequency weighting A, C, Z and time weightings Fast, Slow and the optional Impulse.
The event recorder functionality triggers the measurement by programmable level thresholds or manually by the external input key pad. (optional with XL3 Environmental Noise Bundle).
Analyze frequency bands to identify dominant sources and tonal components (e.g., hums or whines) that often drive complaints and compliance issues.
Continuous audio recording provides context for noise events and helps ensure no critical information is lost when reviewing or explaining measurements.
Enable remote access and seamless interoperability – integrate measurement data into existing monitoring platforms and workflows.
Outdoor Measurement Microphone
Info
The Outdoor Measurement Microphones offer a weather-protected measurement solution for the Sound Level Meter allowing acquisition of environmental noise data in outdoor applications. The corrosion-free polymer housing, wind screen, waterrepellent membrane and bird spike provide excellent protection from rain, wind, dust and perching birds.
The Outdoor Measurement Microphones M2230-WP and M2340-WP fulfill the Class 1 requirements according to IEC 61672 and ANSI S1.4 for horizontal and vertical sound incidence. For compliance with horizontal sound incidence a spectral correction is employed in the associated Sound Level Meter. The Outdoor Measurement Microphone M4262-WP fulfills the Class 2 requirements accordingly.
The outdoor microphones consist of a measurement microphone and the applicable weather protection:
- M2230-WP: M2230 + WP40-90 Weather Protection
- M2340-WP: M2340 + WP40-90 Weather Protection
- M4262-WP: M4262 + WP62 Weather Protection
Class 1 and Class 2 outdoor measurement microphones for horizontal and vertical sound incidence according to IEC 61672 and ANSI S1.4. Excellent protection from rain and dust (IP54), wind and perching birds. Built from corrosion-free materials with a removable top section for easy microphone calibration. Standard tripod mount with optional pole mount.
The 90 mm wind screen protects the measurement microphone from rain and dust while reducing wind-induced noise. The seamless design of the water-repellent membrane under the wind screen ensures perfect protection from rain and dust.
For reliable outdoor operation and a secure connection to the sound level meter, we recommend using our weather protection ASD cables:
- 600 000 306 – WP ASD Cable 5 m with IP65 female XLR connector, for use with WP40/WP62
- 600 000 307 – WP ASD Cable 10 m with IP65 female XLR connector, for use with WP40/WP62
- 600 000 308 – WP ASD Cable 20 m with IP65 female XLR connector, for use with WP40/WP62
The Outdoor Measurement Microphone M2340-WP is system self-test (CIC) enabled. Automated self-tests can be performed automatically in unattended noise monitoring solutions when used in combination with an XL3 sound level meter. This ensures reliable operation and precise measurements.
The upper section of the weather protection is snap-on mounted and can thus be easily removed by hand for manual calibration of the measurement microphone.
NTi Audio # 600 040 140
Heavy Duty Outdoor Case
The Heavy Duty Outdoor Case is a professional solution for short- and medium term unattended noise monitoring. The case provides comprehensive protection against dust, water and impacts. Internal dimensions provide ample space for battery packs to power the Sound Level Meter.
NTi Audio #:
- 600 000 704 XL3 Outdoor Case Heavy Duty IP43
- 600 000 705 XL3 Outdoor Case Heavy Duty IP65
Noise Monitoring Terminal
The weatherproof enclosure is the tailored fixed installation solution for unattended noise monitoring. The enclosure is IP66 (without ventilation) or IP55 (with built-in fan) rated, highly secure and constructed of strong, hard-wearing reinforced fiberglass.
NTi Audio #:
- Enclosure Large, IP55: 600 000 480
- Enclosure Large, IP66: 600 000 486
- Enclosure Compact, IP66: 600 000 485
MeasurEye Cloud Monitoring
MeasurEye is NTi Audio’s cloud platform for environmental monitoring. It lets you connect multiple XL3 Class 1 Sound Level Meters and view real-time noise levels from all locations in one place.
Monitor live values every second, review historical data, and set automated alerts when limits are exceeded. Combine noise data with additional sensors such as weather, vibration, and air quality to get the full context—across construction sites, industrial facilities, and communities.
Type Approval Option
The Type Approval Option, when installed on your XL2, upgrades the instrument to the XL2-TA, the sound level meter for certified measurements. The XL2-TA, together with the M2230 or M2340 microphone and Shroud jacket, forms a type-approved sound level meter offering class 1 performance in accordance with IEC 61672:2014, IEC 61260:2014, ANSI S1.4:2014 and ANSI S1.11:2014 standard. The Type Approval Option includes the Shroud MXA01.
Type approved sound level meter configuration:
- XL2-TA Sound Level Meter (XL2 with Type Approval Option installed)
- Measurement Microphone M2230 or M2340
- Shroud MXA01
- Firmware V4.71 (AT, CH, DE)
- Firmware V4.21 (FR)
- NTi Audio Class 1 Sound Calibrator
- Optional
- Extended Acoustic Pack
- ASD Cable 5 m, 10 m or 20 m
- Mains Power Adapter
- Wind Screen 50 mm or 90 mm
- Weather Protection WP30
- XL2 Input Keypad
- Microphone Holder MH01
XL2 Type Approval Certificates:
Configuration
-
Kit for Environmental Noise Monitoring
including
- XL3 Sound Level Meter
- XL3 Environmental Noise Bundle
- M2340 Measurement Microphone
(with self-check calibration to ensure continuous accurate measurements) - Exel System Case or backpack
Optional as required:
Weather Protection WP40 & WP ASD Cable
for outdoor noise assessments
Stack Light
for visual (pre-) warning indication
Frequently Asked Questions
The XL3 typically provides up to 8 hours of battery life. Runtime depends mainly on factors like display brightness, active connectivity such as Wi Fi or LAN activity, logging and audio recording settings, and any connected peripherals.
Products used for Environmental Monitoring
Downloads
- Product Information
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