3M Music Mixer DL User Manual

3M Personal Safety Division  
3MTM SoundPro SE/DL SeriesSound Level Meters  
SoundProUser Manual  
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ii  
Table of Contents  
TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Models SE and DL  
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Table of Contents  
Models SE and DL  
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Table of Contents  
Models SE and DL  
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Table of Contents  
Models SE and DL  
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Table of Contents  
Models SE and DL  
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Table of Contents  
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Table of Contents  
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ix  
Table of Contents  
Contacting 3M ...................................................................................................... 149  
FIGURES  
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Table of Contents  
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Table of Contents  
TABLES  
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CHAPTER  
1
Models and options  
Octave bands  
1
Introduction  
The SoundPro SE and DL series of sound level meters (SLM) from 3M are advanced  
instruments with highly adaptable characteristics. This manual explains the features  
and functions of all models in the series and points out distinctions between the  
models.  
Models and options  
There are twelve models in the SoundPro SE and DL series. The differences between  
models are accounted for by three primary characteristics: accuracy of measurement,  
frequency resolution, and the types of data stored. The table in Figure 1-1  
summarizes the characteristics of all twelve models and includes add-on features for  
Reverberation, Speech Intelligibility and Acoustic Spectral Curves.  
Part #  
Model  
SP-SE-2  
SoundPro SE SLM  
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SP-SE-2-1/1  
SP-SE-2-1/3  
SP-SE-1  
SoundPro SE 1/1 Octave RTA  
X
SoundPro SE 1/1 & 1/3 Octave RTA  
SoundPro SE Sound Level Meter  
X
X
X
SP-SE-1- 1/1  
SP-SE-1-1/3  
SP-DL-2  
SoundPro SE 1/1 Octave RTA  
X
X
SoundPro SE 1/1 & 1/3 Octave RTA  
SoundPro DL Datalogging SLM  
X
X
X
X
X
X
SP-DL-2 – 1/1  
SP-DL-2 – 1/3  
SP-DL-1  
SoundPro DL 1/1 Octave Datalogging RTA  
SoundPro DL 1/1 & 1/3 Octave Datalogging RTA  
SoundPro DL Datalogging SLM  
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
SP-DL-1 – 1/1  
SP-DL-1 – 1/3  
SoundPro DL 1/1 Datalogging RTA  
SoundPro DL 1/1 & 1/3 Octave Datalogging RTA  
X
X
Part #  
Description  
Compatible with the following models:  
Speech Intelligibility (STI-PA) and  
Acoustic Spectral Curves  
SP-SE-2-1/1 SP-SE-2-1/3 SP-SE-1-1/1 SP-SE-1-1/3  
SP-DL-2-1/1 SP-DL-2-1/3 SP-DL-1-1/1 SP-DL-1-1/3  
Option-1  
Speech Intelligibility (STI-PA) with  
accessories and Acoustic Spectral  
Curves  
Reverberation measurement and RT60  
analysis (part number: 053-768)  
SP-SE-2-1/1 SP-SE-2-1/3 SP-SE-1-1/1 SP-SE-1-1/3  
SP-DL-2-1/1 SP-DL-2-1/3 SP-DL-1-1/1 SP-DL-1-1/3  
(SoundPro SE and DL models with 1/1 and/ or 1/3 only) includes:  
SP-SE-2-1/1 SP-SE-2-1/3 SP-SE-1-1/1 SP-SE-1-1/3  
SP-DL-2-1/1 SP-DL-2-1/3 SP-DL-1-1/1 SP-DL-1-1/3  
Option – 2  
Reverberation  
Figure 1-1: SoundPro Models SE and DL and Option 1 and Option 2  
Models SE and DL  
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2
Frequency resolution  
Octave bands  
Frequency resolution  
The sounds we hear are rarely pure tones at a single frequency but rather a  
mixture of frequencies of varying amplitudes. Some sounds, such as a whistle  
or a horn, have frequencies concentrated in relatively narrow regions of the  
audio spectrum, which ranges from approximately 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Other  
sounds, more generally thought of as noise, include components from many  
regions of the entire spectrum.  
When analyzing sound as noise, we usually are concerned with the total  
impact of the sound signal. In other words, we are usually satisfied with a  
broadband measurement of sound in the environment. When we are seeking  
to isolate a sound from other sounds, for instance to detect the source of a  
sound or to measure how much particular sounds contribute to the overall  
sound level, we may want to look at the frequency components of the sound.  
Octave bands  
The ability of an instrument to separate a signal into its frequency  
components is known as a spectral analysis. In sound pressure  
measurement, the audio spectrum is divided into adjacent frequency bands  
called octaves, where the center frequency of each octave band is twice the  
center frequency of the octave band directly below it. There are eleven octave  
bands in the audio spectrum.  
Figure 1-2 illustrates the relationship between the bandwidth of a typical  
sound measuring instrument and the octave bands that span the audio spec-  
trum. Note that the highest and lowest octaves at 16 Hz and 16 kHz lie  
entirely within the bandwidth of the instrument.  
Figure 1-2: Octave bands  
Models SE and DL  
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3
Frequency resolution  
Third -octave bands  
Third -octave bands  
Each octave band can be divided into three adjacent bands called third-  
octave band. Because of the logarithmic relationship between adjacent  
bands, the center frequencies of third-octave bands differ from each other by  
26%. For example, the center frequency of the next third-octave band above  
the 1000 Hz third-octave band is at 1260 Hz. Figure 1-3 is similar to Figure 1-  
2 but shows the thirty-three third-octave bands in relation to the instrument’s  
bandwidth.  
Figure 1-3: Third Octave bands  
Naming bands  
Bands are conventionally named for their center frequencies in accordance  
with acoustical industry standards. Table 1-1 identifies the SoundPro SE or  
DL models that have octave and third-octave bands option with their exact  
center frequencies and their corresponding standardized names.  
Models SE and DL  
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4
Frequency resolution  
Naming bands  
Exact Center  
Names of Octave  
Bands (Hz)  
Names of Third-octave  
Bands (Hz)  
Frequency (Hz)  
12.589  
15.849  
19.953  
25.119  
31.623  
39.811  
50.119  
63.096  
79.433  
100.00  
125.89  
158.49  
199.53  
251.19  
316.23  
398.11  
501.19  
630.96  
794.33  
1000.0  
1258.9  
1584.9  
1995.3  
2511.9  
3162.3  
3981.1  
5011.9  
6309.6  
7943.3  
10000  
12.5  
16  
16  
31.5  
63  
20  
25  
31.5  
40  
50  
63  
80  
100  
125  
125  
160  
200  
250  
250  
315  
400  
500  
500  
630  
800  
1000  
2000  
4000  
8000  
16000  
1000  
1250  
1600  
2000  
2500  
3150  
4000  
5000  
6300  
8000  
10000  
12500  
16000  
20000  
12589  
15849  
19953  
Table 1-1: Acoustical range bands  
Models SE and DL  
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5
Logging explained  
Analysis type  
Analysis type  
All SoundPro SE/DL instruments are capable of analyzing sound signals over  
the full bandwidth of the instrument also referred to as “broadband  
measurement”. If your instrument comes equipped with a filter, it can perform  
an octave or a third-octave analysis, or both, depending upon the type of filter  
installed. You can vary the analysis type between sessions, and the analysis  
type selection remains constant throughout the session.  
Analysis types are identified in SoundPro SE/DL by the following names:  
SLM - Broadband measurements  
1/1 - Octave filtering  
1/3 - Third-octave filtering  
STI-PA -Speech Intelligibility  
Logging explained  
Although you can view the current sound pressure level at any time that the  
instrument is operating (See “Bar Chart and Filtered Bar Chart” on page 67),  
most measurements are reported for data obtained over the entire course of a  
study or session. In some circumstances, however, you may want to save  
intermediate measurement results. The SoundPro DL logging option provides  
you with that capability.  
With logging enabled, you can save selected measurements at fixed intervals  
during a session. You can set logging to occur as often as once per second or  
as seldom as once per hour. Once the logging characteristics are determined,  
the setup remains the same for the duration of the session.  
Logged data is automatically saved to the instrument’s memory card and can  
be viewed in QSP II (“Information screen” on page 8).  
NOTE: You must use a compatible SD card. For information about  
replacing the SD card, see “Compatibility” on page 117.  
Physical Characteristics  
The Display  
The transflective LCD display contains an area on the top of the screen for  
indicators including run, pause, stop icons and a run time clock. The middle  
of the screen contains a fine resolution of pixels in which data is displayed  
Models SE and DL  
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6
Physical Characteristics  
Hardware interfaces  
both numerically and graphically. This is explained in further detail in  
Chapter 2, “The Display and keypad”).  
Hardware interfaces  
The Hardware Interface Panel, shown in Figure 1- 4, is located under a  
hinged cover in the base of the instrument. The cover can be lifted by a tab  
at one side, and snapped shut again by closing and pressing firmly at the  
center.  
Figure 1-4: Hardware Interface Panel  
Memory card slot  
A Secure Digital (SD) removable memory card is shipped with each  
SoundPro SE/DL instrument. The card should always be in place when you  
are operating the instrument. More information about operating with the  
memory card is given under “Memory card” on page 106.  
NOTE: You must use a compatible SD card. For information about  
replacing the SD card, see “Compatibility” on page 117.  
USB port  
A USB cable is shipped with each SoundPro SE/DL instrument. One end fits  
the mini B port in the instrument. The other end fits a standard USB  
connector on a personal computer. A USB connection to a personal  
computer allows files to be transferred, settings to be downloaded to the  
instrument, and post- session analysis to be performed in the computer using  
data files created in the instrument.  
Models SE and DL  
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7
Physical Characteristics  
Hardware interfaces  
AC/DC port  
Connect a cable with a standard 3.5 mm stereo plug to this jack to obtain AC  
and DC output signals. Users are responsible for providing their own cable.  
Power jack  
DC power can be delivered to the instrument through the Power jack. Power  
will be taken from the external source rather than the instrument’s batteries  
when the external source provides 8 to 16 volts DC (300ma minimum).  
Two optional sources for this power are available: a switching power supply  
connected to an AC source and DC power provided through the accessory  
jack of most automobiles. For the technical specifications, see “Power  
sources” in Appendix A. Part numbers are given under “Optional parts” in  
Appendix A.  
Auxiliary port  
Use this port to connect the SoundPro SE/DL instrument to other devices.  
The two types of functions, described below, are available through the  
terminals of this port. A pinout of the port is provided under “Auxiliary  
connector” on page 139.  
Digital I/O - A group of contacts within the port provides one, logic- level  
input and three, logic-level outputs. See “Digital Outputs/Triggering” on  
page 50 are information about configuring and using the triggers.  
RS-232 - A group of contacts within the port supports the RS-232  
protocol for communication between the instrument and other devices,  
such as a Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receiver. See “GPS” on  
page 54 for information about configuring the port for this purpose.  
Models SE and DL  
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8
Information screen  
Screen contents  
Information screen  
Every SoundPro SE/DL instrument describes its unique characteristics in its  
Information screen. In the Start screen, press  
to select Unit Info, then  
press  
. The Unit Info screen appears (Figure 1-5).  
\UNIT INFO  
SoundPro DL-1-1/3  
Serial #  
Revision  
Installed Features:  
CURVES  
1
2
BIF120010  
B 12M  
3
STI-PA  
Figure 1-5: The Unit Information screen  
Screen contents  
The lines indicated in Figure 1-7 will contain the following information.  
Line 1 - Model number showing, in order, the 3M designation (SE or DL), the  
Class/Type (1 or 2) and the filter, if installed (1/1, 1/3 or blank).  
Line 2 - Unique serial number assigned when the instrument was  
manufactured.  
Line 3 – The installed feature’s field lists any extra options (note: these may  
be additionally purchased features as displayed above for Curves and STI-  
PA.)  
NOTE: It’s a good idea to record Information screen data in the event that  
you need assistance and the instrument refuses to power up. For 3M  
assistance, see “Contacting 3M” on page 149.  
Models SE and DL  
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9
Detection Management Software DMS  
DMS Start Page  
Detection Management Software DMS  
3M™ Detection Management Software DMS is used to record, report, chart and analyze data  
collected for assessment of select occupational health hazards in the workplace. Designed for  
dosimetry, sound level measurements, heat stress assessments and environmental  
monitoring, the software helps safety and occupational professionals:  
• Retrieve, download, share and save instrument data  
• Generate insightful charts and reports  
• Export and share recorded data  
• Perform What If” analysis and recalculate data based on selected time intervals  
• Set up instruments and check for firmware updates  
Some data can only be displayed in DMS. One example is logging data obtained when  
logging is enabled in an instrument equipped with that option (Logging” on page 33). Another  
example is with the GPS function. When enabled the data is viewable in DMS.  
DMS Start Page  
Navigational  
buttons  
(1)Setup  
(2)Download  
(3)Data Finder (look  
at your session  
data or use Quick  
Report feature)  
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10  
Detection Management Software DMS  
DMS Start Page  
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CHAPTER  
11  
Checking the equipment  
DMS Start Page  
2
Getting Started  
This chapter provides the basic information you need to “get up and go”  
essentially right out of the box, including getting your first glimpses of SPL.  
Checking the equipment  
If your instrument was sent to you in a storage case, you will want to remove  
all the packaging and acquaint yourself with the equipment, so you can  
quickly get started. The items below are included in a “standard” SoundPro  
SE or DL kit.  
Preamp  
SoundPro  
Microphone  
Optional 1”, ½”, and ¼”  
microphones available  
USB cable  
Windscreen  
QSP- II software  
4-AA alkaline batteries  
Optional feature  
Figure 2-1: Identify SoundPro equipment  
Models SE and DL  
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12  
Microphone and accessories  
Installing the preamp  
Installing the preamp  
The preamplifier is detachable for storage purposes or if you wish to connect  
an extension cable for distance monitoring.  
Connecting to the instrument  
Place the preamp connector  
over the mating connector at the  
top of the instrument. Gently  
Twist preamp  
press down while rotating the  
preamp until the preamp  
connector drops slightly in  
place.  
locking ring onto  
SoundPro  
Figure 2-2: SoundPro & Preamp  
1. While pressing the connector together to engage the threads, rotate  
the black knob clockwise to secure the preamp to the instrument. It  
will fit snuggly.  
Connecting an extension cable  
Extension cables are available from 3M as options and are typically used  
to distance the instrument body from the microphone to reduce distorting  
reflections from the instrument’s case.  
1. Attach the cable to the base as if it were the preamp and then follow  
the steps above “Connecting to the instrument”. Attach the preamp to  
the other end of the cable.  
Microphone and accessories  
The instrument is ordered either for Class/Type 1 or Class/Type 2 use. See  
“Distinctions between models” on page 1 for information about this classifi-  
cation. The microphones are treated differently for the two classes of instru-  
ments.  
Models SE and DL  
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13  
Microphone and accessories  
Class/Type 1 and Class/Type 2 instrument  
Class/Type 1 and Class/Type 2 instrument  
The SoundPro is shipped with the Type 1 in a protective case with a serial number  
labeled on the side of the microphone. Similarly, the SoundPro with the Class/Type 2  
microphone is also shipped in a protective case. To attach and remove the  
microphone, please follow one of the types below:  
BK4936 microphone - Remove the microphone from its case and thread it on the  
SoundPro SE/DL preamp in accordance with the instructions provided in the  
microphone case. Note that the BK4936 microphone is provided with a Random  
Incidence Corrector (RIC). Use the same microphone instructions for information  
about using and installing that device.  
All other Class/Type 1 microphones - Remove the microphone from its  
protective case and thread it on the preamp. Before using, be sure to remove the  
plastic cap and save it in the case for future use.  
Class/Type 2 microphones Remove the  
No  
microphone from its protective case and thread it on  
the preamp. Before using, be sure to remove plastic  
cap and save it in the case for future use.  
Yes  
NOTE: to properly remove the microphone, please  
adhere to the caution sticker located on the backside of  
the instrument and the drawing to the right.  
Windscreen  
Use a windscreen that fits the tip of the microphone to reduce sound disturbances  
caused by physical contact and wind turbulence. 3M provides the WS-7  
windscreen that fits a ½-inch microphone with every instrument kit. If you didn’t  
order a ½-inch microphone, or if you have one of different size, you may wish to  
order a windscreen for the other size.  
Figure 2-3: SoundPro with microphone and windscreen  
Models SE and DL  
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14  
Providing power  
Installing Batteries  
Providing power  
You can power the instrument with internal batteries or from an external power  
source. There are two optional sources which include a universal power supply  
9V/.66A 2.1 mm and an auto DC jack cable 12V. (See Optional Parts, in Appendix  
A for more details.)  
Installing Batteries  
The instrument requires four AA-sized batteries. Disposable alkaline batteries  
are satisfactory, but you may also use rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride  
(NiMH) batteries.  
Rechargeable batteries ~ The instrument does not contain a recharging  
circuit. Recharge batteries externally using the recharging device  
available from 3M or a compatible device available elsewhere.  
Selecting batteries ~ Do not mix battery types or batteries with  
significantly different charge levels.  
NOTE: To avoid possible battery leakage, remove the batteries when the  
meter is not in use for prolonged periods.  
To install batteries  
1. With the back of the instrument facing up, push the release latch to pop  
open the battery lid (Figure 2-1).  
Figure 2-4: Installing batteries  
2. Lift off the lid and set aside. Wedge out the four batteries.  
3. Replace the batteries with fresh batteries, taking care that you orient all  
batteries with the positive ends toward the base, as shown in the drawing.  
4. Re-insert the lid by fitting its locator pins into slots in the base end of the  
battery compartment. The lid should fit snugly when correctly inserted.  
Models SE and DL  
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15  
Providing power  
Battery power explained  
5. Press the top edge of the lid to snap it into the latch.  
6. Verify or set the type in the Battery Check screen. (See the next section  
“Checking battery power”.)  
Battery power explained  
The battery check screen is used to determine the battery/power status of the  
instrument. When operating on batteries, the grey area in each cell graphic  
indicates the charge on each cell (Figure 2-5).  
When operating on an external power source (see next section, “external  
power sources”), the external power will take precedence over batteries if  
installed.  
Battery indicator  
If all bars appear up  
to starting line, this  
indicates full battery  
power  
Externally powered  
If using an external  
power source, EXT  
will appear and all  
batteries will be fully  
shaded indicating full  
power capacity.  
Figure 2-5: Battery check screen  
Checking or changing type  
The battery type selection in this display affects the accuracy of the  
Battery Indicator that appears in many SoundPro SE/DL displays.  
NOTE: It is recommended to match the battery type to the type  
of batteries installed in the instrument, or you may experience  
an unexpected shutdown.  
Models SE and DL  
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16 Providing power  
Checking or changing type  
Battery Check screen  
1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL by pressing On/Off/ESC  
. You will be at  
the start screen.  
If turned on, ensure you are at the start screen by pressing On/Off/Esc  
repeatedly until the start screen appears.  
Setup  
Figure 2-6: Selecting Setup in the Start Screen  
2. Press Up/Down arrows to highlight Setup and then press Enter  
.
3. In the Setup screen, select Battery, then press Enter  
. The Battery  
Check screen appears.  
B : Press softkey  
to select NiMH  
A: Press softkey  
to select Alkaline  
Softkey buttons  
Figure 2-7: Selecting battery type in battery check screen  
4. Press the softkey that corresponds with the installed battery type (See “A” or  
“B” in Figure 2-7 for selection). The label above the softkey is underlined to  
indicate the current selection.  
5. When completed, press On/Off/Esc  
once to return to the Setup screen  
and twice to return to the start screen.  
Models SE and DL  
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17  
Providing power  
Using power supply or auto adapter  
Using power supply or auto adapter  
If you obtained the optional Universal power supply  
9V cable or the Auto DC Jack 12 VDC adapter from  
3M, plug them into their respective power sources  
and the other end into the Power jack of the  
instrument. If the external power source provides  
the correct voltage (8-16 VDC) and sufficient  
current (300 mA minimum), it will be used in  
place of the batteries if they’re installed in the  
instrument.  
Auto  
adapter  
Universal  
power  
supply  
Figure 2-8 illustrates the assembly of the Universal power supply and the plug  
adapter. It slides into place by guiding it down the back cavity (opening) of the  
power supply.  
- NOTE: the example is a typical adapter which may be different than the one  
you are using. Mechanically, it will function similarly.  
A. Universal power supply 9V  
B. Slide plug adapter into the crevices of base  
Figure 2-8: Attaching the charger adapter with the plug adapter  
Connecting power supply source  
1. Ensure the power supply is assembled (for universal power supply only).  
2. Plug the power cord into the power jack by opening the base cover. Attach the  
opposite end into the power supply (i.e., outlet/automobile jack) (as discussed  
in “Hardware interfaces”, page 6.)  
Power Jack  
Figure 2-9: Base (or bottom) of SoundPro  
3. Plug the opposite end into the power supply.  
Models SE and DL  
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18  
Turning on  
Start screen and the keypad  
Turning on  
1. To turn on the SoundPro, press the On/Off/Esc  
key until the start  
screen appears.  
Start screen and the keypad  
The Start screen is the first screen you see when you power on and the last  
screen you see when you shut down. This essential main screen is also used  
to navigate through the menu options.  
The keypad and softkeys are used to setup the instrument, run a study, stop  
a study, view your measurement values, and power on and off the meter.  
Indicators  
Battery power:  
Stop:  
Run time: 00:00:00  
1. Display  
7. “Softkey” Menu:  
<SLM> CAL  
FILE COMM  
Correspond with softkeys  
8. Softkeys  
2. Backlight  
3. Stop  
9. AltF  
10. Enter  
4. Left  
11. Right arrow  
5. Up/Down arrows  
12. ON/Off and ESC  
6. Run/Pause  
Figure 2-10: SoundPro SE/DL start screen and keypad  
Models SE and DL  
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19 SoundPro functionality  
The keypad explained  
SoundPro functionality  
The keypad explained  
The SoundPro SE/DL keypad consists of three general types of keys: soft-  
keys, navigation keys and dedicated keys.  
Keypad  
Explanation  
1. Display  
Used to view data, menus, and various  
indicators.  
2. Backlight  
3. Stop  
Used to illuminate the background of the  
display/screen. (i.e., nighttime study.)  
Used to stop your study when in the Run or  
Pause modes. A 3,2,1 countdown will appear as  
you continue to press the stop button.  
4. Left arrow  
Used to navigate left through menus and/or data.  
Used to navigate through menus and/or data.  
5. Up/Down Arrows  
6. Run/Pause  
Used to Run or Pause a study. (A run or pause  
indicator will appear at the top of the screen to  
signal you of the appropriate mode.)  
7. Softkey menu  
The softkey menu are additional menu options for  
setting measurement type (i.e, SLM, 1/1, etc.),  
Calibrating, Loading a study file, setting  
Lock/secure settings, and many more options.  
8. Softkeys  
9. Altf  
The Softkey buttons correspond with the softkey  
menu. (Please see Figure 2-10 above).  
The Altf button (or Alternate functions) is used to  
expand the softkey menu at times.  
10. Enter  
Used frequently to execute an action. Typically  
used after you have first pressed one or more  
arrow keys to make a selection.  
11. Right arrow  
Used to navigate right through menus and/or  
data.  
12. On/Off and ESC  
Used to turn on the SoundPro, turn off, and to  
Escape (or move back one screen).  
Table 2-1: Keypad Explained  
Models SE and DL  
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20  
SoundPro functionality  
Indicators explained  
Indicators explained  
Status information is provided by the instrument at the top of the display.  
Below is a summary of all of the indicators.  
Icon  
Significance  
Battery charge status. This icon shows the status/level of the  
batteries. A full battery indicates one of the following:  
externally powered  
or the SoundPro is fully charged.  
Run state. This icon appears when a study is running.  
Paused state. This icon appears when the current session is  
open but paused.  
Stop state. This icon appears when the current session is  
stopped.  
Review mode. When the pause and stop icons appear, this  
indicates that you are viewing a saved file.  
Overload condition. When an overload occurs during a study,  
this indicator appears and remains lit until the beginning of the  
next study.  
OL  
UR  
Underrange condition. When an underrange condition occurs  
during a study, this indicator appears and remains lit until the  
beginning of the next study.  
Alternate functions. This icon appears below the Battery  
Charge Indicator when alternate functions are being displayed.  
Table 2-2: Screen Indicators  
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21  
Turning off  
Navigating  
Navigating  
To navigate to menus and data screens, the up/down  
arrows and left/right arrows  
are primarily used.  
The On/Off Esc  
button is also used as a navigational  
tool at any time you wish to move back one level. If you  
press ESC repeatedly, you will return to the start screen.  
Turning off  
1. To turn off the SoundPro, ensure the meter is stopped (i.e., indicator  
will display on the top of the screen).  
2. Press and hold the On/Off/ESC  
button until the start screen  
disappears.  
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22 Turning off  
Navigating  
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CHAPTER  
23 Basic setups  
Navigating  
3
Basic setups  
This chapter covers the basic features and setups of SoundPro SE/DL that  
establish the instrument’s operating conditions. For information about the  
more advanced SoundPro SE/DL features and their setups, see Chapter 4,  
“Advanced setups.” For information on setting-up and measuring add-on  
features (Reverberation, STI-PA, or Curves), please see Chapter 6.  
Microphone Settings  
Setting Date-Time  
Setting Measurement type (SLM, 1/1, 1/3, STI-PA)  
Setting up Meter 1/Meter 2 parameters  
Setting up Exceedance levels  
Setting up Logging  
Setting physical settings: backlight “on” time, contrast, choosing a  
language  
Microphone settings  
With Class/Type 1 models, the microphone’s sensitivity, range cap, and  
polarization can be checked and/or changed in the “Signal Input” menu  
(when stopped). Alternatively, Class/Type 2 models settings are viewable at  
any time the session is stopped but cannot be modified.  
The following table displays the required microphone settings.  
Signal Input  
Sensitivity a  
BK4936 QE7052 QE4110 QE4130 QE4150 QE4170  
-28.0  
140  
0
-29.0  
140  
0
-49.1  
160  
-36.0  
140  
-26.0  
140  
-28.0  
140  
Range Cap (dB)  
Polarization (V)  
200  
200  
200  
200  
Table 3-1: Required microphone settings  
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24 Basic setups  
Changing microphone settings  
Changing microphone settings  
Microphone settings  
This procedure applies only to Class/Type 1 models.  
1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL by pressing On/Off/Esc  
.
If turned on, ensure you are at the start screen by pressing  
On/Off/Esc  
repeatedly until you return to start screen (see Figure  
2-10).  
2. Press Up/Down  
Enter  
arrows to highlight Setup and then press  
.
3. In the Setup screen, select Sig. Input, then press Enter  
. The Signal  
Input screen appears.  
Menu path displayed  
A. Sensitivity  
B. Range Cap  
C. Polarization  
Figure 3-1: Microphone Settings (Signal Input screen)  
4. Signal Input options are explained below (refer to Figure 3-1 above).  
A. Sensitivity ~ Calibration parameter for the selected microphone. This is  
a nominal value in decibels relevant to 1V/Pa.  
B. Range Cap ~ Top of the measurement range for the microphone/  
instrument combination. In any screen showing a decibel range, this  
setting affects the maximum value.  
C. Polarization ~ A value of the polarization voltage for the microphone.  
Some microphones have an internal polarization, while others require a  
polarization provided by the instrument.  
5. To change a signal input field, press Up/Down  
arrows to highlight  
specific field (s).  
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25  
Basic setups  
Time and date  
6. Press Enter  
. The result will be one of the following:  
For Sensitivity and Range Cap fields - The highlighting moves to the  
data field. Press Up/Down  
arrows to change the value.  
Polarization field - Polarization remains highlighted. Continue to press  
Enter to change (or toggle) the value from 0 V to 200 V.  
7. Once desired fields are changed, press On/Off/ Esc  
twice to return to  
the Start screen.  
Time and date  
SoundPro SE/DL uses a 24-hour clock and specifies date by month and year.  
Changing time and date settings  
1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL by pressing On/Off/Esc  
.
If turned on, ensure you are at the start screen by pressing On/Off/esc  
repeatedly until you return to start screen (see Figure 2-10).  
2. Press Up/Down to highlight Setup and then press Enter  
3. In the Setup screen, select Time-Date, then press Enter  
.
.
4. In the Time-Date screen, press  
to select either the Time, Date, Day  
fields. Then do one of the following:  
a. For Time field, press Enter  
repeatedly to highlight either the hour,  
minutes, or seconds. Next, press Up/Down  
to change the value.  
b. For Date field, press Enter  
repeatedly to highlight either day, month,  
to change the value.  
or year. Next, press Up/Down  
c. For Day field, press Enter  
repeatedly to highlight either day, month,  
to change the value.  
or year. Next, press Up/Down  
a. Time  
b. Date  
c. Day  
Figure 3-2: Time and Date Settings  
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26  
Basic setups  
Measurement type (SLM, 1/1, 1/3, STI-PA, RT60)  
NOTE: To move to between the time, day, day fields, press Enter repeatedly  
until one of these fields are highlighted and then press Up/Down arrow to move  
between the fields.  
5. If you’re finished working in the Time-Date screen, press On/Off/Esc  
once to return to the Setup screen and twice to return to the Start screen.  
Measurement type (SLM, 1/1, 1/3, STI-PA, RT60)  
The measurement type is easily selectable at the start screen via a softkey  
button. This is assessable at all times unless you are running a study. To  
change or set the measurement type, ensure the SoundPro is stopped as  
indicated by the stop  
icon. Depending on the options you ordered with  
your SoundPro it may or may not have all the measurement types indicated  
above. NOTE: For STI-PA and RT60, please see Chapter 6, “Additional  
Options”.  
Setting Measurement type  
1. Turn on the SoundPro SE/DL by pressing On/Off/Esc  
.
If turned on and you are not at the start screen, press On/Off/Esc  
repeatedly until the start screen appears (see Figure 3-3).  
2. At the start screen, select the first softkey button repeatedly until the  
appropriate measurement type is selected.  
You may have the following selectable options: Sound level meter (SLM), 1/1  
octave, 1/3 octave, and/or STI-PA (Speech Transmission Index).  
Softkey menu  
Measurement type  
(Sound Level Meter)  
1st softkey  
Repeatedly press to  
move (toggle) through  
measurement types  
Figure 3-3: Measurement type and start screen  
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27 Basic setups  
Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters (i.e. response time, weighting)  
Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters (i.e. response time,  
weighting)  
Setting up Meter 1 and Meter 2 parameter settings are changed through the  
softkeys and the Measure Set screen of the SoundPro.  
Setting up Meter 1 and/or Meter 2 parameters  
1. Ensure you are at the start screen.  
If turned on, press On/Off/Esc  
repeatedly until you return to the  
start screen (see Figure 3-3).  
2. Press Up/Down  
to highlight Setup and then press Enter  
.
3. Select Meter Set by pressing Up/Down  
Enter  
to highlight and then press  
.
4. To set the response time for Meter 1, press the second softkey repeatedly  
until the either Fast (F), Slow (S), or Impulse (I) is selected.  
An underline denotes which feature is selected.  
5. To set the weighting for Meter 1, press the third softkey repeatedly until  
either A, C, Z, of F is underlined (or selected).  
To set Meter 2 response time and weighting, press 4th softkey until  
Meter 2 is selected. Then repeat steps 4 & 5.  
6. To change the Meter parameters, press Up/Down  
to select one of  
the Meter Set fields.  
7. To change any of the values, press Enter  
Continue to press Enter until the specified setting is selected. Press  
the Left arrow to return to the Meter Set fields.  
to move to the data fields.  
Parameters  
Press Enter  
repeatedly to  
toggle through the  
selections  
Meter Set fields  
Press up/down  
arrows to move  
between the  
parameters  
2ND softkey– Response time  
3RD softkey– Weighting  
4th softkey– Meter 1/Meter 2  
Figure 3-4: Meter 1 and Meter 2 parameters  
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28 Basic setups  
Measurement setup (for community noise)  
NOTE: For quick and easy access, there are three optional screens to change  
the timed response and the weighting. These are in the following SoundPro  
screens: Measures Set screen, View Current Study screen, and View Session  
study screen.  
Measurement setup (for community noise)  
The measure screen is used to select community noise settings for meter 1  
only. Table 3-2 below explains the settings and options.  
Setting up community noise measurements (refer to figure 3-5 below)  
1. Ensure you are at the start screen.  
If turned on, repeatedly press On/Off/Esc  
until you return to the  
start screen (see Figure 3-3).  
2. Press Up/Down  
to highlight Setup and then press Enter  
.
3. Select Measures from the Setup screen by pressing Up/Down  
to  
highlight and then press Enter  
.
4. In the Measures screen, press Up/Down  
to select one of the  
measurements. To select second column, first press Up/Down arrows then  
press Right arrow.  
Measurements  
2
1
Data fields  
L1-L4  
LDN, CNEL  
Lc-a, TAKTMX  
Edit column 1 or column 2  
fields by pressing enter  
repeatedly to toggle through  
selections.  
Figure 3-5: Measures screen for community noise settings  
5. To make changes to the data fields, do one of the following:  
L1-L4 - Press Enter  
repeatedly press Enter  
to move to the data field. In the data field,  
to change your selection.  
Press  
arrows to change percentage.  
LDN - Press Enter  
to move to data field and continue to press  
Enter  
to toggle between On/Off setting.  
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29 Basic setups  
Measurement setup (for community noise)  
CNEL – Press Enter  
to select data field. Press Enter  
repeatedly to toggle between On/Off setting.  
L
– Press Enter to select data field. If marked “N/A,” see “C-  
c-a  
A measurement settings.”  
TAKTMX ~ Press Enter  
one or more times to select 3 sec., 5  
sec., or Off.  
6. To change other measurement settings, repeat steps 4-5.  
7. When finished, press On/Off/Esc to exit the screen.  
The following table explains your selections in the Measures screen  
(Please see Appendix B, Glossary of Terms for more details.)  
Measurements Explanation  
L1-L4  
(Exceedance)  
L1-L4 are types of exceedance levels. This is defined as the  
level exceeded by the measured noise level for an identified  
fraction of time. Exceedance levels may be calculated for  
many time fractions (or percentages).  
Optional Settings: Set to “Off” or to a percentage value of  
your choice (1-99%).  
LDN  
Representing the Day/Night sound level, this measurement is  
24-hour average sound level where 10 dB is added to all of the  
readings that occur between 10pm to 7am. (Please see  
glossary of terms for more details).  
Optional Settings: Set to “Off” or “On”.  
CNEL  
Lc-a  
Community Noise Exposure Level. The accumulated exposure  
to sound measured in 24-hour sampling interval and artificially  
boosted during certain hours.  
Optional Settings: Set to “Off” or “On”.  
This measurement (also commonly called C-A measurement) is  
only available under certain conditions. Information about  
viewing and changing these meter settings is discussed under  
the next section, “C-A measurement settings”. Optional  
Settings: Set to “On” and “Off”. See C-A section below for  
parameter settings.  
TAKTMX  
A time average over a sampling that uses the highest level  
occurring during the preceding Taktmaximal interval (either  
three or five seconds), and assumes it was present for the  
whole Taktmx interval.  
Optional Settings: Set to “Off”, “3sec”, or “5sec”  
Table 3-2: Measures screen explained  
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30 Basic setups  
Measurement setup (for community noise)  
C-A measurement settings  
The C-A measurement is determined from concurrent measurements of the  
SPL by both meters. It can only be made if certain settings for Meter 1 and  
Meter 2 are compatible. If any incompatibility exists, the Lc-a selection in this  
screen will be marked N/A (Not Available).  
If you want to activate Lc-a, have the following settings in place before you  
visit the Measures screen.  
Thresholds - Both meters set to “Off” or the same value.  
Exchange rates- Both meters set to the same value.  
Time response - Both meters set to the same value.  
Frequency weightings- Meter 1 must be set to A-weighting; Meter 2  
must be set to C-weighting.  
Figure 3-6 is an example of the appropriate C-A settings for Meter 1 (left  
side) and Meter 2 (right side). (Please see “Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters” on  
page 27 for setup details.)  
A-weighting  
Slow response  
Meter 1  
Slow response C-weighting Meter 2  
Press softkey to  
toggle between  
Meter 1/Meter 2  
Figure 3-6: C-A measurement settings for Meter 1 and Meter 2  
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31  
Logging  
Logging options  
Logging  
Logging options  
If the logging option was  
purchased, you will have the  
following four types of  
measurement options:  
Figure 3-7: Logged Data Chart example  
Average (AVG on the display), Peak, Maximum (MAX on the display),  
Minimum (MIN on the display).  
NOTE: When logging is enabled and you are viewing these  
measurements on the SoundPro display, these are labeled as: L_avg (or  
L_eq if the exchange rate is set to 3 dB), L_Pk, L_Mx and L_Mn,  
respectively (See Chapter 5, “Preparing to measure and running”.)  
Exceedance level  
Up to two different exceedance level percentages, ranging from 1-99, can be  
set in the Meter 1 Logging screen when the logging interval is set to 1  
minute.  
NOTE: if the logging interval field is not set to 1 minute, “N/A” (not  
available) will appear in the data field.  
Filters  
The filter option is either a “On” or “Off” setting in Meter 1 and is only  
available if the instrument contains a filter option. NOTE: The filter option  
must be set to “on” to data log filtered data.  
Logging interval  
The logging interval is the length of time between logging events.  
NOTE: The inverse of the logging interval is the logging rate.  
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32  
Logging  
Setting logging options  
Setting logging options  
To set logging only options (Average, Peak, Maximum, Minimum)  
Enabling or disabling logging options  
1. Ensure you are at the start screen.  
If turned on, repeatedly press On/Off/Esc  
start screen (see Figure 3-3 above).  
until you return to the  
until the start screen  
To turn on, press and hold On/Off/Esc  
appears.  
2. Press Up/Down  
to highlight Setup and then press Enter  
.
3. Select Logging by pressing Up/Down  
to highlight and then press  
Enter  
.
4. To change the Logging options for Meter 1 do the following:  
a. Press Up/Down  
to highlight either AVG, PEAK, MAX, MIN.  
b. Once the measurement is selected, press Enter  
button to  
toggle between “On” or “Off”. Press right/left arrow to move back  
to logging field.  
NOTE: If you are setting Meter 2 options, ensure you are on Meter 2 by  
pressing the Meter 1/Meter 2 softkey, and then repeat step 4a-b.  
Exceedance options  
Set % by using the up/down  
arrows.  
Logging options  
On/Off setting  
L1  
L5  
AVG (average)  
Peak  
MAX (maximum)  
MIN (minimum)  
Filters  
On/Off setting  
Logging Interval  
Logging rate which can  
be set at various  
minutes and second  
values  
Softkey: Meter 1/Meter 2  
Figure 3-8: Logging screen explained  
5. To change the Exceedance Levels on Meter 1, press Up/Down  
select either L1 or L2  
to  
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33  
Setting up display options  
Setting logging options  
6. Press Enter  
to move to the data field. If it is Off and you want to set a  
repeatedly until a percentage appears. To  
disable, repeatedly press Enter until “Off” appears.  
percentage, press Enter  
a. To change the percentage, repeatedly press Up/Down  
to  
select a specific percentage.  
b. Press right/left arrow to move back to Exceedance level field.  
7. To change the Filters option, press Up/Down  
to highlight  
Filters” and then press Enter to toggle between “On” or “Off”.  
8. To change the Logging Interval, press Up/Down  
Interval”.  
to select  
a. Press Enter  
change the value, repeatedly press Up/Down  
appropriate minutes or seconds are displayed.  
to move to the data field (i.e., 1 minute). To  
until the  
b. Press right/left arrow to move back to interval field.  
9. To return to the Start screen, repeatedly press On/Off/Esc  
button.  
Setting up display options  
The display’s backlighting, contrast and language characteristics can be  
customized to suit your needs and preferences. These settings are available  
in the Display screen (Figure 3-9).  
Figure 3-9: Display setup screen  
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34  
Setting up display options  
Language  
Language  
You can choose a different language for the displayed text. A change in lan-  
guage takes effect when you exit the Language screen.  
Changing the language  
1. Ensure you are at the start screen.  
If turned on, repeatedly press On/Off/ESC  
until you return to the  
until the start screen  
start screen (see Figure 3-3 above).  
To turn on, press and hold On/Off/ESC  
appears.  
2. Press Up/Down  
to highlight Setup and then press Enter  
.
3. Select Display by pressing Up/Down  
to highlight and then press  
Enter  
.
4. In the Display screen, ensure Language is highlighted (or press up/down  
arrow to select) and press Enter  
.
The Language screen appears. An asterisk (*) precedes the name of  
the currently selected language.  
5. Press Up/Down  
selected) and then press Enter  
6. Press On/Off/ESC twice to return to the start screen. The new  
language will be displayed.  
to select a language (an asterisk will appear if  
.
\setup\display\LANGUAGE  
*ENGLISH  
ITALIANO  
DEUTSCH  
FRANçAIS  
ESPAÑOL  
PORTUGUESE  
Figure 3-10: Language screen  
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35  
Setting up display options  
Backlight  
Backlight  
Typically, the SoundPro is shipped with the  
backlight setting enabled. With a quick press of  
the backlight button from the keypad, you can  
quickly turn on and turn off the backlight.  
Backlight  
The backlight feature has an optional timed  
setting for various second intervals ranging from  
1 second to 60 seconds. Once a timed setting is  
activated and you press the backlight button, the  
backlight will illuminate for the selected interval (i.e., 10 seconds) and then turn  
off.  
NOTE: Backlighting consumes energy at an increased rate. Leaving it on  
while operating with batteries will decrease battery life by up to 10%.  
Setting or viewing Backlight options  
1. From the start screen, press Up/Down  
press Enter  
to highlight Setup and  
to highlight Display and  
.
2. In the Setup screen, press Up/Down  
press Enter  
.
3. In the Display screen, press Up/Down  
to highlight Backlight.  
4. Press Enter  
to move to the data field. Repeatedly press Enter  
to  
toggle between “Manual” and “XX Sec” fields.  
NOTE: if you are not setting the timed backlight, skip step four.  
5. To change the timed backlight, ensure you are on a timed value (i.e., 10  
seconds) and repeatedly press Up/Down  
time. Once set, press the Left arrow.  
to increase or decrease the  
Backlight settings  
Manual – The backlight is turned on  
and turned off by pressing the  
backlight button on the keypad.  
Interval time – repeatedly press  
Up/Down arrow to increase or  
decrease the seconds.  
LANGUAGE  
BACKLIGHT  
CONTRAST  
Figure 3-11: Backlight setting  
6. Press On/Off/ESC  
twice to return to the start screen.  
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36  
Setting up display options  
Contrast  
7. To set the backlight, press the backlight button on the keypad.  
Contrast  
The contrast adjustment affects all pixels in the LCD screen. Choose a level  
that looks best to you.  
NOTE: If the contrast level is set too high, icons and the RunTime clock in  
the Status Region of the display can be ghosted (visible in this display  
although they’re not supposed to show). Reduce setting to avoid ghosting.  
Changing the contrast on the display  
1. From the start screen, press Up/Down  
press Enter  
to highlight Setup and  
to highlight Display and  
.
2. In the Setup screen, press Up/Down  
press Enter  
.
3. Press Up/Down  
to highlight Contrast and then press Enter  
.
4. Repeatedly press the left or right arrow to decrease or increase the  
contrast.  
NOTE: The contrast will change as you change the contrast color with  
the left or right arrows.  
5. To exit the display screen, press the On/Off/Esc  
twice to return to the  
Start screen.  
LANGUAGE  
BACKLIGHT  
Contrast setting  
Press Left arrow or Right  
arrow repeatedly to  
decrease or increase the  
contrast.  
CONTRAST  
Figure 3-12: Contrast setting  
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CHAPTER  
37  
4
Advanced setups  
This chapter covers the SoundPro models SE and DL features listed below,  
all of which provide capabilities beyond the essential ones required for basic  
model setup and basic sound measurement. For information about basic  
SoundPro models SE and DL features and setups, see Chapter 3, “Basic  
setups.” For information about the notation and navigation conventions that  
are used in these explanations, see Chapter 1, “Introduction.”  
Auto-Run - Similar to an “Auto-Start” feature, it will automatically start  
and stop sessions based on time, date, duration settings and level-  
triggered run mode (which is used to control runtimes of studies and  
sessions using internal and external signals.)  
Triggering - Control the runtimes of studies and sessions using internal  
and external signals.  
Security - Prevent certain uses of the instrument by someone who  
doesn’t know the security codes (available for all instruments).  
Logging - Periodically save selected measurements at a preset interval  
during all studies of a session (only for DL models).  
GPS - Obtain position and time information from the global positioning  
satellite system, and store that information with each study that you  
perform (only available if you have a compatible GPS receiver).  
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38  
Auto-Run  
Date setting  
Auto-Run  
SoundPro SE/DL has four automatic run modes which include: Date auto-  
start with duration, Day of the Week auto-start with duration, Timed Run  
(duration only setting), and Level Triggered Runs (or Level auto-start runs).  
Setting up auto-run  
All Auto-Run setups begin in the Auto-Run screen. The Auto-Run screen  
shows the current status of the Auto-Run feature. The following features are  
available: Disabled, Timed Run, DOW (day of week), Date, and Level-  
Triggered settings.  
Date setting  
A Date mode run wakes up the instrument from a powered down condition,  
runs the study, saves it, then powers down again and is only executable  
once. The parameters are selectable by specified dates and times with up to  
four programmable individual setups.  
A plus sign preceding a number (i.e., +1) indicates if one of the four settings  
is enabled (or activated) where as a negative sign (i.e. -4) represents a  
disabled (or deactivated) setting.  
Setting up or changing auto-run with date parameter  
1. From the start screen, press Up/Down  
Enter  
to highlight Setup and press  
.
2. Select Auto-Run by using Up/Down  
to highlight and press Enter  
to select.  
3. In the Auto-Run screen, repeatedly press Enter  
until Date appears.  
Date setting  
View/Set Parameters – when  
selected a new menu appears  
Figure 4-1: Auto-Run with Date selected  
4. To select View/Set Parameters, press the Down arrow to highlight and  
press Enter  
.
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39  
Setting up auto-run  
Date setting  
5. Press one of the four softkeys in the Auto-Run Date screen to assign a  
numbered setting (i.e., “Auto-Run #1).  
NOTE: if setting up for the first time, the Date screen will appear as  
“Auto-Run” “Off”. To turn on Auto-Run # 1, #2, #3, or #4, select the  
appropriate softkey. (For example, Figure 4-3 displays setting up  
softkey #1 parameters. When activated a “+” symbol appears.)  
6. To set Date values, press Enter  
to move to the first field.  
. To move  
To change the fields, press repeatedly Up/Down  
between the day, month, and year fields, press the right/left arrows.  
Auto-Run #1  
Indicates which 1-4  
softkeys is being viewed  
or set  
Day, Month, Year fields  
Time settings  
Add Start time (S) (8:15:00am)  
Add Duration (D)  
(16 hr, 30min, 0 sec.) (or 6:30:00pm)  
Example: Press first  
softkey to activate “Auto-  
run #1” settings  
Figure 4-2: Setting Date parameters for Auto-Run #1  
7. To enter Start (S) Time and Duration (D) Time, it is important to note that  
the settings are formatted as Hours:Minutes:Seconds and based on a  
24-hour clock. In Figure 4-3, the Start time is indicated as “16:30:00”  
which is equivalent to 4:30pm.  
To Set, press Up/Down arrows to increase/decrease values. To  
move between each increment, press Enter  
8. To set additional Auto-Runs, repeatedly press Enter until “Auto-Run” is  
.
highlighted. Then press Enter  
to toggle on the Date and Time  
settings. Then follow steps 5-7.  
9. To exit the screen, press On/Off/Esc  
repeatedly until you return to  
the main screen. Press and hold the On/Off/Esc  
to power off.  
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40  
Setting up auto-run  
Days of week setting  
NOTE: To enable Auto-run, ensure the instrument is powered off and  
the date and time settings were programmed for the future.  
10. When powered off, an Auto-Run shutdown screen will appear. (Please  
see section, “Auto-Run shutdown screen”.)  
Days of week setting  
The Days of the Week (DOW) setting is a pre-programmed weekly auto-run with  
specified days, start time, duration. You can pre-program two auto-on settings  
with Sunday through Saturday parameters, one specific start time, and a  
specified duration for each auto-on setting. (See Figure 4-4 as an example for  
settings.)  
NOTE: In order for the Days of the Week mode to autorun, ensure the  
instrument is in the “off” position. The meter will then automatically switch into  
Auto-Run based on your setup.  
Days of Week (Auto-Run) setting  
To program Auto-On 1, first select  
the days of the week, then specify a  
start time for your test with a  
duration (to end your test).  
Figure 4-3: Example of setting up Auto-Run (QSP-II)  
A study run under the DOW mode wakes up the instrument from a powered  
down condition, runs the study, saves it, then powers the instrument down  
again. The cycle repeats for the next time and day in the setup, and for the  
other Auto-on 2 if that is also activated in the mode.  
Setting the Date of Week (DOW)  
1. From the start screen, press Up/Down  
press Enter  
to highlight Setup and  
.
2. Select Auto-Run by using Up/Down  
to highlight and press Enter  
to select.  
3. In the Auto-Run screen, repeatedly press Enter  
4. Press the Down arrow to select View/Set Parameters and press  
Enter  
until DOW appears.  
.
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41  
Setting up auto-run  
Days of week setting  
5. To set the Days, press Enter  
program a day, press Up/Down  
to move between the fields. To  
to select a day setting. The first  
character of the day will appear when selected.  
The Days field is organized in the following sequence: Sunday (S),  
Monday (M), Tuesday (T), Wednesday (W), Thursday (T), Friday (F),  
Saturday (S).  
For example, Figure 4-5 displays Sunday (S), Tuesday (T), Thursday  
(T), and Saturday (S) selected as pre-programmed run days.  
6. To set Start time (S) and Duration (D) for Auto-Run #1, press Enter  
repeatedly to move to Time line #1. Press Up/Down arrows to change  
the time and duration values. Press Enter  
to toggle through the  
fields or press left/right arrows.  
7. (Skip this step if not setting auto-run #2.) To set auto-run #2, press  
softkey #2 until the screen displays a plus symbol in front of “2”. (This  
denotes it is “activated”.) Then repeat steps 5 – 6.  
8. To exit the screen, press On/Off/Esc  
repeatedly until you return to the  
main screen. Press and hold the On/Off/Esc  
to power off.  
Days field  
Auto-run #2 is  
programmed to run  
Monday –Thursday and  
Saturday  
Start time and duration  
Auto-run #2 is  
programmed to run at  
2:00pm (“S”) for a duration  
(D) of 2 hours  
Start time and duration  
Auto-run #1 is  
programmed to run at  
10:00am (“S”) for a  
duration (D) of 2 hours  
Figure 4-4: Day of the Week (DOW) setup  
9. When powered off, an Auto-run shutdown screen will appear. (Please  
see section, “Auto-Run shutdown screen”.)  
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42  
Setting up auto-run  
Auto-run shutdown screen  
Auto-run shutdown screen  
When either the Date mode or the Date of the Week (DOW) settings is  
enabled and you power down the instrument, you will be alerted by an Auto-  
Run Shutdown screen just before the instrument turns off. This screen,  
illustrated below, appears after the normal power-down countdown and  
remains visible for approximately ten seconds.  
NOTE: The Auto-Run Shutdown screen never appears when Timed  
Run is enabled because that mode requires the instrument to be  
powered on.  
Auto-Run (AR) #1 settings  
Date is displayed on first line  
Start time (ST) and  
Mode  
Either Date/ DOW  
runtime(RT) is displayed on  
second line  
Auto-Run (AR) #2 settings  
Displays the # of  
pre-programmed runs.  
Figure 4-5: Auto-Run Shutdown screen  
Auto-run shutdown screen explained  
The Auto-Run Shutdown screen is a map of your auto-run settings. It  
identifies the mode, the activated setups in that mode (AR) and the order in  
which the setups will occur.  
If Auto-Run is enabled in the Date mode and more than two setups are  
activated, only the first two will be shown because of limited screen space.  
If you power on the instrument after the first auto-run has been saved, view  
the study, and then power off the SoundPro, it will display the next two  
remaining auto-run settings.  
NOTE: If the start time and date for a setup is already past, the run will not  
be identified in this screen.  
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43  
Setting up auto-run  
Timed run setting  
Timed run setting  
In Timed Run mode, you program the instrument’s duration (or timed run)  
and then manually start your study, which can be applied as many times as  
you wish. The auto-run will end when the duration expires.  
Viewing or changing the Timed Run setup  
1. From the start screen, press Up/Down  
press Enter  
to highlight Setup and  
.
2. Select Auto-Run by using Up/Down  
Enter to select.  
to highlight and press  
3. In the Auto-Run screen, repeatedly press Enter  
until Timed-Run  
appears.  
4. To set the duration, press Enter  
to toggle between the Hours,  
Minutes, and Seconds field. To change the time values, press  
Up/Down  
repeatedly until the specified value is selected.  
repeatedly to return to the start screen. When you  
5. Press On/Off/Esc  
are ready to run your study, press Run/Pause  
.
Timed-Run  
Auto-run setting with timed  
run selected  
Duration  
Formatted as  
Hours:Minutes:Seconds  
Figure 4-6: Timed Run setup screen  
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44  
Setting up auto-run  
Level-triggered auto-on setting  
Level-triggered auto-on setting  
The level-triggered screen contains meter 1 parameters which include a  
Filter mode, Frequency level, “Level On” and “Level Off” modes, and a  
specification for either run/stop or run/pause modes.  
Viewing or changing level-triggered mode  
1. From the start screen, press Up/Down  
press Enter  
to highlight Setup and  
.
2. Select Auto-Run by using Up/Down  
Enter to select.  
to highlight and press  
3. In the Auto-Run screen, repeatedly press Enter  
Triggered appears.  
until Level-  
4. Press the Down arrow to select View/Set Parameters and press  
Enter . The Level-Triggered Auto-Run screen will appear.  
See Table 4-1 below for explanation of settings.  
Mode: to enable a  
filter mode, select  
Level On/Off or  
Windowed  
\setup\LVL-TRG-RUN  
A
MODE  
LEVEL ON/OFF  
RUN/PSE  
Action: Run/Pause  
or Run/Stop  
B
ACTION  
TRIGGER  
RUN  
PAUSE  
Source/Level:  
Select one of the 5  
features and then  
set an appropriate  
Level.  
C
D
SOURCE  
LEVEL  
METER 1 METER 2  
90.0  
OFF  
Figure 4-7: Level-Triggered screen  
Explanation of Settings  
Level-  
Triggered  
A. Mode  
The mode, or Filtered Mode, can be set to Level On/Off and Windowed  
settings.  
In Level On/Off mode, the unit starts a run when the source level  
exceeds the specified criteria and stops/pauses when level falls below the  
off criteria. The on criteria is met and either pause or stop a run when the  
off criteria is met.  
In Windowed mode, the unit starts a run when the selected criteria falls  
outside the defined window. This is intended primarily for curves but can  
also be used with broadband or individual filter measurements.  
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45  
Setting up auto-run  
Level-triggered auto-on setting  
Level-  
Explanation of Settings  
Triggered  
B. Action  
C. Source  
After selecting specific filter mode settings, the instrument is set to trigger  
based on Run/Pause mode or Run/Stop mode.  
The source can be set to Meter 1, Meter 2, filters, curve, external trigger,  
timed run trigger mode, and a delay. which are explained below:  
Broadband: When selecting Meter 1 or Meter 2 for the triggering source,  
you then specify a specific value in the “level” field such as 85dB.  
Filters: Octave band filters are selectable as a triggering source such as:  
12.5Hz, 16Hz, 20Hz through 20KHz. Note: this is only available if they  
have purchased the 1/1 or 1/3 features. To select a filter, select a an  
octave band value (.i.e. 10KHz) in the source field. Then, select a Level  
value (i.e., 90dB).  
Delay: When selecting Delay with a specified time value, it will trigger the  
auto-run after the timed-delay surpasses. (This is similar to setting a delay  
on a camera.) To select “Delay”, select the Source as “Delay” and for  
Level select a specific time value (the range is from 00:01 seconds to  
59:00 minutes).  
Curve: If the curves feature has been purchased, you have the option of  
selecting one of the 4 captured curves to trigger a run. To select a  
captured curve, set the Source as “Curve” and then change the “Level”  
field to one of the following: CAP-1, CAP-2, CAP-3, or CAP-4.  
EXT: External Trigger feature is triggered by the digital input on the curve  
indicator. To select external trigger, select “EXT” as the source field, and  
select “LO” for the level field.  
TIMED: When selected as the RUN trigger, it will cause a delay of  
specified direction between the timed RUN button is pressed and the time  
the RUN actually starts. When selected as the PAUSE/STOP trigger, it  
sets a run length. To select under the Source and Pause fields, chose  
Timed. Next, select a timed value (or duration) in the Level field. (This is  
formatted as hours:minutes:seconds.)  
D. Level  
The level field corresponds with your selection from the Source field and is  
explained under “C. Source”.  
Table 4-1: Level Triggered Auto-On settings explained  
5. To select the Mode, press Enter  
either Level On/Off or Windowed.  
repeatedly until you are viewing  
6. To move to the next field, press the Down arrow.  
7. To set the Action, press Enter  
repeatedly until you are viewing  
either Run/Pause or Run/Stop.  
8. To move to the next field press the Down arrow.  
9. To change the Source, press the right arrow. To select one of the five  
Sources (as explained above in Table 4-1), press Enter  
repeatedly  
until you are viewing the appropriate feature.  
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46  
Locking setup or run mode  
Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)  
10. To activate Triggered Run on the Meter 2, press the right arrow and  
select one of the five sources by pressing Enter  
repeatedly until you  
are viewing the appropriate feature. (If you are only setting Meter 1,  
please skip this step.)  
11. To move to the next field press the Down arrow.  
12. To select a Level, press the Right arrow. Press Enter  
repeatedly  
until you are viewing the appropriate setting.  
13. Press On/Off/Esc  
repeatedly to return to the start screen. When you  
are ready to run your study, press Run/Pause  
.
Locking setup or run mode  
The locking or security feature is designed to lock the SoundPro during a run to  
ensure the study will not be stopped unless the lock feature is disabled.  
Likewise, this feature includes a locked (or secure) setup mode which will stop a  
user from editing a programmed setup. Once setup and enabled, the secure run  
or secure setup are unlocked, by pressing the Lock softkey and entering in the  
code.  
NOTE: Security settings survive a shutdown.  
Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)  
Run Security and Setup Security are both enabled and disabled in the Lock  
screen. For Secure Run, you can be in pause or stop mode when locking.  
For Secure Setup, you must be in stop mode to set and enable this feature.  
About Secure Run  
When you enable Run Mode Security and start a run, the Secure Run Mode  
screen appears (Figure 4-10). This will prevent users from viewing the  
measurements, changing parameters, and/or stopping the run. To stop the  
secured run, you will have to press the Lock softkey and enter in the code. Then,  
you would be able to stop the run by pressing the Stop key.  
NOTE: With Run Mode security enabled, the Secure Run Mode screen  
always appears regardless whether the study was started manually, by Auto-  
Run or by Triggered studies.  
About Secure Setup  
Setup Mode security blocks access to setup screens while in stop mode.  
(NOTE: When in run mode, the SoundPro automatically blocks the user from  
changing settings to ensure the settings remain the same throughout the  
session.) Once enabled and the user selects setup, the Secure Setup mode  
prompt will appear and it prevents someone from changing settings until  
unlocked.  
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47  
Locking setup or run mode  
Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)  
Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)  
1. From the start screen, press the Lock softkey.  
Lock:  
Press 4th softkey to  
select “Lock” screen  
Figure 4-8: Secure/Lock option  
2. In the Lock screen, there are two selectable fields:  
Secure Run Mode with a status line  
Secure Setup Mode with a status line.  
Each Status Line is used to specify either a “disabled” state or an  
enabled state when a code is entered to assign an unlock code.  
Setting Lock feature:  
Enable or Disable “Secure Run Mode”  
Enable or Disable “Secure Setup Mode”  
Figure 4-9: Secure/Lock screen  
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48  
Locking setup or run mode  
Setting secure run or secure setup (locking)  
3. (Skip this step if securing setup and see step 4.) To set Secure Run  
Mode, press Enter  
and “0000” will appear.  
NOTE: if you want to set the code as “0000,” press Enter  
repeatedly until “enabled” appears. This will be the unlock code.  
Selected value is shaded  
Enter code by pressing up/down  
arrows to change value  
Press enter to move to each field  
Figure 4-10: Adding code for secure/lock screen  
To select a numeric code, press Up/Down arrows to select a  
number, press Enter  
to toggle between the fields.  
Press Enter to Enable.  
Press On/Off/Esc key to return to the Start screen. When you are  
ready to run a session, press the Run/Pause key and the Secure  
Run Mode prompt will appear. (See “Disabling secure run or secure  
setup” below for details on stopping the run.)  
To unlock/unsecure  
Press lock softkey and  
then enter in code.  
Figure 4-11: Secure/lock run prompt  
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49  
Locking setup or run mode  
Disabling secure run or secure setup (unlocking)  
4. To set Secure Setup Mode, ensure it is highlighted by pressing Down  
arrow. Once selected, press Enter and “0000” will appear. (See Figure  
4-10 for a screen example.) (Also, you must be in stop mode.)  
To select a numeric code, press Up/Down arrows to select a  
number, press Enter  
to toggle between the fields.  
Press On/Off/Esc  
repeatedly until the Start screen appears.  
This will Enable the Secure Setup (or locking setup).  
To unlock/unsecure  
Press lock softkey and  
then enter in code.  
Figure 4-12: Secure/lock setup prompt  
Disabling secure run or secure setup (unlocking)  
You can disable Setup Mode security only when the session is stopped.  
From Secure Run or Secure Setup screen  
1. Both screens will have a Lock softkey (see Figures 4-11 or 4-12).  
2. Press the Lock softkey and the code will appear (see Figure 4-10 for  
example).  
3. Enter in the code (using Up/Down arrows to change value and Enter to  
move to next field).  
4. Press Enter to exit the code field. Disabled will appear indicating the  
lock feature is turned-off.  
Secure code backup number  
If you forget your own security code, you can enter “9157” in the template to  
disable Secure Run Mode or Setup Mode Security.  
From the Start screen  
1. In the Start screen, press the Lock softkey. The Lock screen appears.  
2. Follow Steps 2-4 above, “Setting secure run or secure setup”, page 47.  
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50  
Digital outputs/Triggering  
Tracking runs  
Digital outputs/Triggering  
All digital output signals (also referred to as “Triggering”) appear on pins of  
the Auxiliary Port (“Auxiliary port” on page 7). Manage these digital outputs in  
the Ext-Trigger screen.  
Tracking runs  
The instrument can be configured to use a digital output to signal the start or  
end of a run.  
Enabling or Disabling run/pause digital outputs/triggers  
1. From the start screen, press Up/Down  
press Enter  
to highlight Setup and  
.
2. Select Digital-Out by using Up/Down  
to highlight and press  
Enter  
to select.  
3. Press  
4. Press  
to select Output 1.  
to enable (Run/Pse) or disable (Off) run tracking.  
5. If you enabled and want to reverse the trigger logic, continue below.  
Otherwise, skip to step 9.  
6. Press  
to select Logic 123, then press  
to enter the first data  
field. The second data field is for Output 1.  
7. Press  
to select the second data field, then press  
to toggle the  
logic state. The displayed logic state is for a running study.  
8. Press to exit the Logic 123 data field.  
9. If finished, press  
to exit the screen.  
OUTPUT 1  
Select Run/Pause to enable  
Figure 4-13: Digital-Out screen  
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51  
Communications  
Digital outputs and SPL  
Digital outputs and SPL  
The instrument can also be configured to use a digital output to signal if the  
current SPL measurements exceeds a specified level.  
Managing SPL digital outputs (See Figure 4-13 above)  
1. Open the Digital-Out screen, by selecting Setup from the start screen.  
(Press  
arrows to select Setup and press  
.
2. Press  
to select Output 2 or Output 3, then press  
to move the  
cursor to the data field at the right. You have two options for each output.  
OFF - Disables SPL tracking for that output.  
dB level - Enables and shows the current setpoint for that output.  
3. Press  
to toggle between these options. If you select “Off,” press  
to exit the data field, then skip to the last step of this procedure. If you  
enable the trigger, continue below.  
4. Press  
5. Press  
if you wish, to change the setpoint.  
to exit the data field.  
6. If satisfied with the trigger logic, skip to the last step of this procedure. To  
toggle the logic setting, continue below.  
7. Press  
to select Logic 123, then press  
to enter the first data  
field. The third and fourth data fields are for Output 1 and Output 2,  
respectively.  
8. Press  
to select the appropriate data field.  
9. Press  
to toggle the logic state. The displayed logic state is for SPL  
that equals or exceeds the setpoint.  
10. Press  
to exit the Logic 123 data fields.  
11. If finished working in the Ext-Trigger screen, press  
to exit the screen.  
Communications  
The SoundPro has both USB and RS-232 communication channels. The  
majority of users should only require USB communications, which is vastly  
faster than the RS-232 channel which is intended for low speed modems  
GPS applications, and/or log-to-port applications but may be used to  
communicate to a PC as well. The optional 053-729 Serial Cable is required  
for RS-232 communications.  
The SoundPro has two USB communications modes “QSP/Serial and “Mass  
Storage.  
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52  
Communications  
QSP/Serial  
QSP/Serial  
(Figure 4-14). For QSP-II communications, USB should be set to  
“QSP/Serial”. The RS-232 channel should be turned off for low power  
consumption.  
Figure 4-14: QSP/Serial  
Mass Storage  
When the USB channel is set for Mass Storage mode the user will have direct  
access to the instruments SD card through programs such as “Windows file  
manager”. Much the same way a small pocket USB flash drive operates. When  
obtaining data from the SoundPro via Mass Storage, it is important to remember  
that the data obtained is in Native SoundPro SES format (It cannot be read with  
Excel, Word, etc.) A SoundPro SES to XML conversion utility is available.  
NOTE: When using Mass storage, the user must use the Windows “Safely Remove  
Hardware” feature to un-mount the SoundPro from the PC in the same manner a  
user must remove a flash drive. This “Windows” feature is usually found in the lower  
right-hand side of the windows systems tray.  
Figure 4-15: Mass Storage  
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53  
Communications  
Viewing real-time measurements remotely  
USB communications  
1. If a session is running, stop it.  
2. In the Start screen, press  
screen appears.  
to select Setup, then press  
. The Setup  
3. In the Setup screen, press the arrow keys to select Comm Set, then press  
and the Comm-Set screen appears.  
4. USB should be Highlighted. Press  
“Mass Storage”.  
to toggle between “QSP/Serial” and  
5. If the RS-232 channel is not set to “Off/Lo-Pwr”, press the left arrow to  
highlight RS-232 and repeatedly press until Off/Lo-Pwr is displayed.  
6. Press to exit the screen.  
7. Connect the small end of the USB cable to the USB port (“Hardware  
interfaces” on page 6).  
8. Connect the large end of the USB cable to a standard-sized USB connector  
on the computer.  
Viewing real-time measurements remotely  
On the SoundPro, the “Log to Port” feature, provides the functionality to stream  
logged data out the serial port at the log rate to an external device (such as a pc).  
With this feature, you are able to view logged measurements for broadband as  
well as filter band average measurements (depending on the model you  
ordered). It will not report Lmax, Lmin, or Lpk for each filter band.  
Turning on log to port  
1. In the Comm Set screen (selectable via the Set-up screen), select RS-232  
field (by pressing the down arrow).  
2. Press  
repeatedly to turn on LOG PRN.  
LOG to Port  
Press Enter key repeatedly  
to activate  
Figure 4-16: Log to Port  
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54  
Communications  
GPS  
GPS  
The SoundPro has the capability of embedding GPS information into study  
headers. To interface a GPS, you need a GPS receiver with RS-232  
communications that conform to NMEA 0183 version 2 and the optional 053-  
729 Serial Cable. In many cases, a Male-Male DB-9 null modem connector  
will be required as well.  
The SoundPro will keep a GPS fix for up to 1 minute before declaring it  
invalid at which time “No Fix” will appear if you are in the “COMM-SET”  
menu. In other screens where a RUN may be initiated, “GPS +” or “GPS-” is  
momentarily flashed in the Right Soft key indicating either a valid fix “GPS +”  
or an invalid or timed out fix “GPS-”.  
NOTE: GPS time can be viewed in the Comm Set screen but is not used in  
the instrument or added to session files. Time and date stamping in session  
files uses information that is manually entered (“Time and date” on page 25)  
or downloaded from QSP II (“Information screen” on page 8).  
GPS display  
You can view GPS data in the Comm-Set screen. The position coordinates  
are stored in each study, when GPS is enabled and can be viewed with DMS  
(see page 9 for details.)  
GPS selected  
“NO Fix” indicates GPS is not  
connected or not reading from  
GPS satellite  
Figure 4-17: Comm-Set screen for GPS data  
GPS explained  
The top two screen selections, Interface and Baud Rate, specify the GPS setup,  
which is explained under “Enabling GPS communications,” below. The rest of the  
information in the screen appears when GPS communications is enabled and  
data is being received from a GPS satellite.  
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55  
Communications  
GPS  
Status line - This data field at the right on this line tells you whether GPS is  
enabled or not. You may see “No Fix” below this line, which tells you that,  
although enabled, the instrument is not receiving the satellite signal.  
Position line - When the satellite signal is being received, there will be two  
data fields on this line that give the instrument’s latitude (N or S) and  
longitude (E or W) position in degrees and minutes.  
Other line - When the satellite signal is being received, there will be two  
data fields on this line that give the instrument’s altitude and time, in that  
order. The altitude is given in meters above mean sea level. The time is  
given for Greenwich, England (GMT) and differs in hours from your time by  
the number of time zones between your location and Greenwich.  
Enabling GPS communications  
1. If a session is running, stop it.  
2. Connect the RS-232 cable to the GPS receiver and to the auxiliary  
port of the SoundPro SE/DL instrument (“Auxiliary port” on page 7).  
3. Referring to the user manual for the GPS receiver, prepare the device  
to receive satellite signals.  
4. In the SoundPro SE/DL Setup screen, press the arrow keys to  
select Comm-Set, then press  
and the Comm-Set screen  
appears.  
Viewing GPS coordinates  
Figure 4-18: Viewing GPS coordinates in COMM-Set screen  
5. Press the down arrow to highlight “RS-232”.  
6. Repeatedly press  
until “GPS” is displayed. The Baud rate should be kept  
at 4800 unless otherwise specified by your GPS manufacturer.  
NOTES: If you are not using RS-232 communications in any way, you  
should keep the RS-232 channel set to the Off/Lo-Pwr setting.  
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56  
Communications  
GPS  
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57  
Virtual meters  
Meter 1/Meter 2 explained  
5
Preparing to measure & running  
This chapter explains the steps needed to prepare the SoundPro for  
measuring and how to run measurements. It will also show you sample  
measurement result screens and explain the contents of the screens.  
Virtual meters  
SoundPro SE/DL operates with two parallel measurement systems called  
meters. Each meter obtains the same input from the microphone, processes the  
information through the same SoundPro SE/DL circuits and displays the  
measurement results in the same screens. The differences lie in the parameters  
used by each meter to process the signals. You can get different measurement  
results by setting the parameters for each meter differently.  
Meter 1/Meter 2 explained  
Meter 1 and Meter 2 enables you to setup and monitor two instruments in  
one (also referred to as a “virtual instrument”). “Meter 1” is the primary  
meter. “Meter 2” is the secondary meter. If a filter option is installed in the  
instrument, the filtered measurements are associated with “Meter 1” only.  
Setting Meter 1/Meter 2 Parameters are explained in Chapter 3. (See Figure  
3-4 for a screen example.)  
Measurement notation (IEC/ISO)  
Many of the instrument’s measurements are labeled in accordance with nota-  
tion standardized jointly by the International Electrotechnical Commission  
(IEC) and the International Standards Organization (ISO). This notation iden-  
tifies the measurement and the meter’s frequency and time response settings  
when the measurement was obtained. Table 5-1 provides a couple  
measurement examples. For additional information about measurements  
and measurement parameters, see Appendix B, “Glossary.”  
Notation  
LCS  
Explanations  
SPL measured with C-weighting and slow response.  
Average SPL with C-weighting and slow response.  
Peak SPL with A-weighting  
LCSav  
LAPk  
LCSMx  
Maximum SPL with C-weighting and slow response.  
LCSMn  
Minimum SPL with C-weighting and slow response.  
Table 5-1: Measurement notations  
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58  
Overview of running a session/study  
Meter 1/Meter 2 explained  
Overview of running a session/study  
The list below is a brief overview of the steps for running a study.  
Quick Help List  
1. Turn the SoundPro on and check your battery power. (See Chapter 1).  
2. Format the card or delete session files from the SoundPro.  
o
Formatting the card will clear out all of data before your study begins.  
Choosing to select specific session files and delete will also clean up  
the instrument’s sessions. (See Chapter 7).  
3. Adjust your settings to fit the specifications of your sound study. (See  
Chapter 4 and Chapter 6)  
4. Set the measurement range (Chapter 5)  
5. Calibrate the SoundPro (Chapter 5)  
6. Position the SoundPro in the field and connect appropriate external  
devices if applicable.  
7. Press the Run/Pause key to start the session. (Chapter 5)  
8. To Pause the session (if needed) press the Run/Pause key. (Chapter 5)  
9. When you are ready to end your session/study, press the Stop key.  
NOTE: You must be in pause mode to stop a session/study. (Chapter 5)  
10. Review your measurement results on the SoundPro display (Chapter 5).  
Or view results in QSP-II, see Communicating in Chapter 8.  
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59  
Preparing to measure  
Sessions and Studies  
Preparing to measure  
Sessions and Studies  
Before you begin running a session/study, there are a couple items to consider:  
Understanding sessions and studies  
Adjusting the measurement range before running a study  
Calibrating the instrument  
The following components explain how the data is stored on the instrument.  
Storing Data  
Session  
Explanations  
A session is comprised of one or more studies and uses data  
derived or accumulated from those studies to arrive at session  
results. The measurements in a session are the same ones  
made in each study in the session. For example, the maximum  
SPL determined for each study in a session is compared to the  
maximums for each other study in the session to determine the  
maximum SPL for the entire session. Likewise, an average or an  
accumulation for a study is continued using data from  
subsequent studies in the session to arrive at the corresponding  
average or accumulation for the entire session.  
Studies  
Studies are periods in a session during which measurements  
are acquired, processed and saved by the instrument. The  
duration of each study period is called the study’s run time.  
You will be running a sound test in a machine shop. Your main  
objective is to determine the noise in three different work areas  
of the plant which include two different machinist areas and a  
welding area. You set the SoundPro to run and pause three  
times at one-hour intervals. When the tests are completed, you  
upload the data into QSP-II. The tests will store as one  
Session” under “Downloaded” node and each one-hour test is  
denoted as a “Study”.  
Session and  
Study Scenario  
Table 5-2: Sessions and studies explained  
CAUTION: The memory card should not be inserted or removed during a study—  
you can lose data.  
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Preparing to measure  
Measurement range  
Measurement range  
You select the decibel range before running the first study in the session.  
Setting the measurement range helps keep the desired measurements within  
the linear range of operation. If you don’t make an optimal range selection,  
low levels of sound can be hidden in the instrument noise (below the noise  
floor of the instrument), and high levels of sound can be distorted (the  
instrument is “overloaded”). Measurements at these extremes are invalid. For  
information about these and other terms that may be unfamiliar to you, see  
the glossary in this manual (Appendix B, “Glossary”).  
Measurement range selection  
1. From Start screen, select either View Current Study or View Session.  
The bar chart screen appears. To select, press arrows and then  
press  
.
-
NOTE: The bar chart screen may appear with a different measurement  
displayed and a different range. This is dependent on the settings you  
may have selected. (For more information, please see “Measurement  
Type”, on page 26)  
2. (Depending on if you selected basic SLM or applied 1/1 or 1/3 octave  
band filters) a bar chart screen or a filtered bar chart screen will appear,  
press  
. This changes the range, and the change is confirmed in  
the screen in two ways.  
Ranges - A different range may appear each time you press an arrow key.  
The instrument provides eight selectable ranges, each with different minimum  
and maximum values. (For more information about ranges, please see  
“Ranges” in the Specifications in Appendix A, on page 123).  
SPL value Depending on if you have the instrument set to measure basic  
sound level measurements (see “A” below) or filtered sound level  
measurements (see “B” below), the following two types of screens may  
appear. The level increases or decreases in relation to the range selection  
Range  
Range  
Figure 5-1: Bar chart screen (A) and Filtered Bar Chart (B)  
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61  
Calibrate  
Calibration screen  
Calibrate  
3M recommends calibrating your Verifier before you run a STI-PA  
measurement and after to ensure highly accurate measurement results.  
The microphone should be calibrated before use for a number of reasons.  
First, the microphone is sensitive to humidity and pressure changes.  
Calibrating before taking measurements assures that your level  
measurements are accurate for the current environment. Performing a  
calibration verification (post-cal) allows you to verify that conditions have not  
significantly affected your readings.  
Calibrating also serves the dual purpose of checking the microphone for  
significant damage, such as a torn or contaminated diaphragm.  
You can calibrate the instrument in the field with reference to the output of a  
calibrated sound source. 3M offers a line of acoustic calibrators that are  
available (such as the QC10/20).  
Calibration screen  
The Calibration screen contains a calibration option, called Calibrate, and a  
Calibration History. The history shows Pre-Calibration (Pre-Cal) and Post-  
Calibration (Post-Cal) results for previous calibrations, as applicable. For  
each calibration type, the resulting SPL level is shown along with the time  
and the date of the calibration.  
Pre-Calibration  
The main reason to calibrate is to adjust the current microphone reading to  
match a reference input, usually provided by a calibrator.  
A Pre-Calibration is conducted when the session is stopped. When you  
calibrate during a stopped session, the new calibration results replace the  
previous Pre-Calibration results and the Post-Calibration results are  
removed. You will always see the last Pre- Calibration results.  
Post-Calibration  
A post-cal is really a calibration verification; that is, it does not change the  
instrument’s calibration. It compares the microphone's current level with the  
value read from the last calibration (assuming that the same source is used).  
A Post-Calibration is a calibration done during a session pause. When you  
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Calibrate  
Performing a calibration  
calibrate during a pause, the new calibration results replace the previous Post-  
Calibration results without affecting the Pre-Calibration results. You will not  
see Post-Calibration results if a pre- calibration was performed but not  
followed by a Post-Calibration.  
Performing a calibration  
Before beginning your calibration, ensure the calibrator has sufficient battery  
power to perform the calibration. Also, you will want to insert the “cal adapter”  
into the mouth of the calibrator.  
If the SoundPro has a windscreen, please remove.  
Calibrating  
1. Ensure the SoundPro is turned On and is either stopped or paused.  
2. Attach the calibrator and cal adapter to the SoundPro. Set the calibrator to 1  
KHz and 114 dB (if it is a selectable).  
Microphone  
Place calibrator  
over microphone  
Cal Adapter  
Insert into cavity of  
QC10/QC20  
QC10/QC20  
Select 1kHz and 114 dB  
Figure 5-2: Attaching calibrator to SoundPro  
3. From the Start screen, press the Cal softkey and the Cal screen will open.  
4. Select Calibrate by pressing  
Arrows (if not selected) and press Enter  
to open the Pre-Cal screen.  
5. Switch On the Calibrator.  
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Calibrate  
Performing a calibration  
Measurement value  
displayed graphically  
Measurement  
value  
Press up/down softkey to  
increase/decrease cal value  
Figure 5-3: Setting pre-cal screen  
6. Allow the measurement to stabilize and then press  
dB level.  
Arrows to set 114.0  
7. Press Enter  
to store the new calibration. The Calibration History screen will  
appear with the new calibration values in the display.  
Pre-Cal  
Displays pre-  
calibration  
information  
Figure 5-4: Calibration history screen  
8. Press On/Off/Esc key to exit the Cal screen.  
9. For a Post Calibration, ensure the SoundPro is in “Pause” mode. (Essentially,  
run a measurement and press the run/pause key.) The Pause indicator will  
appear at the top of the display.) Then repeat the Calibration steps above and  
press Enter to store the Post Calibration information. A sample screen is  
displayed below with post calibration history.  
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Running a session/study  
Performing a calibration  
Pause indicator  
Post-Cal  
Displays post-  
calibration  
information  
Figure 5-5: Post-Calibrate history screen  
Running a session/study  
You run a “session”, commonly called opening a session, by running (or  
starting) the first measurement. To run a “study”, you would press pause and  
then proceed in the run mode. This would save the measurement as a  
“study”. Studies will be saved as you continue to run and pause your  
measurements. Once stopped, this will save as one session.  
Running a session/study  
1. From the Start screen, select either View Session or select View  
Current Study.  
2. To select, press  
arrows and then press  
.
3. Press to begin measuring. A session is currently open for the  
instrument when either the Run icon or the Pause icon appears in the  
Status Area at the top of the screen.  
RunTime  
Run icon  
Battery icon  
Lookup softkey  
Figure 5-6: Bar Chart screen in run mode  
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Measurement navigation  
Using softkeys in measurement screens  
NOTE: The Lookup softkey is used to change the measurement options.  
There are five selections which include: SPL, Leq, Lpk, Lmax, Lmin.(See  
“Changing displayed measurement” for more information, on page 66.)  
Measurement navigation  
You can navigate through the measurement screens by repeatedly  
pressing  
. The first screen you encounter when viewing a measurement  
screen is a bar chart or filtered bar chart screen. The subsequent screens  
that appear depend upon the measurement setup, the meter selection and  
the type of analysis. There are four possible screen types:  
Measurement  
screens  
Explanations  
Depending on if you selected SLM, 1/1 octave, or 1/3 octave,  
one of these screens will appear.  
Bar Chart or  
Filtered Bar  
Chart  
Available for Meter 1 only. If your instrument contains a filter  
option and is set to an octave or third-octave analysis type, the  
screen that appears next in order after the Bar Chart is a  
Tabular screen. There may be one or more additional Tabular  
screens depending upon the analysis type that’s in effect.  
Tabular screen  
Dosimetry  
screen  
Available for both meters, all viewing areas and all instrument  
types.  
Available only for Meter 1 and all instrument types, but not for  
studies. This screen will not appear when viewing the current  
study.  
Community  
screen  
Available for both meters, but only for broadband studies.  
Time Log  
screen  
Table 5-3: Measurement screens explained  
NOTE: If you’re not running a study when you enter a viewing area, only the SPL  
measurement is being measured and is available for viewing. The values for any  
other measurement in the Selection Panel discussed under, “Changing displayed  
measurement”, are replaced by dashed lines.  
Using softkeys in measurement screens  
The softkeys function in relation to the contents  
of the Softkey Region of the display. To use the  
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Measurement navigation  
Using softkeys in measurement screens  
softkeys, the menus are visible in Softkey Region (i.e., “Cal” for Calibration menu). If  
necessary, press the Alternate Functions key (  
Softkey Region.  
) to toggle the contents of the  
Changing displayed measurement  
You can change the displayed measurement in any viewing area at any time. There  
are five measurement options available: SPL (L_), average SPL (L_av or L_eq  
depending upon the exchange rate setting for the selected meter), peak SPL (L_Pk),  
maximum SPL (L_Mx) and minimum SPL (L_Mn). The labels comply with IEC/ISO  
notation (“IEC/ISO notation” on page 57), where the underline character represents  
the time response and frequency weighting settings for the selected meter.  
Changing displayed measurement  
1. If necessary, press  
labels.  
(Alternate Functions key) to show the softkey  
2. Press the  
softkey to display the Selection Panel. The available  
measurements are arranged in a column, with the selected measurement  
marked.  
Selection Panel  
This appears when lookup softkey is  
pressed.  
The diamond symbol uindicates  
which measurement is selected.  
(L_eq). Press Enter key to confirm  
new selection.  
Lookup softkey  
Figure 5-7: Selecting measurements with Lookup softkey  
3. Press  
4. With your selection marked, press  
change effective.  
to make a different selection.  
or press  
to make the  
NOTE: When viewing during broadband analysis, you can use the left/ right arrow  
keys to change measurements.  
Analysis type, time response and weighting  
If your instrument has a filtering option, you can change the analysis type. To  
change the analysis type, time response, and/or weighting, you must be in the  
View Current Studies screen or in the View Session screen. Also, the current  
session must be stopped (or “closed”). For more details on changing these  
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Measurement screen icons  
Descriptor types  
options, please see “Measurement type” on page 26 and “Meter 1/Meter 2  
parameters” on page 27.)  
Measurement screen icons  
The measurement screen descriptors and icons identify certain conditions that exist  
currently in the display. Press  
(Alternate Functions key) to toggle the contents of  
the Softkey Region until you see the Viewing Descriptors. When the Viewing  
Descriptors are displayed, an Alternate Functions icon appears below the battery  
icon.  
The Broadband chart figure below displays an example of these icons and  
descriptors.  
Alternate  
functions icon  
Stop icon  
Viewing  
descriptors  
Figure 5-8: Example measurement icons & descriptors  
Descriptor types  
Viewing  
Explanations  
Descriptors  
Session identification. This field tells you the name of the  
session that you’re viewing, either the current one or the one  
you loaded before entering the viewing area  
Study identification. This field, which appears only when you’re  
viewing a study, identifies the sequential number of the study in  
the session (01-99).  
SS  
SY  
M
Measurement label. This field identifies the displayed  
measurement in IEC/ISO notation.  
Table 5-4: Measurement icons and screen descriptors explained  
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Measurement screens  
Bar Chart and Filtered Bar Chart  
Measurement screens  
Bar Chart and Filtered Bar Chart  
The first screen you’ll see in a viewing area contains a bar chart for broadband or  
filtered measurements.  
For the bar chart screen, the amplitude of the displayed measurement is shown  
both graphically by the length of the bar and numerically below the bar. The bar  
appears (and usually fluctuates) if the measured value is above the minimum  
value for the selected measurement range.  
For the filtered bar chart screen, the dominant characteristic of this screen is  
the multi-element bar chart. The chart shows measurements in each filter band  
and broadband values for both meters. That means that for octave analysis the  
screen contains 13 bars (11 for filters and 2 for broadband), and for third-octave  
analysis the screen contains 35 bars (33 for filters and 2 for broadband). A bars  
appears (and usually fluctuate) if the measured value for the bar is above the  
minimum value for the selected measurement range.  
Bar Chart View  
Shows SPL average value of Meter 1.  
Will display only if SLM is selected as  
the measurement mode.  
Softkeys (menus options)  
Amplitude in the band  
Broadband Bar Chart view  
Shows SPL average amplitude  
(or value) of Meter 1  
Will display only if octave  
band is enabled  
Selected band  
Broadband amplitude  
Softkeys (menus options)  
Figure 5-9: Bar Chart screen and Filtered Bar Chart screen  
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Measurement screens  
Community Noise screen  
Making changes to the Bar Chart or Filtered Bar Chart screen  
1. The Range - The scale, shown above the chart, is fixed and cannot be changed  
in the run or pause mode (or if you are viewing past studies). If the session is in  
stop mode (or closed), press  
to change the range.  
2. Softkeys- If the session is in run, pause or stop mode you can change the  
following: Measurement displayed (via the lookup softkey) or Meter 1/Meter 2  
screen. If the session is stopped (or closed), then you can also change the  
response time and weighting.  
Community Noise screen  
This screen shows the results of measurements commonly associated with  
community noise studies. Results are only available in this screen for those  
measurements that are activated for the current session on meter 1.  
The screen components are explained in detail in the “Measurement setup  
for Community Noise” on pages 28-29.  
Community Noise View  
Only appears on Meter 1 when  
you are not viewing the current  
study and when the community  
noise parameters are activated.  
Exceedance levels  
L1 = 99% dB  
L10 = 85.1% dB  
L50 = 82.9% dB  
Taxtmaximal  
Value is 90 dB at 3 sec.  
intervals  
Figure 5-10: Community Noise screen  
NOTE: Community noise measures are determined only for sessions, not for  
studies, so you will not see this screen when viewing current studies.  
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Measurement screens  
Dosimetry screen  
Dosimetry screen  
The Dosimetry screen provides several types of measurements of the accumu-  
lated personal exposure to noise. See “Setting logging options” on page 32 for  
details.  
Dosimetry View  
Shows accumulated personal  
exposure to noise.  
These measurements are affected  
by the settings in the “Meter Set”  
screen.  
Figure 5-11: Dosimetry screen  
Dosimetry measurements  
Dosimetry measurements depend upon the run time—the longer the run time the  
greater the accumulated dose. Accordingly, dose measurements will either  
remain the same or grow during a study or session. They are determined from  
broadband data regardless of the selected analysis type.  
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Measurement screens  
Tabulation screens  
Tabulation screens  
The Tabulation screen shows measurements for two broadband  
measurements and for all the bands for the selected analysis type. For  
octave analysis, all bands are visible in a single tabulation screen. When  
viewing third-octave analysis, however, it takes three screens to display the  
tabulated measurements for all bands. Press to  
cycle through them.  
Tabulation view  
Shows the average SPL on Meter 1  
only.  
Only available if a filter option and  
1/1 or 1/3 octave band is enabled  
on your meter.  
Figure 5-12: Tabulation screen for octave filtering  
1/1 and 1/3 octave analysis measurement results  
Measurements and meters - All tabulated values in this screen are for  
the displayed measurement and the selected meter.  
Broadband measurements - The first measurement in the screen is a  
broadband measurement for the selected meter. Following that  
measurement, is the number of the selected meter (Meter 1 in this  
example).  
Filtered measurements - After the broadband measurement, all other  
measurements given in the display are for Meter 1 in each of the  
frequency bands according to the type of analysis performed. For each  
band, the center frequency of the band is given and the measurement in  
that band is given at the right of the band’s identification.  
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Time History/Back-erase screen  
Tabulation screens  
Time History/Back-erase screen  
When conducting a broadband study, you can view as much as the last 20  
seconds of Max SPL in this screen. The current Max appears at the right  
border of the Time Log chart (time=0) and advances, in one-second  
increments, toward the left border of the chart. The data leaving the chart at  
the left border is always a measurement that occurred 20 seconds ago.  
Figure 5-13: Back-erasing  
Back-erasing  
You can remove undesirable data at the end of a study with a process called  
back-erasing. Back-erasing is available only under these conditions.  
Analysis type - Back-erasing is unavailable for filtered studies.  
Viewing areas - You must be in either the View Current Studies or  
View Session viewing area. Back-erasing is not available in View Past  
Studies.  
Restricted to the pause -You can back-erase only during the pause that  
follows a study. Back-erasing is not available for past studies in the  
session.  
Not all studies - Because back-erasing requires a manual intervention, it  
is unavailable for triggered or Auto-Run studies.  
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Back-erasing  
Results of back-erasing  
Results of back-erasing  
Back erasing causes the following changes to the study and to the session in  
which the study occurs.  
Run times - The run time of the back-erased study is shortened by  
the duration of the removed segment. The run time of the session is  
also reduced by the same amount.  
Measurements - All measurements that use data that was removed  
by back-erasing are corrected, as appropriate. For example, if the  
maximum SPL had occurred in that erased segment, the instrument  
re-evaluates the remaining data in the study to find a different  
maximum value.  
Meters - Back-erasing applies on the same basis to both meters.  
Storage - The session file is corrected to reflect the new run times  
and other changes that resulted from the back-erasing.  
Back erased raw data - The raw data that you removed by back-  
erasing is saved in the session’s file. You can post-edit back-erased  
data with DMS software.  
How to back-erase  
1. While running a study, view the Time Log screen in either the View  
Current Study or the View Session viewing area.  
2. If you see data that you would like to remove from the study, press the  
pause key to pause the study.  
3. Press the left arrow to move the back-erase Time Line from right to left.  
With reference to the Time Log figure below, the Time Line starts at the  
Zero Marker and can be moved all the way across the screen to the 20-  
second Marker. All of these characteristics help you identify the segment  
to be back- erased.  
Zero Marker - Identifies the end of the back-erased segment. This is  
always the end of the study.  
Time Line - Identifies the beginning of the back-erased segment.  
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Back-erasing  
Results of back-erasing  
Duration - The length, in time, of the segment to be back-erased is  
given in the Softkey Region of the display.  
Figure 5-14: Time Log screen  
4. You can adjust the Time Line by pressing  
.
5. When you have the Time Line in position, press  
. The Time Line  
disappears and the softkey labels appear in the Softkey Region of the  
display.  
6. To cancel this screen, press  
to begin the process again. The Time  
Line will reappear and you can select a different segment to back-erase.  
NOTE: At anytime you can leave the time log screen, and return another  
time to edit the back-erase segment provided that you have not started  
another study.  
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Back-erasing  
Stopping a session  
Stopping a session  
You can stop the session manually or with a trigger command, but only when  
the instrument is in the Pause state. When the session is stopped, the Stop  
icon  
appears in the Status Area and the RunTime clock is zeroed. For  
information about using triggers, see “Digital Outputs/Triggers” on page 50.  
Stopping a session is sometimes referred to as “closing the session.”  
Conversely, a session is often described as “open” when the instrument is  
either in a run or pause state.  
Stopping and pausing  
A manual session stop is a little different from a study pause. To pause a  
study, , you simply press the Run/Pause key and the command is immediately  
executed. To stop a session, , however, you need to press and hold the Stop  
key.  
If you don’t press and hold the stop key for the 3-second countdown period, the  
stop command is ignored and the session remains open. If you hold throughout  
the countdown, the following events occur in proper sequence.  
Stop icon  
Stop key  
Run/Pause key  
Figure 5-15: Stopping and pausing  
Stopped - The session is stopped.  
Transferred - The session data in memory is transferred to the memory  
card.  
Cleared - The instrument’s memory is cleared of session data.  
Zeroed - The RunTime clock is cleared to zero.  
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Back-erasing  
Stopping a session  
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CHAPTER  
77  
Additional options  
Reverberation  
6
RT60, Curves, and STI-PA  
Additional options  
In this chapter, it is important to note that these features are additional add-on  
options and may not be available on your SoundPro model unless you  
specifically purchased these features.  
Please see 3M’s website 3m.com/detection for more information:  
Reverberation  
STI-PA  
Curves  
Reverberation  
Reverberation is the distribution of sound in an enclosed space after the sound is  
removed or decayed. How is reverberation, or reverb, created in enclosed spaces? A  
sound is generated in an enclosed structure with a combination of the direct sound  
source (which travels from the sound source to listener by the shortest path without  
interfering with room surfaces) and the reflected indirect sound source. The total  
sound source echoes and decays as the sound is absorbed by the materials in the  
room (i.e., walls, carpet, furniture, concrete, etc...) and air. This is noticeable when the  
sound source stops but the reflections continue, decreasing in amplitude, until they  
can no longer be heard.  
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Additional options  
Reverberation time (RT60)  
Reverberation time (RT60)  
Reverberation time is a measurement used to evaluate and measure sound decay in  
a specific space, tailored to speech or music, such as: classrooms, auditoriums,  
gymnasiums, concert halls/theatres, (etc..). For room acoustic, results are used to  
ensure quality sound is evenly dispersed throughout a specific room with limited  
echoes/refractions. For music or performance auditoriums (i.e., symphonies), higher  
reverb. time is preferred so the ending results are more robust.  
The Reverberation Time over each octave band can be analyzed using a decay  
curve. Each octave band shows the time of sound at the start and after the activation  
of the noise system using either interrupted or impulse sound methods.  
The example below displays the Reverberation Time in an enclosed room. How it is  
measured with the impulse method: (1) A starter gun provides a broad impulsive  
spectrum noise at 110 dB. The instrument automatically begins plotting the sound  
decay (see dB level 1) and stops as the noise falls off (see dB level 2). Hence, the  
rate of decay is calculated from decay curve (or regression line) which will give you the  
rate of decay in the room. The RT60 measurement is calculated with the Txx time  
(i.e., T20) factored in and extrapolated to a 60 dB drop.  
dB level 1  
Decay Curve  
Drop of sound pressure  
from Maximum to its  
ambient background level.  
dB level2  
Figure 6-1: Reverb Time  
Reverberation (RT60) methods  
The two methods supported by the SoundPro are the Interrupted noise method  
and the Impulse noise method. While the initial sound source used is different,  
the ending decay curve results are very similar providing accurate RT60  
measurements.  
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79  
Additional options  
Reverberation (RT60) methods  
Interrupted noise  
The Interrupted noise method, applied with pink noise, is used with a portable  
sound system, such as a dodecahedral speaker, or with an existing sound system  
(only recommended if the sound system has a quality, omni-directional, sound  
system.) With the interrupted noise method, the sound source emits a high-level  
source and falls-off, returning to its original ambient background level. The Reverb  
Time is measured between T1 and T2 indicators with an ending RT60 time value.  
NOTE: T1 is calculated from two reference points on the regression line to  
ensure an accurate sound level capture  
T1  
T2  
Background  
noise level  
Figure 6-2: Interrupted noise example  
Impulse noise  
The Impulse noise method requires a broad-spectrum impulsive noise source, such  
as a starter pistol, in a room to be tested. Typically, the RT60 decay start will begin  
at a high-level source and decays, reporting a Reverberberation Time.  
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80  
Additional options  
Reverberation options  
Reverberation options  
The following setup options are selectable via the Reverberation Time  
Options Setup menu (displayed in Figure 6-3).  
Field Description  
Explanation of field selections  
Method -  
Interrupted – (This is the default method setting.)  
Selecting the  
calculation process  
of RT60 reverb  
time.  
Interrupted method uses a constant sound source (i.e., dodecahedral  
speaker), waiting for the level to stabilize, and then the source is turned  
off. (The method uses random noise or pink noise to test reverb. time.)  
Impulse Impulse method is when the user tests the room with a  
broad spectrum impulsive noise, such as a starter pistol or a balloon  
popping.  
Averaging –  
Measurement – The RT60 result times for each filter band of the 1/1  
Octave or 1/3 Octave modes are averaged across the studies to arrive at  
a session average RT60 for that frequency band.  
Selecting how it will  
calculate Average  
for Reverb-time  
Ensemble - The decay curves for each filter band of the 1/1 Octave or  
1/3 Octave modes are averaged across the studies to arrive at an  
average session decay curve for that frequency band that is then used to  
calculate the session RT60 for that band. This results in either eight or  
twenty-four session ensembles, one for each frequency band in 1/1  
Octave or 1/3 Octave modes, respectively.  
Threshold -  
Auto - (This is the default threshold setting.) The instrument will  
automatically chose the level and calculate RT60. When in run mode, it  
sets the threshold relative to the noise level in the room. It provides a  
trigger level which is customized to each band.  
Specifies the dB  
level for triggering  
the start or run of  
the instrument. The  
interpretation of this 40 dB – 140 dB (in 1dB increments). The threshold decibel is user-  
field is dependent  
on the  
measurement  
method.  
selectable between 40 dB to 140 dB in one decibel increments.  
For Interrupted Noise method, level below this threshold will trigger  
the start of a measurement.  
For Impulse method, levels above this threshold will trigger the start  
of a measurement.  
Measure -  
The expected  
decay value  
Auto - (This is the default Measure setting.) The instrument will  
automatically pick the best Txx value based on the expected decay (i.e.,  
T20).  
T60 (T10 – T60) – (The default setting is Auto.) The selected “Txx”  
value is the actual amount of drop/decay the instrument measured. The  
selectable ranges are T10-T60.  
Filters -  
1/1 or 1/3 bands  
Measurements are plotted and stored in 1/1 or 1/3 octave band chart  
and decay chart. This field is only selectable if both 1/1 and 1/3 octave  
filter bands are installed features. Otherwise, the instrument will apply  
the installed filter.  
Table 6-1: Reverberation time set-up options  
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81  
Additional options  
Setting up reverberation  
Setting up reverberation  
The Reverb Time screen is used to change or view your reverberation settings.  
The steps below outline how to change the parameters. Please review Table 6-1:  
“Reverb time set-up options” for an explanation of parameters.  
1. From the start screen, select Setup (by using  
Arrows) & press  
.
2. Select Options menu (by using  
3. Select Reverb Time (by using  
Arrows) and press  
Arrows) and press  
.
.
4. In the Reverb Time screen to change the settings, follow below:  
To change the Method field, press  
to switch between  
Interrupted” or “Impulse” (when Method is selected).  
To change the Averaging field, press  
to switch between  
Measurement” or “Ensemble” (when Averaging is selected).  
To change the Threshold, press  
. Press  
to toggle between  
Auto” or a “dB” level value. To change the dB level, press  
Arrows to a specific decibel level is selected (i.e., 80 dB) (when  
Threshold is selected).  
To change the Measure field, press  
an “RT” value is selected (when Measure is selected). To change,  
press Arrows to a specific decibel level is selected (i.e., 80  
to toggle between “Auto” or  
dB) (when Threshold is selected).  
To change the Filters field, press  
“1/3” (when Filters is selected).  
to switch between “1/1” or  
Reverb Time options  
a. Method field  
a
b
b. Averaging field  
c. Threshold field  
c
d
e
d. Measure field  
e. Filters field  
Figure 6-3: Reverb Time Setup screen  
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82  
Additional options  
Running reverberation test  
Running reverberation test  
There are a couple factors to consider when conducting a reverberation test.  
Depending on if you will be measuring voice in a room, hall, theatre (etc..), ISO  
3382 standard recommends measuring reverberation time for speech from 63 HZ  
to 4 kHz. However for rooms with other intentions (i.e., music/acoustical  
concerts), one-third octave bands from 100 Hz to 5 kHz can be used/applied. ISO  
3382 also recommends a minimum number of recorded studies in order to obtain  
a reliable reverb measurement session. This is done for two reasons: (1)  
because the test signal is random noise, there will be a bit of run-to-run variance.  
By taking a number of measurements from the same location and averaging them  
together, you get a more reliable estimate of the actual measurement (2)  
Because the acoustics in a room may vary, it is suggested to do spatial averaging  
- taking measurements from multiple locations in the room and average them  
together to get an average measurement for the room.  
Once the setup options are selected, please follow the procedures below to run  
and view RT60 measurements.  
Reverberation (RT60) Test  
1. Select setup parameters via the Reverb Time screen (see “Setting up  
Reverberation” above).  
2. (Skip this step if threshold is set to “Auto”.) View the ambient noise in the room  
(the LZMAXvalue) and note the value. (NOTE: To ensure a decay curve, at least  
45 dB above background noise level is recommended.)  
To view the ambient sound in the room do one of the following:  
(A) From the Start screen, select SLM as the measurement type and  
select View Current Study.  
Verify that the range setting is appropriate for the level being  
measured. It is desirable to select the longest range that will not  
overload. Press Up/Down Arrows to change range. (For more  
details, please see “Measurement range”, page 60.)  
Press Run/Pause key and notate the average level. (NOTE:  
you may need to press the Look-up  
softkey and select  
Leq to view the average ambient sound level. For more  
information please refer to, “Changing displayed  
measurements”.) When completed, press Run/Pause key and  
then press Stop key to end the session.  
(B) Follow “A” above but select 1/1 or 1/3 as the measurement type.  
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Additional options  
Reverberation results  
3. Select RT60 as the measurement mode from the Start screen.  
Measurement type  
Select RT60 for  
Reverb testing  
Figure 6-4: Reverb Time Setup screen  
4. , Please choose one of the following methods to conduct your test:  
Interrupted Method: Pump noise through room with existing sound  
system or a portable sound system. Allow level to stabilize. Then press  
Run  
.
Impulse Method: Press Run  
. Impulse the room with a broad  
spectrum impulsive noise (i.e., starter gun).  
5. Depending on your Setup options, the Reverb Time will automatically  
trigger and record the results.  
NOTE: You may want to repeat this process a few times to ensure the  
readings are accurate. Once the RT60 is captured, a pause indicator will  
appear at the top of the screen. To run another study, press the run key  
again and follow step 4. Or if you do not want to combine all of the  
run/pauses into a session, press Stop and then Proceed with the Run key  
and follow step 4.  
Reverberation results  
There are three viewable screen reverberation results which include the RT60  
Summary chart, Decay Curve screen, and the Tabular Summary screen.  
When the SoundPro is in pause mode, you can view the charts and graphs by  
toggling through the screens via the Enter key. If you will be running multiple  
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Additional options  
Reverberation results  
studies, you may want to review the data at the end of the session. In this  
example, you would access the File\Session\Data File screen and select a  
past study. (For more information, see “Viewing past sessions/studies” in  
Chapter 7.)  
RT60 summary screen  
This is a vertical bar chart that will plot the T60 values taken from each octave  
band or 1/3 octave band.  
Viewing RT60 values of each band  
1. The decay value for each specific band is viewable by pressing the  
left/right arrow keys.  
NOTE: Bands with invalid T60 values will show dashes (---) instead of a  
value.  
RT60 bar chart  
Overall RT60 value of  
selected band.  
Selected band  
T60(20)  
Filter band results  
Displays the RT60 filter  
band frequency values  
States that T60  
measurement was  
extrapolated from a  
T
20 measure.  
Decay (To view decay  
results, press softkey)  
Figure 6-5: RT60 bar chart screen  
Deleting RT60 value in a filtered band  
This optional feature allows you to delete a selected filtered band from the  
session average and is available when in review mode of “view current study”  
screens. (This may be used, if for example, you had someone accidentally  
walk in during your test and begin speaking. You could delete the bands  
which interfered with your test from the RT60 average results.)  
1. To delete a filtered band, select either the RT60 Summary screen or the  
Decay curve screen.  
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Additional options  
Reverberation results  
2. Select the band to be deleted (by pressing left or right arrows.)  
3. Press the Delete softkey. (Repeat steps if you wish to delete more  
bands.)  
Decay curve screen  
This chart displays the (average or ensemble) results of a single Reverb  
Decay curve from the study (i.e., one filter band)/or the average of all studies  
within that session. (For more information, refer to “Sessions and Studies” in  
Chapter 5).  
Viewing decay value of each band  
1. The decay value for each specific band is viewable by pressing the  
left/right arrow keys.  
Overall decay time  
Sound pressure level  
Decay curve  
RT60 (To view RT60  
results, press softkey)  
Figure 6-6: Decay curve screen  
NOTE: To delete a curve, please see “Deleting RT60 value in a filtered  
band” above.  
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Additional options  
Reverberation results  
Tabular RT60 screen  
This is a table-formatted screen which details a summary of the Reverb Decay  
Curve of each band. The following table is a brief summary of the tabular data.  
Column  
Freq  
Explanation of data  
The Frequency column displays the chosen filter bands (for 1/1 Octave the  
range is 63Hz – 8KHz and for 1/3 Octave the range is 50Hz – 10KHz).  
T60  
T60 column displays the results of the decay curve in seconds.  
R2  
R2 column displays the reverberation time measurements. The values  
represent a “goodness to fit” ranging between 0 to 1 values, where 0 = failed  
and 1 = perfect.  
Txx column displays the actual measurements of the RT60s’ values.  
Txx  
Table 6-2: Tabular RT60 field explanation  
Summary of the Reverb  
Decay curve results for each  
octave band.  
NOTE: The Txx value may show  
different ranges when “Auto” is  
selected for the trigger mode.  
Figure 6-7: Tabular octave filtering RT screen  
NOTE: if “---”dashes appear, this indicates the measurement values are  
invalid.  
Viewing Tabulation RT60 screen  
1. To view all of the octave band filters, press the Up/Down Arrow keys to  
page through the filters’ data results.  
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Curves  
Captured curve applications  
Curves  
Curves, also referred to as “Acoustic Spectral Curves”, is used to evaluate  
the quality of noise in new or existing buildings. The SoundPro models SE  
and DL support the following:  
Captured curves  
Noise Criterion curves: NC curves, PNC curves, NCB curves, NR  
curves, RC curves,  
Audiometric Booth Background Curves: ANSI 53.1, OSHA, and ISO  
AM Booth  
Captured curves  
Captured Curves, is a user-defined criterion curve, which allows the user to  
make a measurement with a 1/1 octave band frequency or a 1/3 octave band  
frequency distribution and save or capture the spectral curve. This snapshot  
can be displayed in DMS as a baseline or reference curve. A new  
measurement is then made and superimposed over the captured baseline  
curve to illustrate octave band frequency deviations from the original  
distribution, creating a user-defined criterion curve. This may be kept just as  
a reference, or it may be used as an evaluation for product or process  
comparisons, job task risk assessments, environmental investigations, and  
other applications.  
Captured curve applications  
Application 1 - Baseline: Applying a captured curve as a baseline or reference  
curve for noise abatement investigation.  
The operator captures the original noise and then makes various changes to the  
machine and/or enclosure and looks to see how much of a difference the change  
made.  
Application 2- Quality Control: Using a captured curve as a Quality Control (QC)  
evaluation. The instrument has been pre-loaded with a sound curve that represents  
the allowable levels for some product.  
Once the product comes off the assembly line, it runs and the measurements are  
compared to the allowable levels. If levels exceed the curve, it is sent back for  
rework.  
Application 3: Process monitoring: A set of machinery is monitored to watch for  
changes in the operating sound.  
If the measured sound exceeds the sound curve, it is an indication to the operator  
that “something bad” is happening (i.e., over exposure) and he needs to shut  
things down and call maintenance before more damage occurs.  
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Captured curves  
Setting up captured curves  
Setting up captured curves  
Setting up Captured Curves Settings and measurement settings  
1. From the start screen, select either 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave for the  
measurement type. (Repeatedly press first softkey.)  
Selecting Measurement type  
Press first softkey until 1/1 or 1/3  
is selected  
Figure 6-8: Selecting measurement type for curves  
2. Next, select the measurement type, by selecting View Session (use  
Up/Down Arrow to select) and press Enter  
. Select the appropriate  
meter 1 settings (using the softkeys) and set the response time, weighting,  
and measurement type. (See Figure 3-4, page 27 for an example).  
NOTE: It is recommended to set Meter 1 to Slow response, Z-weighting, and  
measurement to Leq.  
3. Press On/Off/Esc  
to return to the start screen.  
4. Select Setup (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter  
.
5. Select Options menu (use up/down arrows to highlight)and press Enter  
6. Select Curves menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter  
.
.
7. For the Mode, press Enter  
repeatedly to select either Survey or  
Evaluation setting. (Please see explanation below).  
Survey Mode: dynamically evaluates the noise and reports the  
appropriate noise curve. Typically used if you wish to take multiple curve  
samples to evaluate and re-evaluate noise in a room/zone.  
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Captured curves  
Setting up captured curves  
Evaluation Mode: evaluates the noise levels against specific criterion.  
This is primarily used when you are capturing one to four different  
curves. With this option, you assign a Capture name (Cap-1, Cap-2,  
Cap-3, Cap-4) in the setup menu and then run a captured curve study.  
To assign a new captured curve name, you return to the Options menu,  
select a name and then return back to view session mode and run your  
study.  
NOTE: Whether you choose Survey or Evaluation mode, the captured  
curved results will report the same data. The survey mode is  
recommended for Captured Curves since it is slightly easier to use in the  
field.  
8. Depending on your selection in step 4, refer to the following:  
If Survey Mode was selected, please see step 6.  
If Evaluation mode was selected, press Up/Down  
to highlight  
Criterion. Repeatedly press Enter  
to select Cap-1, Cap-2, Cap-3,  
Cap-4.  
9. Press On/Off/Esc  
twice to return to the start screen.  
Curves screen  
Mode  
Press Enter repeatedly to  
toggle between Survey and  
Evaluation modes.  
Type  
“Captured (CAP)”  
automatically appears when  
you select Survey as the type.  
Figure 6-9: Captured Curves and Survey mode  
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Captured curves  
Running captured curves  
Running captured curves  
Capturing a curve allows you to take a snapshot of the current octave noise  
profile. Once the captured curve is selected and applied, the SoundPro will  
automatically calculate the captured curve results with the STI-PA  
measurement.  
1. From the Start screen, select either 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave for the  
measurement type. (Repeatedly press first softkey.)  
Selecting Measurement type  
Press first softkey until 1/1 or  
1/3 is selected  
Figure 6-10: Selecting 1/1 or 1/3 for measurement type  
2. To run a captured curve study, press Up/Down  
highlight) View Session and press Enter  
to select (or  
.
3. In the View session screen, select the appropriate meter 1 settings by  
using the corresponding softkeys for response time, weighting and  
measurement type (lookup key).  
4. Press Run  
to start your study. Depending on if you chose survey  
mode (see “a” below) or evaluation mode (see “b” below) in the setup  
screen, do one of the following:  
a. Survey mode: when you are ready to capture a curve, press Altf key  
(on keypad) and the softkey menu will expand. Repeatedly press first  
softkey to assign a capture curve name (You have four options: Cap-  
1, Cap-2, Cap-3, or Cap-4). Then, to Capture, press the second  
softkey.  
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Criterion curve families  
Types of Criterion Curves  
CAP-1  
Press first  
Curve indicator  
softkey to assign  
a captured curve  
name (i.e., CAP-  
1, CAP-2, CAP-  
3, or CAP-4)  
Capture  
Press Capture  
softkey to  
Capture a curve.  
Figure 6-11: Capturing a curve (CAP-1)  
b. Evaluation mode: to capture a curve, the curve indicators will appear  
before and during your run. It will automatically save the run with  
curve indicators and assign the name you applied during the Options  
setup. To capture additional curves, assign a new name via the  
Options menu and then run another test. (See “Setting up Captured  
Curves” for details)  
5. To view your results, repeatedly press Enter  
(See section, “Running a  
curve study and viewing results”, page 96.)  
Criterion curve families  
Criterion curves is another option to display and record a selection of spectral  
curves for use in room and building acoustic measurements and noise  
control engineering. The objective of a criterion curve is to specify the  
ambient noise in a room or environment with a single number or statement,  
rather than individually specifying multiple octave or third-octave band limits  
(as you do with captured curves).  
Types of Criterion Curves  
The SoundPro Models SE/DL support a family of criterion curve families  
which are explained below. (For more information, please see glossary.)  
Noise Criterion Curves (NC) – uses a tangency method and is typically  
used for HVAC room or building acoustic comparisons.  
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92  
Criterion curve families  
Setting up criterion curves  
Preferred Noise Criterion Curves (PNC) – uses a tangency method but  
accounts for lower frequencies compared with the NC method.  
Room Criterion Curves (RC) –calculates a numerical rating based on  
speech interference and indicates any interference such as hissing,  
rumbling, or vibration. (This method was introduced to determine noise in  
offices/room acoustics.)  
Balanced Noise Criterion Curves (NCB) –are one of the newer  
methods that indicate interference from rumble, rattle, and hiss.  
Noise Rating Curves (NR) – used primarily in Europe, Australia, and  
other country’s room and building acoustic measurements, HVAC  
studies, machine noise evaluations, and for some community noise  
enforcement applications.  
Setting up criterion curves  
Setting up criterion curves is similar to setting up captured curve parameters.  
However, with criterion curves, you select a specific curve type and then it is  
applied during your study (or test).  
Setting up criterion curves and appropriate measurement type  
1. From the start screen, select either 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave for the  
measurement type. (Repeatedly press first softkey.)  
Selecting Measurement type  
Press first softkey until 1/1 or  
1/3 is selected  
Figure 6-12: Selecting measurement type for curves  
2. Next, select the measurement type, by selecting View Session (use Up/Down  
Arrow to select) and press Enter  
. Select the appropriate meter 1 settings  
(using the softkeys) and set the response time, weighting, and measurement  
type. (See Figure 3-4, page 27for an example).  
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93  
Criterion curve families  
Setting up criterion curves  
3. Press On/Off/Esc  
to return to the start screen.  
4. Select Setup (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter  
.
5. Select Options menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter  
6. Select Curves menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter  
.
.
Curves screen  
Evaluation mode  
Figure 6-13: Curves setup screen example  
7. For the Mode, press Enter  
repeatedly to select either Survey or  
Evaluation setting. (Please see explanation below).  
Survey Mode: dynamically evaluates the noise and reports the  
appropriate noise curve. Typically used if you wish to take multiple curve  
samples to evaluate and re-evaluate noise in a room/zone.  
Evaluation Mode: evaluates the noise levels against specific criterion.  
NOTE: Whether you choose Survey or Evaluation mode, the criterion  
curved results will report the same data.  
8. Select a type by pressing Up/Down  
to move to the Type field.  
9. Repeatedly press Enter to toggle between the five-criterion curve options.  
NOTE: Depending on the Criterion curve you select, you may or may not  
have the option to set the Criterion field. If the Criterion field appears once  
you select the type, adjust this field by using the Up/Down arrows to move to  
the field and press enter repeatedly to change the criterion.  
10. Press On/Off/Esc  
twice to return to the start screen.  
To run your Curve study, please see section, Running and viewing a  
curve study.  
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94  
Audiometric background curves  
Setting up audiometric background curves  
Audiometric background curves  
The SoundPro SE/DL series supports the following two types of audiometric  
test room sound level curves:  
Audiometric Test Room Background Sound Level Curves (OSHA)  
which compares the ambient noise readings to the maximum  
permissible ambient noise levels (MPANLs) at 500 Hz, 1K, 4K, 8K as  
specified by the OSHA Hearing Conservation Amendment (1983).  
Audiometric Test Room Background Sound Level Curves (ANSI)  
which compares the ambient noise to selectable criterions specified  
in ANSI S3.1-1999 and allows for a variety of audiometric earphones  
using 1/1 and 1/3 octave band analysis.  
Setting up audiometric background curves  
For set-up parameters, it is recommended to set Meter 1 to Slow Response,  
Z-Weighting, and measurement to Leq before you run your study.  
Additionally, the measurement type should be set to 1/1 octave for OSHA  
audiometric testing and should be set to 1/1 or 1/3 octave for ANSI  
audiometric testing. The steps below detail the procedures.  
Setting up audiometric background curves and measurement parameters  
1. From the start screen, select either 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave for the  
measurement type. (Repeatedly press first softkey.)  
Selecting measurement type  
Press first softkey until 1/1 or  
1/3 is selected  
Figure 6-14: 1/1 or 1/3 octave measurement type for audiometric testing  
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Audiometric background curves  
Setting up audiometric background curves  
2. Next, select the measurement settings, by selecting View Session (use  
Up/Down Arrow to select) and press Enter  
.
3. Select the following recommended meter 1 settings using the softkeys  
using the softkeys: measurement to Leq, Slow response, and Z-  
weighting.  
Setting measurement to Leq: Press the 1st softkey to access the  
“Lookup” menu. Using up/down arrows on the keypad, select “L_eq”. A  
diamond character u indicates the “selected” measurement.  
Setting timed response: Repeatedly press 2nd softkey to select  
appropriate setting (recommended is “S” for slow response.) An underline  
denotes the “selected” response.  
Setting Weighting: Repeatedly press 3rd softkey to select appropriate  
setting (recommended is “Z” for Z-weighting).  
Lookup menu  
Timed Response  
Weighting  
Figure 6-15: Selecting measurement type for curves  
4. Press On/Off/Esc  
to return to the start screen.  
5. Select Setup (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter  
.
6. Select Options menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter  
7. Select Curves menu (use up/down arrows to highlight) and press Enter  
.
.
8. For the Mode field, select Eval (“Evaluation”) by repeatedly pressing  
Enter  
9. For the Type field, select one of the following by pressing the down arrow to  
move to the type field and repeatedly press Enter  
ANSI AM Booth or OSHA AM Booth  
.
.
Curves screen  
Mode – select Eval  
Type – ANSI Booth  
Criterion - field will only  
appear if ANSI AM Booth  
is selected in type field  
Figure 6-16: Audiometric booth setup in the curves screen  
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96  
Running and viewing curves  
Curve measurements and results  
10. (Skip this step if you selected OSHA AM Booth). To select a Criterion,  
press the down arrow and repeatedly press Enter . You have the  
following three settings in the testing ranges of 125Hz-kHz, 250Hz –  
8kHz, and 500Hz-8kHz octave or one-third octave bands.  
NC refers to “not covered” ears in relation to a person in a hearing  
booth without the use of hearing protection.  
SA refers to “Supra-aural” which is used when a persons is in a  
hearing booth with large headphones.  
INS refers to “Insert” which is used when a person is in a hearing  
booth with ear inserts.  
11. Press On/Off/Esc  
twice to return to the start screen.  
To run your Curve study, please see section, “Running and viewing a  
curve study”.  
Running and viewing curves  
After you have enabled curve mode, type, and criterion (only applicable for  
evaluation mode), you are now ready to run a curve study.  
When viewing your measurements it is important to understand how your  
results will display. The following is an explanation of the curve types:  
If NC, PNC, NR, NCB, or RC are selected these will display in 1/1  
octave only.  
If Captured Curves are selected, this will display in 1/1 octave or 1/3  
octave.  
If OSHA Audiometric is selected, it will display in 1/1 octave only. If  
ANSI Audiometric is selected, it will display in 1/1 octave or 1/3  
octave.  
Curve measurements and results  
Running a curve study and viewing results  
1. From the Start screen, ensure you are in 1/1 or 1/3 mode. Then, press the  
Up/Down arrows until “View Session” is highlighted.  
2. Press the  
Run key to begin your study. When completed, press pause  
and stop keys to end the session.  
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97  
Running and viewing curves  
Curve measurements and results  
3. To view your results, press Enter  
. The following screens appear.  
(a) Sample bar chart – displays 1/1 octave band with curve and sound values  
plotted on the spectrum. (See “a” below: A- selected band, B- curve  
indicator, C- amplitude in band).  
(b) Tabular screen – shows 1/1 octave band values in a table format. (see “b”  
below).  
(c) Community noise – displays community noise (Please see “Community  
Noise screen”, on page 69 for a screen example.)  
A
B
C
(a) Sample bar chart with curves  
(b) Tabulation screen  
(d) Dosimetry screen - shows dosimetry measurements (see “e” below).  
(e) Delta screen – displays difference between the selected curve and current  
measurement, in each filter band. A positive value is the amount exceeding the  
curve (see “e Delta screen” and reference “A” in the figure) and a negative value  
is the amount below the curve. NOTE: for a captured curve, it will display CAP-  
1(or applied captured 1-4) in the top left instead of a criterion curve (NC-30).  
You may have to select LEQ to view the results via the Look-up key.  
A
(d) Dosimetry screen  
Figure 6-17: Curve results  
(e) Delta screen  
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98  
Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA testing  
Speech Intelligibility  
Another available add-on feature is Speech Transmission Index (STI) used to  
evaluate and classify speech intelligibility dependent of background noise level. STI  
is the standardized measurement in the IEC 60268-16:1998 standard.  
STI-PA testing  
STI refers to the amount of modulation preserved in the broadcasting of an artificial  
speech signal through an alarm system. The intelligibility measurement is a single  
value between zero and one, which factors in corruption of speech, with modulating  
speech frequencies over octave bands between 125Hz to 8kHz.  
STI-PA is measured using seven octave bands and 2 modulation indices per octave  
band simultaneously allowing a 15 second measurement. In essence, any noise  
which masks (or corrupts) the talker-to-listener path is evaluated and a recommended  
measurement is computed at the end of an intelligibility test. The following sections  
briefly address points to consider when setting up a STI-PA test.  
Zones  
Where do I measure speech intelligibility?” A building or stadium can be  
broken into “zones”. Each “zone” has a room with one alarm system. In  
some situations, one room may have more than one alarm system or may  
have a change in ceiling height (such as an atrium or a balcony seating  
versus lower level seating). In those instances, each section would be  
considered a zone and each zone would be tested.  
After determining the “zones” in your building, it is recommended to design a  
map of the key zones/rooms. Generally, a zone is a 20X20 area. If the room  
is larger than 20X20, it is recommended to take another measurement in this  
section.  
Selecting STI scale or CIS scale  
With the SoundPro, you have two measurement options which will determine the  
intelligibility of your building which are the STI scale and the CIS scale (explained  
below.)  
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Speech Intelligibility  
Selecting STI scale or CIS scale  
STI scale  
The scale identifies if the mass notification system is intelligible or unintelligible based  
on a STI scale ranging from 0.0 to 1.0 where 0.5 to 1.0 is considered a passing  
score, per NFPA 72 and IEC 60849.  
STI  
00 - 0.30  
0.3 - 0.45 0.45 - 0.60 0.60 - 0.75 0.75 - 1.00  
scale Unacceptable  
Poor  
Fair  
Good  
Excellent  
Common Intelligibility Scale (CIS)  
Similar to the STI scale, the CIS scale uses a range from 0.0 to 1.0 to determine if the  
MNS is intelligible. However, with the CIS scale, a rating of 0.7 to 1.0 is an  
“intelligible” score, per the IEC 608489 and NFPA 72.  
CIS  
00-0.48  
Bad  
0.48 - 0.65  
Poor  
0.65 - 0.78 0.78 - 0.88  
Fair Good  
0.88 - 1.0  
Excellent  
scale  
When to take STI-PA readings?  
Scenario one  
You may be able to run the test signal through the PA system during normal  
business hours. In this scenario, you would set the meter to STI-PA and select either  
STI scale or CIS scale and run your study in the mapped “zone” areas.  
Scenario two  
In other situations, running a test tone through a PA system during business hours  
could be distracting and not feasible for your environment. In this situation, it is  
recommended to follow these procedures:  
First, take sample background noise measurements during business hours.  
These are saved and stored on the Verifier as “Captured Curves”. The verifier  
will save up to four “captured curves”  
Second, in the STI-PA options, select the appropriate captured curve.  
Third, run your measurements at the appropriate time of day (i.e., late  
evening/early morning). (The applied captured curve will automatically factor  
into your study.)  
Fourth, view your results on the display of the instrument (or in Excel by using  
the File converter tool.)  
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Speech Intelligibility  
Conducting a STI-PA test (overview of steps)  
Conducting a STI-PA test (overview of steps)  
1. Calibrate the SoundPro.  
2. Set-up your STI-PA options via the” Measures” setup screen. (Select the measurement type  
as STI-PA.)  
3. A level setup is conducted. From a fixed-point, the technician measures the A-weighted SPL  
of MNS message (or alarm system). The test signal volume should approximately match the  
MNS message volume. (You would adjust the test signal to match the LAS value.)  
4. The test signal is played through buildings voice system (PA system).  
5. The technician/sound tester positions himself/herself in “zones”/building areas.  
It is recommended to design a map of “zones”(or rooms) to indicate where you will be  
taking your measurements.  
Set measuring range appropriately.  
6. STI-PA measurement is conducted. Press the Run/Pause key to start the study.  
NOTE: If you want to post-process your intelligibility measurements with previously captured  
background noise, you would first capture curves and then apply this during your study.  
7. After a 15-second countdown, either a STI or CIS level is displayed with a pass/fail message.  
8. The technician/sound tester moves throughout the building and measures in all zones/rooms.  
NOTE: A zone/room is typically a room 20x20. More than one measurement may be  
required if the room exceeds this size.  
9. The tests are noted as pass/fail.  
NOTE: the past tests can be reviewed and loaded via the File System screen.  
STI-PA setup  
The following table explains all of the parameters found in the measures setup  
screen.  
Measures  
Explanation  
setup screen  
Scale type field Select either STI scale or CIS scale. (Please refer to Chapter 1, “STI  
scale or CIS scale”)  
Gender field  
The voice can be set according to the test signal being use, male or  
female voice. NOTE: the Verifier default setting is Male. If using the  
test signal supplied by 3M, this uses a male test signal; so; you will  
not have to change this field if you only use the male test tone signal.  
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Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA setup  
An optional “captured curve” feature can be applied to your STI-PA  
testing. Essentially, you take a snap shot of the current sound level  
measurement and store it as your background noise. Once the  
background noise data is gathered, you can apply the captured  
noise during your STI-PA measurement. This may be used in a  
situation where you cannot play the test signal during “normal”  
working hours. (Please refer to Chapter 1, “When to take STI-PA  
measurements, scenario 2” for more details.)  
Post Process  
field  
You can change the range when measuring. The following ranges  
are selectable parameters: 90 dB – 140 dB, 80 dB – 130 dB, 70 dB  
-120 dB ,60 dB – 110 dB, 50 dB – 100 dB, 40 dB – 90 dB, 30 dB- 80  
dB, and 20 dB – 70 dB.  
Range field  
Table 6-3: Measures setup screen parameters explained  
Setting up STI-PA (speech intelligibility)  
1. Turn the meter On.  
2. From the Start screen, select the Measurement type as STI-PA.  
Press the first softkey repeatedly until “STI-PA” appears.  
Selecting measurement type  
STIPA  
Figure 6-18: Measurement type selection (STIPA)  
3. Using Up/Down arrows, highlight Setup menu and press Enter  
4. Using Up/Down arrows, highlight Options and press Enter  
.
.
5. Press Up/Down arrows, to select Speech Intelligibility & press Enter  
.
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102  
Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA setup  
6. To change the Scale field, press Up/Down arrows until Scale is highlighted  
and press Enter to change to either STI or CIS.  
Speech Intelligibility screen  
Setup screen  
Captured Curve selection  
If you captured background  
noise and want to apply it,  
select Cap1, Cap2, Cap3, or  
Cap4 to apply during STI-PA  
test  
Figure 6-19: STI-PA setup screen  
7. To change the Gender field, press Up/Down arrows until Gender is  
highlighted and repeatedly press Enter to select Male or Female.  
8. To change the Post Processing field, press up/down arrows to select  
the field and repeatedly press Enter  
Off.  
to select a Captured Curve or  
9. To change the Range, press Down arrow and then repeatedly press  
Enter to select a specific range.  
10. Once set, press Enter  
to return to the Start screen.  
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Speech Intelligibility  
Conducting a level setup (for STI-PA)  
Conducting a level setup (for STI-PA)  
From a fixed-point, measure the A-weighted Sound Pressure Level of your  
mass notification system (or alarm system). When in the STI-PA screen,  
adjust the range as needed via the Up/Down Arrows.  
The average dB level is displayed when in stop mode.  
NOTE: the instrument will display the LAS when in stop mode. This is  
also called “survey mode”.  
Stop mode  
Average dB level  
Displayed while in run  
or pause mode  
Range  
Press up/down  
arrows to adjust  
the range values  
Average  
decibel  
Figure 6-20: Level set-up and average decibel level  
Running a speech intelligibility study  
Before proceeding with a STI-PA measurement, ensure you calibrated the  
Verifier and conducted a Sound Level setup.  
NOTE: if there is impulsive noise present, it is best to capture the background  
noise (via the Captured Curve pop-menu), remove the noise, or come back later  
when the noise is not present. That is because impulsive noise and strong  
voices can skew the measurement results. If you captured the background  
noise, you would then come back when the noise is not present and apply the  
captured curve during a STI-PA measurement. (See “Applying captured curves  
for STI-PA testing for more details, on page 106.)  
The following instructions explain how to run, pause, and stop a STI-PA study  
without captured curves. (If you wish to take a background noise sample, also  
called “captured curves see “Applying captured curves for STI-PA testing” for  
more details, 106.)  
NOTE: it is optional to organize your measurements into Sessions & Studies.  
How to run a STI-PA study?  
1. The SoundPro should be powered on and you should be viewing the STI-  
PA measurement screen.  
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104  
Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA results screens  
2. Play the signal over the loudspeaker and then locate yourself in the  
appropriate zone/room.  
3. Verify that the range setting is appropriate for the level being measured. It  
is desirable to select the longest range that does not overload. (To change  
the range, press Up/Down Arrows from the STI-PA screen.)  
4. Press the Run  
key to begin your study.  
5. The meter will run for 15 seconds and then pause.  
To continue to take measurements, repeat step 3.  
To terminate your study, please see step 6.  
6. Press the Stop  
key to end your study. (Three viewable results screens  
are explained in the next section.)  
STI-PA results screens  
The test signal is made up of 7 octave band signals which encompasses a  
combination of vowels and syllables from common speech. There are 14  
modulating frequencies that emulate a male/female’s speech patterns. The STI  
method is based on the determination of the modulation transfer function (MTF)  
which is the ratio of measured modulation to the overall signal strength at each  
modulation frequency.  
Viewing STI-PA results  
1. Once in pause or review mode, press  
the STI-PA results screen.  
repeatedly to toggle through  
STI-PA measurement and scale results screen  
In the STI-PA measurement screen, the MTF is combined according to IEC 60268-  
16 and presented on a scale between 0 to 1 representing the quality or intelligibility of  
the mass notification system.  
Range  
STI-PA scale results  
STI-PA results  
graphical view  
Figure 6-21: STI-PA measurement (scale results) screen  
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105  
Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA results screens  
STI-PA modulation screen  
In the Modulation measurement screen, the average decibel level over the run-  
time in seven octave bands ranging from 125HZ to 8KHz with 14 frequencies is  
displayed in a tabular format. These values are the signal to noise ratio  
(accounts for any interfering background noise such as non-linear distortions,  
electronics, reverberation, HVAC systems) in each attenuation band and  
indicates which values are intelligible/unintelligible based on the CIS/STI scale.  
NOTE: A high MTF value indicates that the listeners received the  
message without any distortions or interference.  
LEQ  
Average dB  
level in band  
Signal to noise ratio for each band  
* Based on the CIS/STI scale ranging  
from 0.00 – 1.00  
Figure 6-22: STI-PA Modulation screen  
Table 6-4 defines the STI-PA: modulation frequencies for the seven octave  
bands (per the IEC 60268-16 standard).  
Octave band Hz  
125-250 500  
1 k  
2 k  
4 k  
8 k  
First modulation  
1.00  
5.00  
.63  
2.00  
1.25  
6.25  
0.80  
4.00  
2.50  
12.5  
frequency  
Hz  
Second modulation  
frequency Hz  
3.15 10.0  
Table 6-5 defines the STI octave band with specific male and female weighting  
Idard).  
Octave band Hz  
125-250  
0.127  
0.078  
0.117  
0.099  
500  
1 k  
2 k  
4 k  
8 k  
Males  
0.23 0.23 0.30  
0
0.06 0.01 0.04  
5
0.22 0.21 0.32  
3
0.06 0.06 0.02  
0.224  
0.095  
0.250  
0.076  
0.17  
3
-
3
9
1
7
Females  
0.19  
4
-
6
8
6
2
5
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Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA results screens  
STI-PA modulation envelope screen  
This screen reports a summary of the STI-PA modulation screen.  
1. To view each band’s results, press  
Arrow key.  
NOTE: The results can be used to assess each frequency’s band modulation  
level to determine why it passed or failed (in order to correct any issues).  
Scale Results of  
selected band  
Scale  
Selected band  
MTF scale rating results  
across bands  
Figure 6-23: STI-PA Modulation envelope screen  
Storing background noise/capture curve  
In order to measure and store background noise prior to STI-PA testing, you will want  
to measure (or “capture”) the level via the Captured Curve Setup and then apply it  
during the STI-PA test. (Note: this is only performed if you do not want to play the  
test tone during “normal” business hours.)  
1. From the Start screen, select either 1/1 octave or 1/3 octave for the  
measurement type.  
Selecting Measurement type  
Press first softkey until 1/1 or 1/3  
is selected  
Figure 6-24: Selecting 1/1 or 1/3 for measurement type  
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107  
Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA results screens  
2. Setting up Curves: Select Setup and press Enter  
.
Select Options (via the Down Arrow and press Enter  
Curves will be highlighted, press Enter  
Choose Survey as the Mode and Captured (CAP) as the Type and then  
press On/Off/Esc repeatedly to return to the Start screen.  
).  
.
Mode  
When highlighted, press Enter  
continuously to toggle through the  
menu options and select Survey.  
NOTE: Survey/Eval. mode will  
compute the same results.  
Captured (CAP)  
To select the Type field press down arrow.  
Press Enter  
repeatedly to select  
Captured (CAP).  
Figure 6-25: Captured curve/background noise setup for STI-PA testing  
3. Capturing curve/background noise: (See Figure 6-26 below.)  
Select View Session by pressing Up/Down  
and press Enter  
.
Note: it is recommended to capture either the SPL or the Leq level. To  
change the measurement displayed, press the Lookup softkey and select  
either L_ or L_eq. (For more information, please see “Changing displayed  
measurements”.)  
Selection Panel  
This appears when lookup softkey is  
pressed.  
The diamond symbol uindicates  
which measurement is selected.  
(L_ denotes SPL). Press Enter key  
to confirm new selection.  
In the broadband/RTA screen, press Altf key. (This will expand the softkeys  
and Cap will appear.)  
When the level is stabilized, press the “Capture” key. (See Figure 6-26.)  
4. Optional: To capture additional background levels, change the 1st softkey to  
either (Cap-1, Cap-2, Cap-3, Cap-4) and then press the Capture (2nd) softkey.  
Repeat this step as needed. (You can store and apply up to 4 background noise  
SPL levels.)  
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Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA results screens  
CAP-1  
Press first  
Curve indicator  
softkey to assign  
a captured curve  
name (i.e., CAP-  
1, CAP-2, CAP-  
3, or CAP-4)  
Capture  
Press Capture  
softkey to save  
the background  
noise/SPL.  
Figure 6-26: Captured curves/background noise  
5. Once all background noise has been captured, refer to, “Applying captured curves”  
below.  
Applying captured curves for STI-PA testing  
To apply the curves during a STI-PA measurement remember to complete one  
and two below before applying the curve.  
Applying captured curves  
1. From the Start screen, select View Session and press . Press Altf key.  
2. Select one of the captured curves by pressing the 1st softkey (i.e, Cap-1).  
Press On/Off/Esc key.  
3. From the Start screen, press the 1st softkey continuously until STI-PA is  
selected. Then, select View Session and the STI-PA screen will open.  
POST CAP-1  
The selected Captured Curve,  
i.e., CAP-1, will appear on the  
STI-PA screen. To change the  
Cap-x, repeat steps 1-2 above.  
Figure 6-27: Post CAP-1 applied during STI-PA test  
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Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA results screens  
4. Press the Run/Stop key while playing the test signal in the appropriate  
location/zone. The captured curve will automatically calculate with the STI-  
PA results.  
NOTE: press the left/right arrow to view the modulation screen and/or the  
modulation envelope screen if desired.  
STI-PA test results screen  
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Speech Intelligibility  
STI-PA results screens  
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Files  
STI-PA results screens  
7
Viewing Past Measurements  
This chapter explains how to view your past sessions and studies. It will also  
explain how to rename your sessions/studies and how to clear/reset the data  
on the memory card.  
Files  
A session file is automatically created when you begin the first study in that  
session. It contains the following types of information, as applicable:  
Measurements - Measurements for each study in the session and  
overall measurements for the session.  
Run times - Run time for each study in the session and overall for the  
session. If back-erasing was used for a study (“Back-erasing”), the run  
time for that study will be reduced by the duration of the back-erased  
segment.  
Analysis type - The analysis type selection, if available in your  
instrument, that applied when the measurements were made.  
Calibrations - If performed, Pre-Calibration results for the session and  
Post-Calibration results for studies in the session.  
Logged data - Stored with the session if the instrument contains the  
logging option and logging was enabled for at least one measurement.  
Parameters - All user-adjustable settings in setup screens that are  
involved in the data processing that leads to the measurements.  
Instrument settings - All user-adjustable settings in setup screens that  
affect the operation of the instrument, but not including those in the Time-  
Date, Sig. Input and Battery Check screens.  
File directories  
Files on the memory card are stored in directories. Session files are  
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File directories  
File directory screen explained  
automatically stored in the Session Directory, and Configuration Files are  
automatically stored in the Configuration Directory. The File directories  
screen can be used to:  
View past sessions/studies via the Session Directory menu  
View Configuration directory  
Re-name last session file is an optional feature that is used as an  
organizational tool.  
Save Configuration file is used to save a customized setup on the  
instrument if not using QSP-II.  
CAUTION: The memory card should not be inserted or removed when  
working in the instrument’s file system – you can lose data.  
File directory screen explained  
NOTE: this is accessible when a session is not opened (i.e., run /pause  
mode).  
1. From the Start screen, press the File softkey. The File screen appears.  
2. In the File screen, select Session Directory or Configuration Directory, then  
press  
. The directory that you requested appears.  
Session Directory  
*Used to load/view previous  
data, delete, or rename  
Figure 7-1: File Screen  
Viewing past sessions/studies (review mode)  
Once you run, pause, and stop your measurements, the data is automatically  
stored in the instrument’s memory card, which is referred to as past studies  
or past sessions. You can view past measurements by first loading the study  
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File directories  
Viewing past sessions/studies (review mode)  
or session via the Data File screen. The results will be played back (also  
called review mode) in accordance with the analysis type that was selected  
when the measurements were stored.  
1. From the Start screen, press the File softkey.  
Softkeys  
File  
Figure 7-2: Start menu screen  
2. Session Directory will be highlighted, press Enter  
.
Session Directory  
Figure 7-3: File menu screen  
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File directories  
Viewing past sessions/studies (review mode)  
3. In the Data File screen, press  
sessions and press Enter  
Arrows to select one of the saved  
(to load the file).  
Data file  
Press “Load” softkey  
Figure 7-4: Data File screen  
4. It will state “Loaded”. Press either Enter  
or On/Off/Esc key.  
5. In the Start screen, the review indicator appears. Select either View  
Session or View Current Study (by pressing and ).  
Run time  
Review mode - when both Pause and  
Stop indicators appear, this signifies you  
can view your saved session or study.  
View current study is  
selected. Press enter to  
view data.  
Figure 7-5: Selecting past study data (review mode)  
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File directories  
Loading and deleting files  
6. A bar chart or a filtered bar chart may appear (depending on your  
measurement setting). Press Enter  
to view various measurement  
screens.  
Review mode indicator  
Bar chart (SLM mode) results  
File path – indicates the name of  
session/study, the analysis type  
(SLM, 1/1, 1/3)  
Figure 7-6: Viewing past data example  
7. Press Stop key to exit Review Mode. (The Pause icon will disappear leaving  
only the Stop indicator displayed on your screen.)  
Loading and deleting files  
As you are working with loading past files and possibly deleting files which have  
been imported into QSP-II, it is important to note that the delete operations take  
place as soon as you press the respective softkey. While you can re-load a file,  
you cannot un-delete a file, so be careful. (Loading and deleting files is  
accessed via the File softkey\Session Directory menu.)  
Loading or deleting a file  
1. From the start screen, press the File softkey.  
2. In the File menu, ensure Session Directory is highlighted (if it is not,  
press  
until it is selected.) Press  
key.  
3. To load a file, press  
to select the appropriate file and press Load  
softkey (see “b”) or press  
key (skip this step if you are deleting a file).  
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File directories  
Session directory  
4. To delete a file (if not applicable see step five), press  
appropriate file and press Delete softkey (see “a”). (The display will state  
the file was deleted.) Press key to return to the Data File screen. To  
to select  
delete more files, repeat this step. Press  
start screen.+  
repeatedly to return to the  
Data File screen  
Retrieve your past session/studies  
by selecting a file.  
a
c
b
Softkeys  
Delete (a), Load (b), More (c)  
Softkey menus  
Figure 7-7: Loading and deleting files  
NOTE: You may have dozens of files saved. Press the More softkey to  
expand the file list for the appropriate selection.  
5. If you loaded a file, please see next section, “Viewing past  
sessions/studies”.  
Session directory  
The Session Directory contains the past saved sessions and studies. To  
navigate to this screen, select Setup\File softkey\Session Directory menu.  
(Refer to Figure 7-2 and Figure 7-3 for screen examples.)  
Figure 7-8: Examples of directory screens  
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File directories  
Session directory  
Navigating in a session/config. directory  
Press any arrow key to move around in the directory. If there are multiple files,  
press the More softkey to navigate to additional screens. Press On/Off/Esc  
key to return to previous screen(s).  
Naming and renaming files  
There are common procedures that you can use to name and rename files,  
including a lookup capability that allows you to determine if a filename is already  
in use.  
You cannot rename a session file unless it is in the instrument’s memory.  
Accordingly, you can rename the closed session currently residing in memory,  
but you must first load a past session file before you can rename it.  
NOTE: For past sessions, please follow these steps but first load the file.  
Renaming the session in memory  
1. In the Start screen, press the File softkey. The File screen appears.  
2. Press  
The session file renaming screen appears.  
3. In the File Name screen, press and the following changes will occur:  
to select Re-name Last Session File, then press  
.
The highlighted cursor moves to the field of one of the four softkeys,  
depending upon the last character in the existing filename.  
The last character in the filename is underlined.  
Press Enter to add  
another field.  
Softkeys may be used  
to quickly select a  
letter/number  
Press Up/Down arrows  
to change character  
character.  
Or repeatedly press  
Up/Down Arrows to  
select appropriate  
character.  
Figure 7-9: Naming a file in the Data File screen  
4. Take the following actions to change the underlined character:  
Press to move sequentially until the appropriate character is selected.  
The underlined character in the name changes as you press the keys.  
(Optional Shortcut): Press a softkey to select a different character set.  
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Configuration directory  
Saving (& naming) setup file (config. file)  
Add a character by pressing the right arrow key.  
Delete a character by pressing the left arrow key.  
Repeat this step as necessary.  
5. When finished, press  
and Save will appear.  
6. Press to save the file name (or press On/Off/Esc to cancel).  
Configuration directory  
File Setups, or File Configurations, can be saved to the instrument in order to  
save and reuse for future. (This can also be performed via QSP-II when you  
save a setup.)  
The naming/renaming procedure below includes a lookup utility that you  
can use to determine what name to assign.  
Saving (& naming) setup file (config. file)  
When saving a setup, you first select the settings and then save via the Save  
Config File (accessed from the File softkey in the start menu.) Once a  
configuration is saved, you can view or delete it via the Config. Directory.  
Naming and Saving set-up  
1. Ensure the SoundPro is in Stop mode and the parameters are selected.  
(See Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 for details.)  
2. In the Start screen, press the File softkey and select Save Config. File.  
3. In the Setup File screen, press  
to move to the name/rename file field.  
Selected character (indicated by the  
underline). Press up/down to change  
character. Press Left arrow to move to  
add another character. Press Right to  
delete or change a character.  
Save  
Press on/off/esc to  
move to this field  
Name/Rename file  
Press a softkey to quickly select  
a character set. Then, press  
up/down arrows.  
Figure 7-10: Saving/Creating setup file (config. file)  
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Configuration directory  
Viewing, loading, deleting setup files (config.)  
4. To change the file name follow below:  
Press  
underline).  
to change the selected character (denoted by the  
Optional Shortcut: press a softkey (has a character range) and then  
press to quickly move to the appropriate value.  
Press Left arrow to delete a character (or move backwards).  
Press Right arrow to add a character.  
Repeat as necessary.  
5. To save your setup, press the On/Off/Esc and the Save option will be  
highlighted. Press Enter key to save (or press On/Off/Esc key to cancel).  
Viewing, loading, deleting setup files (config.)  
Viewing, loading, deleting setup files  
1. Open the Configuration Directory screen (follow steps 1-2 above ,  
“Saving setup file”).  
2. The Setup File screen will appear. Depending on what setups you  
saved, these will appear in this screen.  
3. To Load or Delete a file configuration, do the following:  
Select a file you wish to load/delete (by pressing up/down arrow until  
selected.)  
Once selected, press either the Load softkey (to load and apply the  
saved setup) or press Delete (to delete a setup).  
Press On/Off/Esc to repeatedly to return to the Start screen.  
Load softkey  
Once selected, it will  
apply the saved  
setup.  
Delete softkey  
Select a set-up  
then press  
Delete softkey  
Figure 7-11: Viewing, loading, deleting setup files  
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Memory card  
Compatibility  
Memory card  
The memory card supplied with the instrument is used to store session and  
configuration files. If you run studies and sessions without a memory card, it will  
not store session files. In that case, running a session will automatically  
overwrite the information in the instrument’s memory from the previous session.  
Essentially, lack of a memory card converts a multi-session instrument into a  
single session instrument.  
Compatibility  
Steps have been taken to make sure the SoundPro is compatible with as many  
SD cards as possible. Because of the many SD card manufacturers and the  
varying low-level formats they use, 3M can only guarantee operation with cards  
available from 3M. If using a memory card with 2GB or less, FAT 16 format is  
required. For cards ranging from 2GB to 32GB, a FAT 32 format is required.  
Determining the format of an SD card  
1. Insert the card in the computer’s card reader drive.  
2. Open Windows Explorer.  
3. Right-click on the CD drive listed under My Computer.  
4. From the right-click menu, select Properties.  
5. On the General Tab, the File System field identifies the card’s format.  
Formatting a card with the SoundPro  
The SoundPro has the capability of doing a Quick Format or Full Format.  
A Quick Format is all that is required in most cases to format a card in FAT  
16 or FAT 32. A Full Format will verify each sector of the card as it formats  
with the penalty of taking much longer.  
CAUTION: A Quick Format may be used to delete all files from the card.  
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Communicating with a PC  
Using Detection Management Software DMS  
8
Communicating  
This chapter covers issues related to the memory card, the USB port and the  
AC/DC outputs.  
Communicating with a PC  
Using Detection Management Software DMS  
When you download the data via the the download feature, the data is stored and viewable via the  
data finder page with advanced charting, tables, and reporting capability. The information is viewed in  
customizable graphs and/or charts in the panel layout page.  
Using an external card reader  
DMS can import data/configurations with an external SD card reader. You  
should never remove a card from a reader without first ejecting it from the  
drive. Eject using the following Windows procedure.  
Eject procedure  
1. In the computer, right-click the Removable Disk entry under My  
Computer. A menu appears.  
2. Click Eject in the right-click menu.  
Working with measurement data in DMS  
The downloading of data enables you to analyze your data in customizable charts and graphs with  
reporting capability. with optional reporting capability.  
Note: please reference the online DMS User Manual under Help menu, DMS user manual for  
more information.  
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AC/DC output  
Using Detection Management Software DMS  
DMS and working with SoundPro data  
Viewing data and Data Finder Page  
2. DMS Welcome page and instrument communication  
A. Click on icon (see A) to access the  
1. Communicating/connecting the Edge to the pc  
A. Turn On he Sound Pro.  
Instrument download panel.  
B. Plug in USB cable from SoundPro to pc.  
A
3. SoundPro and downloading  
A. Select the SLM family and the SoundPro mode from the  
Instrument window (see A). Click on Go to session finder after  
download” box.  
4. Selecting and viewing data  
A. The Data Finder page (see A) is used to view, select, and  
preview reports. Note: Click Browse to view all data files.  
B. Select the data by clicking on either the session/study (Note:  
you may need to expand to see the study data.  
B. Click the  
button (See B).  
C. Once downloaded, click the Data Finder tab (if you did not select  
go to session finder in step A.) (See C).  
C. To view in Graphs and Tables, click on  
buttons.  
or  
A
Data Finder page  
A
B
C
5. Viewing Data in graphs & tables & Report View  
The graphs and tables page is noted as the panel layout view page.  
A. The session/study data page displays the data in logged data  
charts/tables (see A).  
B. Click on  
(see B).  
to view the panels in a report format  
A
B
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AC/DC output  
AC output  
AC/DC output  
Output signals are available at the AC/DC jack in the hardware interface panel at  
the base of the instrument (“Hardware interfaces” on page 6). Users are  
responsible for providing the cable to attach to this jack. For information about  
the pinout, see “AC/DC jack” on page 134.  
AC output  
The AC output is the amplified SPL of Meter 1. It is weighted depending on  
the "A, C, Z or F" selection for Meter 1. The maximum full-scale output  
voltage occurs near the upper dB level of the selected range and is  
approximately 3.16 volts "before clipping." The full usable range of this  
output is 60 dB. The relationship is shown in Table 8-1.  
Relative dB  
Full scale  
-10 dB  
Output (Vrms)  
3.16  
1.00  
-20 dB  
0.316  
-30 dB  
0.100  
-40 dB  
0.0316  
0.0100  
0.00316  
-50 dB  
-60 dB  
Table 8-1: AC output  
NOTE: The AC output signal is not intended to be used for testing  
instrument performance.  
DC output  
The DC output has a voltage range between 0 and 4.0 VDC that is  
produced by Meter 1 and includes the time response and frequency  
weighting settings for that meter. It represents and tracks the  
displayed dB level in one second increments. The DC output is  
linearly scaled over the range of –20 to 180 decibels. The highest  
level that can be represented on any selected range is always the  
ceiling of that range and depends upon the selected microphone  
model.  
The DC output voltage level is related to the measured decibel value  
without regard to the range setting. You can calculate the SPL in  
decibels from the DC output voltage, VDC, by this equation:  
SPL = 50 (VDC – 0.4) dB  
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AC/DC output  
DC output  
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Appendix A  
APPENDIX  
A
Specifications  
Conformance to standards  
Acoustics  
IEC 61672-1 (2003) (2002-05) - Electroacoustics, Sound level meters, Part 1:  
Specifications.  
IEC 61672-2 (2003-04) - Electroacoustics, Sound level meters, Part 2: Pat-  
tern evaluation tests.  
IEC 61260 (1995-08) - Electroacoustics, Octave-band and fractional-octave-  
band filters.  
ANSI S1.11-2004 - American National Standard “Specification for Octave-  
Band and Fractional-Octave-Band Analog and Digital Filters.”  
ANSI S1.4-1983 (R2001) - American National Standard “Specification for  
Sound Level Meters.”  
ANSI S1.43-1997 (R2002) - American National Standard “Specifications for  
Integrating Averaging Sound Level Meters.”  
Earlier standards - IEC 60651 and IEC 60804.  
EMC emissions and immunity  
Pending testing on production products.  
References  
Air temperature: 23 C  
Static pressure: 101,325 kPa  
Relative humidity: 50%  
Level: 114 dB  
Frequency: 1 kHz  
Microphone Capacitance: 18 pf  
Microphone Sensitivity: -28 dB  
Range: 140 dB  
Angle: 0  
Mechanical characteristics  
Housing - Stainless fiber-filled ABS/polycarbonate with internal EMC  
shielding.  
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126  
Appendix A  
Size - 7.9 cm(W) X 28.2 cm (H) X 4.1 cm (thick); (with preamp and microphone)  
3.1"(W) X 11.1"(H) X 1.6" (thick) (with preamp and microphone)  
The width is measured across the face of the instrument. The length,  
which includes the preamplifier but not the microphone, is measured  
along the longest axis of the instrument.  
Weight - 0.54 kg (1.2 lbs), including batteries.  
Tripod mount - Threaded insert on the back of the instrument. Accepts a  
1/4"-20 screw.  
Electrical characteristics  
While the instrument is operating from battery or external power it conforms  
to all applicable tolerance limits of the stated standards. While operating on  
battery power alone the instrument will automatically shut down when the  
battery power is depleted. The total battery voltage range is between the  
maximum overcharge voltage of the NiMH cells 6.6 volts and the low voltage  
automatic shut down voltage of 4.4 volts.  
Power sources  
Internal power  
Approximately 8 hours of continuous operation at normal mode of operation  
under reference environmental conditions when full capacity batteries are  
installed.  
Main batteries - Four, replaceable alkaline AA batteries included as original  
equipment. Rechargeable NiMH batteries available as an option.  
Battery life (Constant run without backlighting) - Varies greatly  
depending on whether alkaline or NiMH batteries are in use and the  
logging configuration. You can expect the longest battery life when  
using rechargeable 2700 mAH (or greater) cells. Battery life is slightly  
shorter in units that contain either filter option.  
Battery life (Constant run with backlighting) - Will reduce battery  
life by approximately 10%.  
Auxiliary battery - Internal battery protects against loss of settings when  
the main batteries are being replaced.  
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Appendix A  
External power  
External DC power may be provided to the Power jack from the AC or DC  
sources identified below. Power consumption will range from 1.0-1.5 W at  
8-16 VDC.  
8 VDC - 125 to 190 mA.  
12 VDC - 85 to 125 mA.  
16 VDC - 60 to 90 mA.  
AC power source ~ Optional switching-type power supply, 3M part num-  
ber 053-571.  
Supply input - 100-240V, 47-63 Hz.  
Supply output - 9VDC, 1.1A max.  
DC connector - Cable has 2.1mm plug (center pin positive)  
AC adapters - Included are different snap-on adapters that allow it to  
plug into various outlets.  
DC power source - 3M offers a cable as an option that plugs into an auto-  
mobile auxiliary jack, 3M part number 053-870. 9.0 Volts is the nominal  
power supply voltage to be applied to the DC power jack.  
Preamplifier (removable)  
Microphone - Accepts 13.2 mm (0.52") microphone directly. Other sizes  
require an adapter.  
Input impedance - Greater than 1 G; less than 2 pF.  
Signal limit - 11 VAC maximum.  
Cable attachment - Capable of driving up to a 15M cable with negligible  
signal loss.  
Meters  
Dual meters - Contains two separate meter circuits, each of which can be  
individually configured with variable parameters.  
Input impedance - 20 kin series with 11 µF capacitance, with 100 pF  
capacitance to ground.  
Bandwidth  
The following bandwidth is typical for the instrument and preamp when set to  
the 40-140 dB range and F-weighting. Electrical signals are input to the sys-  
tem with the 059-703 input adapter installed on the preamp.  
0.1 dB down - 20 Hz to 14 kHz.  
1.0 dB down - 5 Hz to 25.2 kHz.  
3.0 dB down - 3 Hz to 25.8 kHz.  
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Appendix A  
Octave filters (optional)  
Number of bands ~ Eleven bands, with center frequencies (fc) ranging from  
16 Hz to 16 kHz. The octave filters are flat within < 0.3 dB in each passband.  
The half-power points are at 0.707 fc and 1.414 fc.  
Octave skirts ~ With respect to fc:  
fc/2 frequencies - Approximately 20 dB down.  
2fc frequencies - Approximately 30 dB down.  
fc/10 frequencies - Approximately 70 dB down.  
10fc frequencies - Approximately 95 dB down.  
Third-octave filters (optional)  
Number of bands - Thirty-three bands, with center frequencies from 12.5 Hz  
to 20 kHz. The 1/3 octave filters are flat within <0.3 dB in each passband.  
The half-power points are at 0.89 fc and 1.12 fc.  
Third-octave skirts ~ With respect to fc, the fc/2 and 2fc frequencies are both  
approximately 50 dB down.  
Instrument noise  
Noise floor depends upon which microphone is being used. The following  
measurements are for a typical instrument, with the 059-703 adapter (18 pF)  
connected to the preamp and shorted at the BNC end. This condition closely  
simulates the noise floor of a ½-inch microphone. For these measurements,  
the instrument was set to the lowest range and to a slow response time.  
22 dBA.  
30 dBC.  
35 dBZ.  
40 dBF.  
Environmental effects  
The typical time interval needed to stabilize after changes in environmental  
conditions is 5 minutes for each 10 C change.  
Temperature  
Operating - Less than ±0.5dB effect over -10 oC to 50 oC (14 oF to 122 oF).  
Storage - 25 oC to 70 oC (-13 oF to 158 oF).  
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129  
Appendix A  
Humidity  
10% to 90% RH (non condensing).  
User interface  
Display  
Size - 128 x 64 pixel display that measures 6 cm x 4.8 cm (2.4" x 1.9").  
Lighting ~ Transflective to take advantage of ambient lighting plus fiberoptic  
backlighting that can be manually operated or set to turn off after a timed  
interval.  
Keypad  
Construction - Molded layer that holds fourteen press-sensitive buttons.  
Buttons - Five buttons have dedicated control functions, another five are pri-  
marily used for selection and navigation, and another four provide variable  
functions when they are defined in the display (softkeys).  
Languages  
English, Spanish, German, French, Italian and Portuguese.  
Input/output  
Memory card ~ Removable Secure Digital (SD) data storage device that is  
inserted in a slot at the base of the instrument. Stores measurements made  
in studies and sessions in session files. If the instrument has a logging option  
installed and is logging measurements, the logged values are stored in the  
applicable session file as well. The card also stores configuration files.  
Microphones  
The following specifications apply to microphones connected to the instru-  
ment.  
QE7052 - Free-field, Class/Type 2, (standard), low cost ½-inch diameter  
(.52"), electret (200 volts must be set to “Off”)  
BK4936 - Free-field, Class/Type 1, (standard) ½-inch diameter (.52"), elec-  
tret (200 volts must be set to “Off”)  
QE4110 - Free-field, Class/Type 1 (optional) ¼-inch diameter (.276"), con-  
denser (200 Volts must be set to “On”). Use for very high dB level free-field  
measurements. Requires a special preamp to handle high levels. Please  
contact 3M.  
QE4130 - Free field, Class/Type 1 (optional), ½-inch diameter (.52"), con-  
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130  
Appendix A  
denser (200 volts must be set to “On”). Use for general, higher-level, free-  
field measurements.  
QE4150 - Free-field, Class/Type 1 (optional) ½-inch diameter (.52"), con-  
denser (200 volts must be set to “On”). Use for general free-field measure-  
ments.  
QE4170 - Pressure, Class/Type 1 (optional), 1-inch diameter (.938"), con-  
denser (200 volts must be set to “On”). Use for coupler measurements, audi-  
ometer calibration, low-frequency measurements, low level measurements  
(due to low noise floor) or as a laboratory standard.  
Characteristic  
Accuracy  
BK4936  
Class 1  
Electret  
½
QE7052  
Class 2  
Electret  
½
QE4110  
Class 1  
200V  
¼
QE4130  
Class 1  
200V  
½
QE4150 QE4170  
Class 1  
200V  
½
Class 1  
200V  
1
Polarization  
Diameter (inches)  
Response  
Free- Field  
Free- Field Free- Field Free- Field Free- Field Pressure  
characteristic  
Frequency response 8 Hz to 20 kHz  
(± 2 dB)  
20 Hz to 17  
kHz  
20 Hz to 5 Hz to 24.5 5 Hz to 20 3 Hz to 10  
24.5 kHz  
kHz  
-36  
15.8  
10  
kHz  
-26  
50  
0
kHz  
-26  
50  
Sensitivity (dBV)  
Sensitivity (mV)  
-28  
40  
0
-29  
35  
0
-49.1  
3.5  
-
dB noise (1 kHz third-  
octave band)  
-1  
dBA noise  
dBC noise  
dBZ noise  
dBF noise  
22  
31  
35  
40  
27  
22  
31  
35  
40  
27  
-
-
32  
41  
45  
50  
37  
22  
31  
35  
40  
27  
18  
21  
25  
33  
23  
-
-
Mic range dBA min.  
(recommended)  
60  
dB Peak  
142  
12  
143  
15  
167  
6.5  
150  
18  
143  
18  
140  
60  
Nominal capacitance  
(pF)  
Part number  
059-523  
056-317  
059-413  
058-659  
058-489 058-488  
AC/DC outputs  
Connector - One 3.5 mm stereo plug connector for both AC and DC outputs.  
AC output ~ Meter 1 output, and includes the frequency response setting for  
that meter. The AC output is affected by the instrument’s range setting.  
DC output - Meter 1 output, and includes the effects of the time response  
and frequency weighing for the meter.  
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131  
Appendix A  
Communications ports  
Auxiliary - For trigger signals and RS-232 communication.  
USB - Mini USB connector. This port is used for data and file transfers  
between the instrument and a personal computer.  
Measurements  
Types  
SPL measures - SPL, Average value (Lavg or Leq), Maximum value (LMx),  
Minimum value (LMn), Peak value (LPk).  
Noise dosimetry - Sound Exposure Level (SEL), Time Weighted Average  
(TWA), Projected TWA (PTWA), Taktmaximal (TAKTMX), Dose, Projected  
Dose (PDSE), Exposure (EXP).  
Community noise dosimetry - Exceedance (Ln), Day-Night average (Ldn),  
Community Noise Exposure Level (CNEL), SPL difference for “C” and “A”  
time response settings (Lc-a).  
Overload Time (OL) - The percentage of time over the OL setting.  
Ranges  
Broadband - Eight selectable ranges of 90 dB each.  
Filtered - Eight selectable ranges of 80 dB each.  
Measurement parameters  
Response time - Fast, slow and impulse.  
Frequency weighting - A, C, Z and F (flat).  
Threshold - 10 to 140 dB or OFF.  
Exchange Rate (ER) - 3, 4, 5 and 6 dB.  
Criterion Level (CL) - 40 to 100 dB.  
Upper Limit (UL) - 10 to 140 dB.  
Projected Time - 1 to 24 hours.  
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132  
Appendix A  
Other  
Maximum peak level - 3 dB over the full scale reading.  
Calibration  
Pre-calibration - When performed, valid prior to the start of a session.  
Post-calibration - When performed, valid for the previous study in the ses-  
sion.  
Storage - All calibrations for a session are stored in the related session file.  
Calibrators - All 3M Calibrators have an output of 114dB at 1 kHz, and some  
may have other settings. See “Preparing to calibrate” in Chapter 6) or  
additional information about calibrators.  
Studies and sessions  
Run-time clock - Duration of every run and session shown in screens as  
well as added to the session file.  
Manual operation - Run, Pause and Stop keys.  
Programmed operation - Three Auto-Run modes:  
Date (four options).  
Day of the week (any time on any day).  
Timed (future start time).  
Triggered runs - Trigger on measured SPL or on external input. Triggers  
can start a study, then either pause in the session or stop the session.  
Triggered outputs - Output logic signals related to run status.  
Special features  
Security  
Runs - Prevents the pausing of a study without first providing a 4-digit code.  
Setups - Prevents the changing of settings without first providing a 4-digit  
code.  
Codes - Run and setup security can use different codes.  
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133  
Appendix A  
Back-erase  
Erasing - Up to 20 seconds of sampled SPL data can be removed from the  
end of the last study. When removed, all calculations based on the removed  
segment of data are immediately updated.  
Editing - The length of the back-erased segment can be edited.  
Storage - Data removed by back-erasing is retained in the session file.  
Logging (optional)  
Measurements - User-selectable for each of the two meters. Includes two  
measurements of exceedance for Meter 1 (only for logging intervals equal or  
greater than one minute).  
With filtering - If a filtering option is installed, either broadband or filtered  
logging can be selected, where filtered logging will depend upon the analysis  
type setting for the session.  
Logging interval - User-selectable from among 11 settings ranging from 1  
second to one hour.  
Part numbers  
Replacement parts  
Part Number Description  
053-840  
SoundPro SE/DL Class 1 BK4936 microphone kit (BK4936 microphone,  
056-990 microphone-to-calibrator adapter and 059-344 windscreen).  
SoundPro SE/DL Class 2 QE7052 microphone kit (QE7052 microphone,  
056-990 microphone-to-calibrator adapter and 059-344 windscreen).  
SoundPro SE/DL standard preamp.  
053-841  
053-700  
017-524  
053-575  
056-164  
058-115  
059-344  
WS-307-5  
SD card.  
SoundPro SE/DL USB cable to pc.  
Wrist strap, 1/4" - 20.  
WS-3 windscreen for 1.0" microphone. Package of 3.  
WS-7 windscreen for 0.5" microphone. Package of 3.  
Windscreen for 0.25" microphone. Package of 5.  
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134  
Appendix A  
Optional parts  
Part  
Description  
Number  
053-842  
SoundPro SE/DL Class/Type 1 QE4170 microphone kit (QE4170 microphone  
and machined adapter to preamp).  
053-843  
053-844  
SoundPro SE/DL Class/Type 1 QE4130 microphone kit (QE4130 microphone,  
056-990 microphone-to-calibrator adapter and 059-344 windscreen).  
SoundPro SE/DL Class/Type 1 QE4110 microphone kit (QE4110 microphone,  
microphone-to-calibrator adapter and 059-344 windscreen).  
059-413  
058-659  
058-489  
058-488  
053-571  
057-860  
056-981  
056-982  
QE4110 free field microphone, 0.25" condenser type.  
QE4130 free field microphone, 0.5" condenser type.  
QE4150 free field microphone, 0.5" condenser type.  
QE4170 pressure microphone, 1" condenser type.  
9V Switching-type, universal power supply.  
Detection Management Software  
QC-10 Calibrator; 114dB at 1000 Hz Output.  
QC-20 Calibrator; Selectable 94dB or 114dB at 250 Hz or 1000 Hz Output.  
Part  
Description  
Number  
056-990  
059-045  
053-851  
053-852  
053-853  
053-870  
058-700  
053-729  
016-127  
053-372  
059-703  
053-711  
1/2 inch Microphone-to-calibrator adapter for QC-10 and QC- 20 calibrators.  
TP-1 tripod (height range: 18.5 in. - 48.9 in.).  
SoundPro preamp extension cable, 1 M.  
SoundPro preamp extension cable, 3 M.  
SoundPro preamp extension cable, 15 M.  
SoundPro automobile cable.  
AC/DC cable.  
Serial Connector Cable  
AC/DC output cable  
Direct coupled input adapter  
BNC preamp Input adapter with 18 pF capacitor.  
SoundPro SE/DL carrying case.  
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135  
Appendix A  
Port pinouts  
AC/DC jack  
The pinout for the jack used for the AC/DC signals is displayed below in  
Figure A-1. This 3.5 millimeter jack is the same type of jack commonly used  
for stereo outputs in music systems.  
Figure A-1: Pinout for the AC/DC output jack  
Auxiliary connector  
The auxiliary connector in the base of the instrument can be used for input  
and output triggers (See “Triggers”) to receive GPS signals or for RS-232  
serial communications. Figure A-2 shows the pinout for the auxiliary  
connector.  
Figure A-2: Auxiliary connector  
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136  
Appendix A  
Block Diagram for SoundPro  
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APPENDIX  
137 Appendix B  
B
Glossary of Terms  
C-A  
The C-A measurement is an SPL average that enhances the low- frequency components of  
the sound signal.  
Figure B-1: C-A weighting response curve  
Center frequency  
The center frequency of each octave and third octave filter band.  
CNEL  
Community Noise Exposure Level. The accumulated exposure to sound measured in a 24-  
hour sampling interval and artificially boosted during certain hours. For CNEL, samples taken  
between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. are boosted by 5 dB; samples taken between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.  
are boosted by 10 dB. The values reported by SoundPro SE/DL ignore the threshold and use  
a 3 dB Exchange Rate, regardless how those parameters are set.  
Criterion Level  
Criterion Level. The average SPL that would result in 100% dose over the Criterion Time  
(usually 8 hours).  
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138 Appendix B  
CT  
Criterion Time. At the Criterion Level, the time period over which the resulting dose is 100%.  
Usually is 8 hours.  
dB  
Sound Level Meters use the decibel as the unit of measure known as Sound Pressure Level  
(SPL). SPL uses the ratio between a reference level of 20 microPascals (.00002 Pascals)  
and the level being measured.  
SPL = 20 log (measured level/reference level)  
Example: the SPL for 1 Pascal is 20 log (1 Pascal/.00002 Pascal) = 94 dB 20 microPascals  
(.00002 Pascals) is considered the average threshold of hearing.  
A whisper is about 20 dB. A normal conversation is typically from 60 to 70 dB, and a noisy  
factory from 90 to 100 dB. Loud thunder is approximately 110 dB, and 120 dB borders on the  
threshold of pain.  
Dose  
Related to the Criterion Level, a dose reading of 100% is the maximum allowable exposure to  
accumulated noise. For OSHA, 100% dose occurs for an average sound level of 90 dB over  
an 8 hour period (or any equivalent exposure). By using a TWA reading rather than the  
average sound level, the time period is no longer explicitly needed. A TWA of 90 dB is the  
equivalent of 100% dose. The dose will double (halve) every time the TWA increases  
(decreases) by the Exchange Rate.  
Example: OSHA uses an Exchange Rate of 5 dB. Suppose the TWA is 100 dB.  
The dose would double for each 5 dB increase over the Criterion Level of 90 dB.  
The resulting dose is therefore 400%. If the TWA was instead equal to 80 dB then  
the dose would halve for each 5 dB below the Criterion Level. The resulting dose  
would be 25%.  
When taking noise samples less that the full workday, dose is an easy number to  
work with because it is linear with respect to time.  
Example: If a 0.5 hour sample results in 9% dose and the workday is 7.5 hours  
long, then the dose for the full workday would be a 135% dose (7.5 / 0.5 x 9%).  
This is computed making the assumption that the sampled noise will continue at  
the same levels for the full 7.5 hour workday.  
Dynamic range  
The range of input amplitudes on any given range setting over which the instrument can  
produce a meaningful response. The bottom of the dynamic range is the instrument’s Noise  
Floor for that range setting, and the top of the dynamic range is the maximum input signal  
that will not overload the instrument on that range setting.  
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139 Appendix B  
Exceedance Level (Ln)  
Exceedance levels represent the percent of the run time that was spent at or above the  
corresponding dB level.  
Example: An L40 equal to 73 dB would mean that for 40% of the run time, the  
decibel lever was equal to or higher than 73 dB.  
Exceedance levels can be set from 1% to 99%.  
Exchange Rate (ER)  
Also known as the Doubling Rate, this refers to how the sound energy is averaged over time.  
Using the decibel scale, every time the sound energy doubles, the measured level increases  
by 3 dB. This is the 3 dB Exchange Rate that most of the world uses. For every increase of 3  
dB in the time weighted average, the measured dose would double.  
Some organizations such as OSHA in the U.S. have argued that the human ear self  
compensates for changing noise levels and they felt that the 3 dB Exchange Rate should be  
changed to more closely match the response of the human ear. OSHA currently uses a 5 dB  
Exchange Rate which would mean that the reported dose would double with every 5 dB  
increase in the time weighted average. The Exchange Rate affects the integrated reading  
LAVG, Dose, and TWA but does not affect the instantaneous sound level.  
ExpHrs  
Hours of sound exposure. Accumulated exposure to sound measured in hours using an  
Exchange Rate of 3 dB. The display will switch to ExpSec if RTIME is less than one hour.  
eq – 94) ⁄ 3.01  
EXPHrs = [2(L  
]
Pa2H  
-------------------  
RTIME  
3600  
OR  
ExpSec  
Seconds of sound exposure. Accumulated exposure to sound measured in seconds using an  
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140 Appendix B  
Exchange Rate of 3 dB. The display will switch to ExpHrs if RTIME is greater than 3600  
seconds.  
EXPSec = [2(L – 94) ⁄ 3.01] RTIME Pa2S  
eq  
Level (LFT)  
Notation used to represent sound pressure level measurements in IEC/ISO notation, where  
the measurements are made with particular frequency (F) and time (T) response parameters.  
For an actual measurement, the F and T parameters are replaced by standardized notation  
for those parameters.  
L_AV  
Average sound level measured over the run time. This becomes a bit confusing when  
thresholds are used. Any sound below the threshold is not included in this average.  
Remember that sound is measured in the logarithmic scale of decibels therefore the average  
can not be computed by simply adding the levels and dividing by the number of samples.  
When averaging decibels, short durations of high levels can significantly contribute to the  
average level.  
Example: Assume the threshold is set to 80 dB and the Exchange Rate is 5 dB (the settings  
of OSHA’s Hearing Conservation Amendment). Consider taking a one hour noise  
measurement in an office where the A- weighted sound level was typically between 50 dB  
and 70 dB. If the sound level never exceeded the 80 dB threshold during the one hour period,  
then the LAVG would not indicate a reading of zero. If 80 dB was exceeded for only a few  
seconds due to a telephone ringing near the instrument, then only those seconds will  
contribute to the LAVG resulting in a level perhaps around 40 dB (notably lower than the actual  
levels in the environment).  
Lavg = ER log2 RTIME 2LS ER dt – log2 (RTIME) dB  
0
L_EQ  
The true equivalent sound level measured over the run time. The term L_EQ is functionally the  
same as L_AV except that it is only used when the Exchange Rate is set to 3 dB and the  
threshold is set to none.  
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141 Appendix B  
LDN  
Representing the Day/Night sound level, this measurement is a 24-hour average sound level  
where 10 dB is added to all of the readings that occur between 10pm and 7am. This is  
primarily used in community noise regulations where there is a 10 dB “penalty” for night time  
noise. Typically LDN’s are measured using A weighting, a 3 dB Exchange Rate, and no  
Threshold.  
L_Mn  
Minimum SPL. Lowest SPL measured over a time interval.  
L_Mx  
Maximum SPL. Highest SPL measured over a time interval.  
Logging  
In sound studies, the saving of measurements at fixed intervals during a study, where each  
measurement is determined from data processed in the previous logging interval.  
L_Pk  
Peak SPL. This is the highest SPL value obtained during a study or a session. A peak SPL  
measurement is affected by the frequency response setting but not by the time response  
setting of the meter.  
Octave band  
An Octave band is defined as a frequency band whose upper band-edge frequency is twice  
the lower band frequency.  
Noise  
Unwanted sound.  
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142 Appendix B  
NCB (Balanced Noise Criterion Curves )  
This is the most recent incarnation of the curves based on Beranek’s work (1987). This curve  
family goes beyond a simple tangency method to try to ensure a more neutral characteristic  
to the noise spectrum and also accounts for speech interference such as: rumble, rattle, and  
hiss. NCB was recommended for use with HVAC systems and similar applications and  
accounts for lower frequency sounds in comparison to NC curves.  
When setting NCB as the type on the meter, you should use S12.1 unless a local ordinance  
or similar requirement specifies the use of a tangency technique. (This is usually specified in  
a standard.)  
Noise Criterion Curves (NC)  
With NC curve evaluation, sound is measured in octave bands in 8 octave bands ranging  
from 63 to 8000 Hz and is then plotted on the octave band spectrum using a set of curves.  
NC curve evaluation uses a tangency method. A tangency method is a process of  
comparing your measurements to a fixed curve. The correct curve number is the lowest  
curve that meets or exceeds the measured octave values. Typically, this is used in HVAC  
applications.  
Noise Rating Curves (NR)  
This curve family is a tangency technique and is used primarily in Europe and Australia. It is  
used not only for HVAC and machine noise applications, but also in community noise  
enforcement.  
Noise Floor  
The signal magnitude at the bottom of the instrument’s linear range. Input signals below the  
noise floor cannot be differentiated from the internal noise of the instrument.  
Overload (OL)  
An overload will occur whenever the input signal exceeds the dynamic range of the  
instrument.  
Pascal (Pa)  
Unit of pressure equal to 1 Newton per square meter.  
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143 Appendix B  
PTWA  
This is a projected TWA determined for a projected time (Prt) in relation to the Criterion Time  
(CT) as follows.  
Prt  
--------  
CT  
TWA = Lavg + ER log2  
dB  
Peak –C  
The following chart illustrates the range of Sound Level with C-weighted Peak.  
Peak C Level Range  
Level Range (dB)  
-20 to 70  
Peak C Level Range (dB)  
42.2 to 73  
Level Range (dB)  
20 to 110  
(dB)  
42.7 to 113  
46.7 to 123  
55.4 to 132  
66.3 to 142  
-10 to 80  
42.6 to 83  
30 to 120  
0 to 90  
41.6 to 93  
40 to 130  
10 to 100  
43.4 to 103  
50 to 140  
Preferred Noise Criterion (PNC) Curves  
The Preferred Noise Criterion Curves, a type of tangency method, was an update to  
Beranek’s original NC curves that accounted for the lower frequency side of the criterion  
curves (1971). The PNC curves extended the range to 32 Hz instead of 63 Hz used in NC  
curves.  
Projected time (Prt)  
A time interval used in some calculations, usually different from the actual run time of a study  
or session.  
Reference pressure  
The sound pressure at the threshold of human hearing, as measured under standard  
conditions. This generally accepted magnitude of this pressure is 2 × 10-5 Pascals (Pa).  
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144 Appendix B  
Response time (F,S, I)  
Selectable time response settings used in SoundPro SE/DL measurements. The response  
time is a standardized exponential time weighting of the input signal according to fast (F),  
slow (S) or impulse (I) time response relationships. Time response can be described with a  
time constant. The time constants for fast, slow and impulse responses are 0.125 s, 1.0 s and  
35 ms, respectively. Impulse time response is 35ms rise with a constant decay of 2.9dB/sec.  
Burst duration, t (seconds)  
Figure B-2: Slow response to a tone burst  
Burst duration, t (milliseconds)  
Figure B-3: Fast response to a tone burst  
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145 Appendix B  
Burst duration, t (milliseconds)  
Figure B-4: Impulse response to a tone burst  
Room Criterion Curves (RC)  
Room Criterion curve’s was introduced in 1981 by Blazier to primarily rate noise in  
offices/room acoustics. This methodology calculates a numerical rating based on speech  
interference and indicates any interference such as hissing, rumbling, or vibration.  
SEL  
Sound Exposure Level. The continuous SPL lasting one-second that would deliver the same  
sound exposure as an accumulated exposure determined over a sampling interval (RTime).  
SEL is typically determined with a 3 dB Exchange Rate, slow exponential time-weighting, and  
without regard to an Integrating Threshold.  
SEL = ER log2 RTIME 2L ER dt dB  
0
SPL  
Sound pressure level. A ratio of one sound pressure to a reference pressure (See Reference  
Pressure on page 141). Because of the enormous dynamic range of the human ear, the ratio  
is calculated logarithmically by the formula below, where Lr is the reference pressure.  
L
SPL = 20 log  
dB  
----  
Lr  
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146 Appendix B  
Taktmx  
A time average over a sampling interval that uses the highest level occurring during the  
preceding Taktmaximal Interval, either three or five seconds, and assumes that it was  
present for the whole Taktmaximal Interval.  
Third-octave band  
A Third-octave band is defined as a frequency band whose upper band- edge frequency is  
1.26 times the lower band frequency.  
Threshold  
An SPL value that defines a lower level of acceptable values. Only SPL samples that exceed  
the threshold are used in some calculations.  
TWA  
Time weighted average. The constant SPL over an 8-hour interval that would produce the  
same exposure to sound as an exposure measured over a run time sampling interval (Rtime).  
TWA = ER log2 RTIME 2L ER dt – log2 (CT) dB  
0
Upper Limit (UL)  
The total time during a study that the SPL exceeds the Upper Limit meter setting.  
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147 Appendix B  
Weighting (A, C, Z, F)  
SPL measurements are commonly weighted (scaled) in relation to their frequency  
components in order to provide a consistent basis for comparison to other measurements of  
the same type. In addition to the standardized A, C and Z weighting curves, you can select F-  
weighting (flat) which provides no weighting at all. The four SoundPro SE/DL weighting  
curves are plotted together in Figure B-5, where the F-weighting curve has been shifted up by  
5 dB for graphical clarity. The tolerance limits for F frequency weighting are the same as A,  
C, and Z frequency weighting.  
Figure B-5: All frequency weightings plotted together  
Windscreen  
A covering for a microphone that reduces disturbances caused by wind and direct contact  
with other surfaces.  
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148 Appendix B  
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149 Appendix C  
APPENDIX  
C
Customer service  
Customer service  
Contacting 3M Instrumentation  
Should your 3M equipment need to be returned for repair or for recalibration, please contact the  
service department at the following number or access the online form via the website. For  
technical issues, please contact Technical Support.  
Service Department and Technical Support: 1 (800) 245-0779.  
Fax: 1 (262) 567-4047. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. United States Central.  
International customers  
Contact your local, factory-authorized distributor from whom the product was purchased. You can  
obtain the name and contact information of your local factory-authorized distributor from 3M by  
using the e-mail, telephone, or fax information given under Contacting 3Mabove.  
Calibration  
The SoundPro and 3M field calibrator devices should be examined regularly by the factory. An  
annual calibration is recommended. (Please see Service Department above.)  
.
Models SE and DL  
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150 Appendix C  
Warranty  
TM  
3M SoundPro Sound Level Meter LIMITED WARRANTY. 3M warrants SoundPro Sound Level  
Meter will be from free defective materials and workmanship for one year from date of purchase  
(indicated on the sales receipt), provided it is maintained and used in accordance with 3M  
instructions and/or recommendations. If any component becomes defective during the warranty  
period, it will be replaced or repaired free of charge. This warranty does not apply to units that have  
been altered or had repair attempted, or that have been subjected to abuse, accidental or  
otherwise. The above warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties, obligations or liabilities. For  
warranty outside the United States, a minimum of one year warranty applies subject to the same  
limitation and exceptions as above with service provided or arranged through the authorized 3M  
distributor or our 3M European Service Laboratory. Foreign purchasers should contact the local 3M  
authorized sales agent for detail. THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND  
FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED TO ONE YEAR FROM THE PURCHASE  
DATE. 3M shall not be liable for any other warranty, express or implied, arising out of or related to  
the appropriate use of hearing protection devices. Manufacturer or its agents liability shall be  
limited to replacement or repair as set forth above. Buyers sole and exclusive remedies are return  
of the goods and repayment of the price, or repair and replacement of defective goods or parts.  
Models SE and DL  
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151 Index  
APPENDIX D: INDEX  
AC/DC  
Captured curves  
Output explained................................. 122  
Port location............................................ 7  
Alternate functions  
Indicator ................................................ 20  
Altf............................................................. 19  
Arrows....................................................... 19  
Attaching calibrator to the SoundPro......... 62  
Audiometric background curves  
Running.................................................90  
Captured curves  
Applications...........................................87  
Runing and viewing results....................96  
Setting up ..............................................88  
Center frequency  
Defined................................................137  
CNEL  
Setting-up.............................................. 94  
Audiometric Background curves  
Defined................................................137  
Communications  
Running................................................. 96  
Auto-Run  
View measurements remotley (log-to-port) ...53  
Contacting 3M .........................................149  
Criterion curves  
Running.................................................96  
Setting-up..............................................92  
Types.....................................................91  
Criterion Level  
Date setting........................................... 38  
Days of week......................................... 40  
Setting date........................................... 39  
Auto-run shutdown screen ........................ 42  
Auxiliary  
Port location............................................ 7  
Average SPL  
Defined................................................137  
CT  
Defined; ................................................... 140  
Back-erasing  
Defined................................................138  
dB  
Explained .............................................. 72  
Results.................................................. 73  
Backlight ................................................... 19  
Setting................................................... 35  
Backlight setting........................................ 35  
Balanced noise criterion curves  
Defined................................................138  
DC output  
Explained.............................................123  
Display.......................................................19  
DMS  
Retrieve data.......................................121  
Retrieving your data diagram...............122  
DMS  
Defined................................................ 142  
Batteries  
Checking or changing ........................... 15  
Indicator ................................................ 20  
Installing................................................ 14  
Power explained.................................... 15  
C-A  
Defined................................................ 137  
C-A measurement..................................... 30  
Calibrate  
Back-erased data ..................................73  
DMS  
Downloaded.........................................122  
Explained.................................................9  
Retrieving data ....................................121  
Dose  
Defined................................................138  
Dynamic range  
About..................................................... 61  
History cal screen.................................. 64  
Post-cal................................................. 61  
Pre-Cal.................................................. 61  
Steps..................................................... 62  
Calibrating........................................... 61, 63  
Defined................................................138  
Enter..........................................................19  
Exceedance Level (Ln)  
Defined................................................139  
Exchange Rate (ER)  
Defined................................................139  
Models SE and DL  
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152 Index  
ExpHrs  
Setting measurement type.....................26  
Third-octave band....................................3  
Measurements  
Defined................................................ 139  
ExpSec  
Defined................................................ 139  
File Setups(Config)  
Creating or saving............................... 118  
Files  
Loading and deleting........................... 115  
Naming/Renaming .............................. 117  
FSetup Files (Config)  
Creating or saving............................... 118  
GPS  
Explained .............................................. 54  
Setting................................................... 55  
Hardware interface...................................... 6  
Indicators  
Explained .............................................. 20  
Information screen  
Explained ................................................ 8  
Keypad  
Example................................................ 18  
Explained .............................................. 19  
L_EQ  
Defined................................................ 140  
L_Mn  
Defined................................................ 141  
L_Mx  
Defined................................................ 141  
L_Pk  
Defined................................................ 141  
LDN  
Defined................................................ 141  
Level (LFT)  
Defined................................................ 140  
Level-triggered  
Screen explained .................................. 44  
Lock screen............................................... 47  
Log -to-Port............................................... 53  
Logging  
Defined................................................ 141  
Setup screen......................................... 32  
Measurement  
Audiometric background curves ............94  
Bar chart................................................68  
Changing what is displayed...................66  
Community noise...................................69  
Criterion curves .....................................91  
Curves explained...................................87  
Dosimetry screen...................................70  
Filtered bar chart ...................................68  
Indicators/descriptors ............................67  
Navigational screens explained.............65  
Pause ....................................................75  
Running.................................................64  
Setting captured curves.........................88  
STI-PA testing .......................................98  
Stop.......................................................75  
Tabulation screen..................................71  
Time History ..........................................72  
Measures setup screen  
Gender field.........................................100  
Post process field ................................101  
Memory card  
Slot location.............................................6  
Memory Card  
About...................................................120  
Ejecting................................................121  
Formatting ...........................................120  
Microphone  
Installing ................................................12  
Installing windscreen .............................13  
Models.........................................................1  
Navigating  
Keypad ..................................................21  
NCB  
Defined................................................142  
Noise  
Defined................................................141  
Noise Criterion Curves (NC)  
Defined................................................142  
Noise Floor  
Changing Display.................................. 66  
Explained .............................................. 29  
IEC/ISO................................................. 57  
Octave bands.......................................... 2  
Overview............................................... 58  
Range ................................................... 60  
Defined................................................142  
Noise Rating Curves (NR)  
Defined................................................142  
Octave band  
Defined................................................141  
On/off/esc  
Models SE and DL  
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153 Index  
Identified................................................ 18  
Turning off............................................. 21  
Overload  
Room Criterion Curves (RC)  
Defined................................................145  
Run  
Indicator ................................................ 20  
Overload (OL)  
Defined................................................ 142  
Pascal (Pa)  
Indicator.................................................20  
Lock.......................................................47  
Run Mode security.....................................46  
Running  
Defined................................................ 142  
Quick help list........................................58  
Saving Setup...........................................118  
Screens, general  
Past data  
Diagram.................................................18  
Start.......................................................16  
Screens, setup  
Battery check.........................................16  
Comm-Set; ............................................54  
Screens, time-history/back-erase ..............72  
Screens, viewing  
Community noise...................................69  
Dosimetry screen...................................70  
File.......................................................112  
Filtered bar chart ...................................68  
Icons......................................................67  
Past Measurements.............................115  
STI-PA.................................................104  
Tabulation..............................................71  
Tabulation screen..................................71  
Time log.................................................72  
Screens, Viewing  
Viewing ......................................112  
Past Data  
Loading and deleting files ................... 115  
Pause  
Indicator ................................................ 20  
Peak –C  
Defined................................................ 143  
Power jack  
Location .................................................. 7  
Power supply  
Auto and universal explained................ 17  
Connecting............................................ 17  
Pre-Calibrate history screen...................... 63  
Preferred Noise Criterion (PNC) Curves  
Defined................................................ 143  
Projected time (Prt)  
Defined................................................ 143  
PTWA  
Bart chart...............................................68  
Screens,viewing  
Defined................................................ 143  
Reference pressure  
Bar chart................................................64  
Secure mode  
Defined................................................ 143  
Response time  
Disabling and backup number...............49  
Secure run  
Fast, slow, impulse................................ 27  
Response time (F,S, I)  
About.....................................................46  
Secure run/setup  
Defined................................................ 144  
Reverberation  
Setting ...................................................47  
Secure setup  
About.....................................................46  
Secure Setup.............................................49  
SEL  
Defined................................................145  
Sessions  
Explained...............................................59  
Introduced..............................................75  
Scenario ................................................59  
Setup files(Config)  
About..................................................... 77  
Impulse noise method........................... 79  
Interrupted noise method ...................... 79  
Reverb time (RT60)............................... 78  
Reverb Time example chart.................. 78  
RT60 measurement mode..................... 83  
RT60 Test ............................................. 82  
Setup options........................................ 80  
Setup screen......................................... 80  
Review  
Indicator ................................................ 20  
Review mode .......................................... 113  
Deleting ...............................................119  
Models SE and DL  
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154 Index  
Loading ............................................... 119  
Setup files(Config.)  
Viewing ............................................... 119  
Setup screen  
Auto-run with date of week.................... 40  
Backlight................................................ 35  
Contrast................................................. 36  
Display .................................................. 33  
Language.............................................. 34  
Measaurement type .............................. 26  
Meter 1 and meter 2 parameter............. 27  
Time and date ....................................... 25  
Setup screens  
Steps, applying captured curves..........108  
Viewing result screens.........................104  
Stop...........................................................19  
Indicator.................................................20  
Stop and pause  
Explained...............................................75  
Studies  
Explained...............................................59  
Study  
Scenario ................................................59  
Taktmx  
Defined................................................146  
Third-octave band  
Microphone/signal input ........................ 24  
Softkey  
Defined................................................146  
Threshold  
Lookup .................................................. 66  
Softkey buttons ......................................... 19  
Softkey menu............................................ 19  
Softkeys  
Explained .............................................. 66  
SoundPro SE or DL kit.............................. 11  
Speech Transmission Index  
Explained .............................................. 98  
SPL  
Defined................................................ 145  
STI-PA  
Applying background noise (capture  
curve) overview................................... 108  
General setup guidelines .................... 100  
Modulation envelope screen ............... 106  
Modulation screen............................... 105  
Running a study.................................. 103  
Setup................................................... 100  
Defined................................................146  
Timed Run.................................................43  
Triggering  
Setting ...................................................50  
Turning off .................................................21  
TWA  
Defined................................................146  
Underrange  
Indicator.................................................20  
Upper Limit (UL)  
Defined................................................146  
USB port location........................................6  
Weighting ..................................................27  
Weighting (A, C, Z, F)  
Defined................................................147  
Windscreen  
Defined................................................147  
Models SE and DL  
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About Us  
3M Detection Solutions is a world class manufacturer of rugged, reliable instrumentation and software systems  
that help monitor and evaluate occupational and environmental health and safety hazards, including noise  
dosimetry, sound level monitoring, heat stress, indoor air quality and select toxic/combustible gases. The 3M  
Detection brand of instrumentation is used by safety and industrial hygiene professionals to help comply with  
applicable occupational standards and regulations.  
About 3M Personal Safety  
3M offers a comprehensive, diverse portfolio of Personal Safety solutions providing respiratory protection,  
hearing protection, fall protection, reflective materials for high visibility, protective clothing, protective  
eyewear, head and face protection, welding helmets, and other adjacent products and solutions such  
as tactical safety equipment, detection, monitoring equipment, active communications equipment and  
compliance management. In 2012, 3M celebrated 40 years of safety leadership – recognizing the company’
respiratory and hearing protection solutions introduced in 1972. Visit www.3M.com/PPESafety or http://  
m.3m.com/PPESafety  
Personal Safety Division  
3M Detection Solutions  
ISO 9001 Registered Company  
ISO 17025 Accredited Calibration Lab  
1060 Corporate Center Drive  
Oconomowoc, WI 53066  
Customer Service: 262-567-9157  
Toll Free: 800-245-0779  
3M and SoundPro are trademarks of 3M  
Company, used under license in Canada.  
Please recycle. Printed in USA.  
© 2014 3M Company  
All rights reserved.  
053-576 Rev.L 8/14  
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