What are A, C and Z Sound Frequency Ratings?

Your sound level meter or noise meter will often display references to frequency weightings, but what does this mean? With the help of our partners at Cirrus Research we explain below.

Our ears are most sensitive to frequencies between 500Hz and 6kHz and are less sensitive to frequencies above and below these. For a sound level meter or noise dosimeter to measure and report noise levels that represent what we hear, frequency weightings are used. These are electronic filters within the instrument that adjust the way the instrument measures the noise.

The most used frequency weightings you will see on a modern sound level meter, or noise dosimeter are ‘A’, ‘C’ and ‘Z’. The Cirrus Optimus Sound Level Meters will measure all three frequency weightings at the same time, saving you the risk of measuring the wrong parameter.

 

‘A’ Frequency Weighting

This is the standard weighting of the audible frequencies and reflects the response of the human ear to noise.

The ‘A’ weighting filter covers the full frequency range from 20Hz to 20kHz, but the shape approximates the frequency sensitivity of the human ear.

Measurements made using A-weighting are usually shown with dB(A) to show that the information is ‘A’ weighted or, for example, as LAeq, LAFmax, LAE etc.

 

‘C’ Frequency Weighting

This is a standard weighting of the audible frequencies commonly used for the measurement of Peak Sound Pressure level.

Measurements made using the C-weighting are usually shown with dB(C) to show that the information is C-weighted or, for example, LCeq, LCPeak, LCE etc.

 

‘Z’ Frequency Weighting

This is a flat frequency response between 10Hz and 20kHz ±1.5dB excluding microphone response.

Measurements made using Z-weighting are usually shown with dB(Z) to show the information is Z-weighted or, for example, LZeq, LZFmax, LZE etc.

All frequency weightings are defined in the standards to which a noise measurement instrument is designed. For example, the frequency weightings used on a sound level meter are defined in IEC 61672:2003 (BS EN 61672-1:2003).

The A, C & Z Frequency Weighting is measured simultaneously by all Optimus® Sound Level Meters. Simply select the applications, features and functions you require and we’ll tell you the best sound level meter for your requirements.

 

 

*Original text from our partners at Cirrus Research

What are A, C & Z Frequency Weightings? - NoiseNews (cirrusresearch.co.uk)