Early attempts at quantifying Environmental noise
A technician from the Noise Abatement Commission makes sound level measurements in different parts of New York City.
1920s
a brief history
1961
The first sound level meter standard – IEC 123 – kickstarts the industry.
1961
1960s
1960s
The age of level recorders
and transistors
Noise measurements were performed with heavy equipment based on valve technology. Post-processing software was non-existent and there were no alternative ways of displaying results.
1962
1962
Brüel & Kjær launches Type 2203 – arguably the first portable sound level meter in history.
The age of microprocessors and internal memory
Microprocessors offer increased processing power and make way for smaller sound level meters. Internal memory (or built-in data storage) is developed.
1980s
1983
The first Brüel & Kjær sound level meter to integrate a microprocessor is Modular Precision Sound Level Meter Type 2231.
1983
The age of digital signal processing
The digital revolution is accelerating and digital signal processing is growing and evolving full speed.
1990s
1994
Brüel & Kjær launches Type 2260, adopting the new technology.
1994
The age of connectivity
Large colour displays, advanced post-processing and connectivity are all part of a new generation of sound level meters.
2000s
2004
Brüel & Kjær’s hand-held analyzer Type 2250 is launched.
2004
2015
Sound level meters Type 2250 and 2270 can connect wirelessly to Wi-Fi networks, making remote control from a smartphone possible, along with cloud-based services for data storage and sharing.
2015
2018
1980s
2000s
1920s
1990s
