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Ocean Sound Meter
The Ocean Sound Meter is an over-the-side underwater sound level meter and acoustic recorder specifically designed for environmental noise assessments: Precisely calibrated to quantify sound from: Pile driving. Seismic surveys. Low- and mid-frequency sonar. Ambient/background noise. Displays acoustic data and computed levels in real time with audio playback. Compact and easily deployed from any vessel.
The ideal solution for underwater sound measurements
Because it is precisely calibrated, the Ocean Sound Meter accurately quantifies sound levels from any type of underwater source or activity. Sound levels are displayed in real time for immediate assessment:
- Peak sound pressure level (peak SPL in dB re 1 µPa)
- Root-mean-square sound pressure level (rms SPL in in dB re 1 µPa)
- IEC 61672 fast-time weighted sound pressure level
- Cumulative sound exposure level (SEL in dB re 1 µPa²·s)
Unlike traditional sound level meters, the Ocean Sound Meter software displays a large full-colour spectrogram of the acquired acoustic signal so you can visualize the frequency content of underwater sound. You can listen to the sound as you record it, or review selected periods. The sound level metrics are displayed in real time and the data are recorded to WAV files on your computer to easily manage noise exposure data.
The built-in Impulse Detector instantly quantifies peak and rms sound levels of each transient acoustic event, such as a strike of a pile driver, for on-the-spot assessment. The sound level readings for each impulse event are saved to a CSV file on your computer for automated log-keeping. You can configure the Detector parameters to suit the sound source of interest.
Unlike bulky autonomous underwater recorders, the compact Ocean Sound Meter is designed for easy deployment from any vessel or platform. Simply connect the watertight (non-submersible) enclosure to your computer via the provided network cable and deploy the hydrophone over the side. The current-loop hydrophone of the Ocean Sound Meter provides high fidelity recordings free of background hiss with a standard underwater cable length of 30 m or optionally longer.
The Ocean Sound Meter is built on the proven AMAR G3 platform.
What`s in the box
- Interface module in a watertight (non-submersible) enclosure
- Hydrophone and cable
- Ethernet and USB power cables
- Ocean Sound Meter software application (installation CD)
Signal acquisition performance
- Sample rates: 2–128 ksps
- Spectral noise floor: Better than −150 dB re FS at 128 ksps
- Data storage format: WAV (uncompressed)
- Single or dual-channel operation
Hydrophone options
- Various customizable options.
- Sensitivities and frequencies tailored to your needs.
Standard high sensitivity hydrophone:
- Nominal sensitivity: −164 dBV re 1 μPa @ 1 kHz
- Frequency response: 17 Hz to 150 kHz
Standard low sensitivity hydrophone:
Nominal sensitivity: −200 dBV re 1 μPa @ 1 kHz
Frequency response: 17 Hz to 150 kHz
Environmental
- Watertight (non-submersible) enclosure rating: IP67, NEMA 1, 2, 4, 4X, and UL-508
- Operating temperature: −5 to 50 °C
- Storage temperature: −30 to 55 °C
- Ruggedized transport case
Physical
- Interface module enclosure: 28.0 cm L × 20.0 cm W × 7.1 cm H
- Cable length: 30 m (or longer upon request)
- Power: USB (5.0 VDC, 500 mA) from your computer or a USB power adapter
Software
- Audio playback in real-time, or review of a selected window of interest
- Displays sound pressure levels and sound exposure levels (peak SPL, rms SPL, and cumulative SEL) for the entire recording or for user selected portions of data
- Detects impulses in real time and displays the sound levels
- Configurable detection parameters to suit the sound source
- For Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems
Optional add-ons
- AC power adapter
- Extended hydrophone cable or breakout cable
- Ruggedized notebook computer with pre-installed Ocean Sound Meter software
Due to continued product development, these specifications are subject to change without notice.