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SoundEar 3 Advanced Noise Warning Sign

SoundEar 3
SoundEar 3
SoundEar 3 Showing Noise Levels Sound Level Display, dB

Price List

SE3EAR
£1180.00 +VAT
SoundEar 3 Noise Sign - Data Logging - Ear Symbol
In stock

CR514
£329.00 +VAT
Sound Level Calibrator - Class 2
In stock
SE3EAR-5
£5723.00 +VAT
Five Noise Warning Signs and one Noise Meter
In stock

SE3EAR-10
£10856.00 +VAT
Ten Noise Warning Signs and one Noise Meter
In stock
SE2VESA
£25.00 +VAT
Wall and corner mount
In stock

SE3MIC
£346.00 +VAT
Microphone and preamplifier for SoundEar 3
Lead time 1 week

SE3EXT
£28.00 +VAT
5m Microphone Extension
In stock

P-SE3
£34.00 +VAT
Power Supply for SoundEar 3
In stock

P-SE3-MED
£45.00 +VAT
Medical Power Supply for SoundEar 3
In stock

PSU24DC
£34.00 +VAT
Power supply with 24V DC output
In stock

POWEX10
£12.00 +VAT
DC power extension cable 10m (32ft) for 24V power supply
In stock

The delivery price is calculated during checkout based on your location and the goods ordered. Our basic delivery prices are:

Delivery within United Kingdom: £12.00 +VAT

Delivery Service: Next working day*

* For products that are in stock and the order received by midday.

Some products go through a final configuration and calibration before being shipped. If the calibration labs are busy this can add up to two days on to the delivery schedule but guarantees a fresh calibration.

SE3EAR
£1180.00 +VAT
SoundEar 3 Noise Sign - Data Logging - Ear Symbol
In stock

Features

  • Individual noise trigger levels for red, yellow and green
  • Digital display of sound level in dB
  • Daytime and nighttime modes (levels and display options)
  • Data logging with download to USB stick
  • Low noise floor for quiet environments
  • Weatherproof outdoor version available

Applications

  • Hospital noise
  • Offices and open plan working environments
  • Call centres
  • Schools - study rooms, libraries

Advanced Noise Sign

The SoundEar 3 is the top of the noise warning sign range, adding many useful features to those offered in the SoundEar II. This version of the SoundEar is ideal for carrying out long term noise checks but also giving an instant and clear warning of high noise levels.

Modes of Operation

The SoundEar 3 can be set to have different sound level triggers and displays (lit or flashing) depending on the time of day. For example, noise in a hospital is often more important at night, but a flashing light is not so desirable. The sign can be set to light up at a lower sound level at night and not to flash. You could even set it to only show the central red light at night and leave the green and yellow switched off.

You can connect the SoundEar 3 to a computer and use the software that is included to configure it. If you have a number of noise signs to configure then the software can write the settings to a memory stick. When you plug the stick in to each sign it will automatically configure it.

External Microphone

The SoundEar 3 is supplied with a plug-in microphone. It connects at the bottom of the sign and remains out of sight and out of harm's way. However, if you need to mount the microphone away from the sign then you can use a microphone extension cable, which should be ordered separately, order code SE3EXT.

Data Logging and Software

The SoundEar 3 has a large internal memory that stores the sound level every minute. When downloaded to a computer this gives a detailed graph of the noise throughout the day. A standard memory stick is the easiest way to transfer the noise measurements from the SoundEar to a computer.

usb stick data download
Download with USB Memory Stick

Outputs and System Integration

The SoundEar 3 can output the sound level in two different forms, making it suitable for integration with other monitoring and control systems. Using the software supplied you can configure the outputs to be either DC 0 to 10V or current loop 4-20mA. Two outputs are available and can be set to different noise parameters.

Applications

The SoundEar 3 is designed for noise warning and long term monitoring in environments where the appearance of the device is important. This version of the sign is particularly suited to low noise environments, although the range covers almost any application.

Hospitals and Neonatal

Mounted on the wall in rooms and corridors, the SoundEar 3 gives a clear reminder for staff and visitors to keep the noise levels down. This version of the SoundEar is particularly suited to the hospital environment as it can be set to function differently during the day and during the night. For night time the trigger levels can be lower and the lights less obtrusive. See the Displays page for more information.

With the noise levels stored and downloaded to the software, you can carry out long term monitoring to assess the success of a noise control program and to identify the noisy times of day.

Data storage and software are included with the standard SoundEar 3.

Libraries, Schools and other Quiet Zones

The SoundEar 3 gives a clear reminder to everybody that noise levels should be kept down. The SoundEar 3 operates down to 30 dB, making it ideal for such low noise environments.

Offices and Open Plan Workplace

Noise in the office, especially in open plan layouts, can be a sensitive issue - the person making the noise is upsetting the work of others, but may not be aware of the issue and be embarrassed by being asked to quieten down. The SoundEar gives a clear indication that the noise levels are high without the subjective nature of the human ear.

The sign is just a reminder that too much noise is being made and with the data logging facility (included) you can monitor the long term noise environment.

Entertainment Noise

High noise levels in pubs, clubs and other entertainment venues cause a health risk for staff and the risk of complaints from local residents. The SoundEar 3 can be used to warn when quieter areas get too loud (risk of hearing damage for staff) and can also warn whoever controls the music that the general sound levels are too high, risking complaint.

Link to Process Control and Monitoring Systems

The SoundEar 3 has DC voltage and current loop outputs that can be connected to other systems for monitoring or process control. Please see the Outputs tab for more information.

Installation and Setup

Installation of the SoundEar 3 consists of two parts: mounting it on the wall and setting up the display.

Mounting - Single Screw

The easiest way to mount the SoundEar 3 on the wall is using a single screw and hanging the sign, just like a picture.

mounting the noise warning sign

Mounting - VESA Bracket (Option)

vesa wall mount
Optional VESA Mount

For a more permanent mounting, angled viewing and corner mounting you can use the optional VESA mount. The mount is first fixed to the back of the SoundEar Noise Sign and a VESA mounting bracket is fixed to the wall. The Noise Sign and mount are then fixed to the wall bracket.

We can supply you with a suitable mount (order code SE2VESA), or you can use a standard 75mm x 75mm VESA mount, which can be obtained from most television stores.

Power

The SoundEar 3 comes complete with a plug-top power adapter. This provides the safe low voltage that the noise sign requires.

The SoundEar 3 has been developed for use in areas that need high electrical safety, such as hospitals. This optional P-SE3-MED power adapter is approved in accordance with IEC 60601-1 (medical electrical equipment).

Extension Power Cable - The power adapter that is included uses a 5V USB style cable. This is convenient as both power supply and cable are readily available if they need replacing. However, USB cables are not suitable for more than a few metres. If you need to run power for a longer distance then you need the PSU24DC power adapter with one or more POWEX10 extension cables.

Power for Current Loop or DC output - If you intend to use either the Current Loop (4-20 mA) or the DC (0-10V) output then the SE3-320 must be supplied with 24VDC. The optional PSU24DC power adapter provides this.

Location and Sound Level

The perfect location for a sign depends on the layout and the acoustics of the area in question. The most important aspect of the SoundEar is that it reminds people to keep the level down, so it is best to mount it where clearly visible to anybody entering the room or area.

There is also no simple rule about the level at which the sign should light up. Different areas have different ambient noise levels and different acceptable limits. When a reasonable background level is required for conversation then a good starting point is to set the noise sign to light up at 55 dB(A) with the yellow lights will coming on at 50 dB(A). Run the sign for a few hours, or even a few days, and get a feel for whether it is being too sensitive for the given environment or whether it is letting people get away with too much. Adjust up or down by 5 dB as needed.

Setting Up - Trigger Levels

The SoundEar 3 can be configured in many ways, with different trigger levels for the green, yellow and red lights, as well as different trigger durations and minimum lighting periods. It can also be set to have different settings for night time and will switch to those at the set times.

While some of the configuration can be carried out using the controls on the front of the sign (four arrow keys), it is often more convenient to use the software. There are two ways to do this:

  • Connect the sign to the computer's USB port and configure it directly.
  • Save the configuration to a USB stick, which will then configure any SoundEar 3 that it is plugged in to.
noise trigger settings

In this example the Red light is set to flash when the sound levels are above 60dB for at least 0.5 seconds. It will flash for at least 3 seconds.

Noise Warning Displays

The SoundEar 3 has four main display components:

  • Green ear shape - Usually used to indicate that the sign is monitoring, it can also be set to come on at a programmable sound level.
  • Yellow warning ring - Usually used to warn that the sound levels are getting close to the limit, also individually programmable to a sound level.
  • Red warning light - Indicates that the noise is too high. This is also programmable with its own trigger level.
  • Digital display - Can be set to show the current sound level or the average sound level (Leq) over a given time. Otherwise it can be set to show the time or switched off altogether.

You can have two different time periods set, so you can have it operating with one configuration during the day and another during the night. It will switch between these settings at the times you select.

No matter what the display is showing, the SoundEar 3 is still monitoring and logging the sound levels. It could even be left showing just the time or nothing at all, thus avoiding people shouting or whistling to see it react. If this is all you need to do then have a look at the SE3-320, which costs less and has just the small digital display.

Sample Displays

These sample displays give an idea of some of the different configurations that are possible.

1. Dual Level Display - The most common configuration. The Green lights are on all the time to remind everybody that the noise levels are being monitored. In this example the green light is on all the time, the yellow comes on at 45 dB and the red at 50 dB.

2. Night Time Minimal - All display options are disabled except for the central red warning light. Ideal for hospital wards at night. In this case all lights are off, with the red central light coming on above 50 dB.

3. High Impact Flash - For maximum impact when the threshold is passed, the sign remains dark and then flashes all three indicators at the same time. In this example all lights are off until the level reaches 85 dB, when all red, yellow and green lights flash.

dual level display
1. Dual Level Display
night time noise sign
2. Night Time Minimal
high impact noise warning sign
3. High Impact Flash

Noise Sign Software

The SoundEar 3 is a data logging noise sign and comes complete with software to configure, download and display the results.

  • Display live results
  • Configure the noise sign
  • Multiple trigger levels with day / night settings
  • Data logging settings
  • Digital display settings
  • Download measurements

The software is included with the SoundEar 3 at no extra charge. It is designed for all recent versions of Windows. It communicates with the sign via the computer's USB port. Downloads and configuration can be carried out via a memory stick, so you don't have to take the sign down from the wall each time.

Live and Historic Measurements

With a SoundEar 3 connected to the computer's USB port, the software can show the sound levels in real time.

To download historic measurements it is not necessary to connect the sign to the computer. You can plug a standard USB stick into the sign and it will automatically transfer all its measurements. With the memory stick connected to the computer the SoundEar software will now download the measurements. In the image above you can see the sound levels graphed over a 24 hour period.

Data Logging Settings

The SoundEar 3 stores noise measurements in its internal memory. You can configure it to store a minimal amount of information for longer, or to store everything for a shorter period of time.

For most applications the Noise Processor's internal memory is large enough for more than 18 months storage without download - although of course we would recommend regular download to avoid data loss.

Analog Output

Using the software you can set the output from the sign to be either a DC level (0 to 10V) or current loop (4-20mA) for integrating into other logging and monitoring systems. You can also set the minimum and maximum sound levels that are then mapped onto this DC or current loop output.

For more information please visit the Outputs page.

Microphone Calibration

If you have a Sound Level Calibrator and need to ensure the accurate operation of the SoundEar 3 then the software deals with this. Connect the SoundEar 3 to the software, connect a microphone extension cable and fit the calibrator to the microphone. The software Microphone Calibration option will then deal with the process of checking and adjusting.

noise sign software

Digital Display Settings

The SoundEar software can configure the sign's digital display (the red numbers in the middle) to show:

  • Slow Sound Level dB(A)
  • LAeq,1s (average sound level every second)
  • Alarm Level
  • Time
  • Nothing (the digital display will be off)

Although the default is to show the sound level, it can be useful to turn this off if it causes confusion (not everybody understands dB) or if it causes people to make noise to see how loud they are!

Trigger Settings

You can use the software to set trigger levels and times for each of the lights - green, yellow and red. For each of the three lights you can set:

  • Lit or Flashing
  • The levels between which it is lit/flashing

Trigger based on:

  • dB(A) Fast or dB(A) Slow
  • LAeq,1s or LCPeak
  • How long the sound should be exceeded before lighting (avoid lighting up at the slightest exceedance)
  • How long the light should stay on for

You can also have another set of triggers for night time, in case you have an environment, such as a hospital, where the acceptable sound levels are lower at night.

SoundEar 3 Outputs

The SoundEar 3 has two outputs available. These outputs can be configured to either:

  • DC Output 0 to 10V for monitoring using an A/D converter
  • Current Loop 4-20mA for integration into a process control system

Each of the outputs can be configured to provide:

  • Fast Sound Level dB(A) or dB(C)
  • Slow Sound Level dB(A) or dB(C)
  • Leq 1 minute, Leq 15 minute or Leq 60 minute

The range of dB measurement covered by the DC voltage or 4-20mA loop is set using the software.

output settings
Setting the Outputs from Software

Power Requirements

The SoundEar 3 comes with two powering options: USB (5V) or 24VDC. When using the current loop or DC output the unit must be powered by 24VDC, it will not work with the USB power option. For convenience, the 24VDC power connections are on the same connector as the current loop outputs and ground.

Connecting Up

At the rear of the noise warning sign there is a connector block. This connector pulls out of its socket and contains screw terminals to connect the following:

  • 24VDC Supply
  • Current Loop or DC Output 1
  • Current Loop or DC Output 2
  • Output Ground (common to both outputs)

Current Loop 4-20mA Output

The SoundEar 3 Noise Warning Sign includes standard 4-20mA Current Loop outputs. These provide a signal that does not degrade due to resistance, allowing for longer cable runs, limited by the ability to drive the current.

  • Selectable dB measurement range
  • Select Fast/Slow, Max or Leq for output
  • Periodic Leq output option

DC Output 0-10V

The SoundEar 3 Noise Warning Sign also includes DC Voltage Outputs that are proportional to the measured sound level. They are ideal for level recorders and input to data logging systems.

Two Outputs

There are two current loop / DC outputs on the SoundEar 3, so you can select two different parameters to monitor. Both outputs are set to the same measurement range, but you can select different parameters, as described below.

Output Parameters

Each output can be one of the following noise measurement parameters:

  • LAFmax (maximum Fast sound level)
  • LASmax (maximum Slow sound level)
  • LAeq,1s (average sound level every second)
  • LCpeak ('C' weighted Peak)
  • LAeq,15 (average sound level over 15 minutes)
  • LAeq,30 (average sound level over 30 minutes)
  • LAeq,60 (average sound level over 60 minutes)

Measurement Range

The overall measurement range of the SoundEar 3 is 30dB to 120dB. You can process this whole range over the current loop or DC voltage output, or you can select the range of interest.

In the example above, the first output is the average sound level every second (probably the most useful parameter available) while the second output is the average over a 15 minute period. A sound level of 50dB will be the minimum (4mA) and a sound level of 90dB will be the maximum (20mA).

Purchasing Options

The standard SoundEar 3 order codes (SE3EAR or SE3EAR-x for multi packs) include everything needed for most applications:

  • SoundEar 3 Noise Warning Sign
  • Plug-in Microphone
  • Software
  • Power Adapter

Multi Packs

The SE3EAR-x Multi Packs include all these items for each SoundEar 3. They also include an NM102 Hand Held Sound Level Meter, which can be used for making quick measurements of sound levels in the surrounding area, and can be helpful when setting the signs up.

For more information about the sound level meter, please visit the NM102 Sound Level Meter page.

Single Signs and Multi-Packs

Order Code
SE3EARSoundEar 3 Noise Warning Sign
Wall mounted logging noise sign with advanced config. Includes microphone, power adapter and software.
SE3EAR-5Pack with 5 Noise Signs and a Sound Meter
This discounted package includes five SoundEar 3 signs and a hand-held sound level meter.
SE3EAR-10Pack with 10 Noise Signs and a Sound Meter
This discounted package includes ten SoundEar 3 signs and a hand-held sound level meter.

Options and Accessories

CR514Sound Level Calibrator
A Class 2 calibrator for checking the function and accuracy of the noise warning sign.
SE2VESAVESA Wall Mount
For angled or corner mounting of the SoundEar. More secure if the single screw mount is not adequate.
PSU24DC24VDC Power Adapter
The SoundEar can also be powered by 24VDC. This is needed for the POWEX10 power extension cable.
POWEX10Power extension cable 10m
Working at a greater distance from the power outlet. Requires the 24VDC Adapter (PSU24DC) - does not work with standard power supply.

Technical Specifications

Frequency Range20Hz to 20kHz
Measuring Range30 to 120 dB
Deviation± 0.5 dB
Frequency Weighting"A" ("C" weighted Peak)
Time WeightingFast and Slow
Digital DisplaydB(A) Slow, LAeq, Alarm settings, Clock
Outputs"A" weighted, 0-10V or 4-20mA
USB Ports1. Micro USB (power and PC connection)
2. USB Controller (for USB memory stick connection)
Internal Memory16MB (128MBit) - 600 days
CabinetShockproof acrylic
Dimensions265 x 205 x 46 mm, 10.4" x 8" x 1.8"
Weight1.5 kg, 3.3 lb
Power5 VDC (micro USB) or 24 VDC (screw terminal)
Max 2.5W
Acoustic StandardsIEC61672-2-2002 Class 2, ANSI S1.4 Type 2
Medical Standards
with P-SE3-MED adapter
60601-1: Medical electrical equipment
Part 1: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance.
60601-1-2: Medical electrical equipment
Part 1-2: General requirements for basic safety and essential performance.
soundear 3 dimensions
SoundEar 3 Dimensions