Unwanted sound is all around us, from the sounds of traffic to the hum of machinery. This sound can not only be a nuisance but can also have detrimental effects on our hearing and overall well-being. Reducing unwanted sound can be challenging since it varies depending on the listening conditions and diffusion. However, the SonoCat is changing the game when it comes to sound measurement and control.
The SonoCat is a multi-functional spherical microphone array that collects all the necessary acoustic data for the calculation of the sound pressure level, the 3D sound intensity vector, and the sound absorption coefficient. Its eight digital MEMS microphones located in a rigid sphere can perform both point and scan measurements. The SonoCat is calibrated to a high standard and is connected to a PC or tablet with the SonoCat software, making it easy to monitor, acquire, and analyze the recorded sound field.
One of the key unique features of the SonoCat is its ability to perform measurements on site, in-situ. This allows for an accurate assessment of the sound field and helps identify the root cause of an emanating source. Traditional sound testing is primarily carried out in laboratory conditions, which are unrealistic and restrictive, as well as costly and time-consuming. In-situ measurements provide a more realistic assessment of the sound field, and the SonoCat makes it easy to do so.
The SonoCat‘s ability to measure sound pressure level, sound intensity level, sound intensity direction, and sound absorption coefficient makes it a valuable tool for acoustic engineers and designers. A point measurement can locate where a sound source is emitting, and a scan measurement can provide the sound power of a machine or the average sound absorption of a surface. All of these measurements can help improve the acoustic environment and reduce unwanted sound.
The SonoCat‘s local plane-wave method is particularly useful for measuring sound absorption, which is essential for creating a comfortable and productive environment. Traditional methods of measuring sound absorption in a laboratory setting may not reflect real-world conditions since the sound field can be difficult to control and unpredictable. The local plane-wave method takes the local sound field into consideration and assumes that the normal component of the sound field in each point can be described by an incident and a reflected plane wave. This allows for an effective in-situ absorption coefficient to be derived from sound field measurements, making it a valuable tool for acoustic engineers and designers.
Additionally, the founder of SonoCat, Ysbrand Wijnant, recently gave a talk for the Acoustical Society of America that can be viewed on YouTube. Check out the link below to learn more about the technology and its applications.
In summary, the SonoCat is changing the game for sound measurement and control with its ability to perform measurements on site, in-situ. Its local plane-wave method for measuring sound absorption makes it a valuable tool for acoustic engineers and designers looking to create comfortable and productive environments. With the SonoCat, improving acoustics has never been easier or more accurate, and there is no need to do noise testing in a laboratory with its unrealistic conditions, restrictions, costs, and time-consuming processes.
Contact ANEWR today for a demo or quote and see how the SonoCat can help you improve your acoustic environment.
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