Centre for Acoustic Measurement Technology

Acoustic
assessments.

Measurement, propagation modelling, analysis and noise control from a single source, with Class 1 instrumentation to IEC 61672. All services →

Working
across Germany.

From measurements at the source to the relevant receiver location, anywhere in Germany. We are based in Freiburg im Breisgau. View references →

Involved in
standardisation.

In the DIN/VDI standards committee NALS, on the revision of DIN 45680. About us →

Analysis from
our own development.

Interface, remote access and analysis are our own: loan devices that record for days, and our own one-third-octave analysis to DIN 45680. Remote measurement →

About us

Measurement, analysis and assessment from a single source.

We carry out acoustic investigations ranging from a single noise source to complex installations. Every assessment is based on the situation on site and evaluated against the relevant guideline values. Because we perform measurement, analysis and assessment ourselves, the results remain traceable throughout. Our interdisciplinary team combines engineering, measurement and analysis expertise with many years of experience in expert assessments.

Our engineers are members of DEGA, ALD and the Chamber of Engineers of Baden-Württemberg, among others, and contribute to the DIN standards committee NALS. What this means

Our services

Four areas, one point of contact.

All services at a glance →
Perspective

How loud is…?

Ten decibels more sounds roughly twice as loud. Drag the bar.

Quiet room
At night
Sound pressure level
20dB(A)
Night 40
Day 55
20406080100

Guideline values according to TA Lärm (German Technical Instructions on Noise Abatement) for general residential areas, outside buildings. What does dB(A) mean?

Where the figures come from

The examples are typical orders of magnitude. The actual level depends on the device, distance and surroundings. Sources are in German.

References

From our projects.

Six investigations from practice, from a wooden roller coaster to a flat above a bar. Each card can be expanded.

Acoustic measurement at a wooden roller coaster
Emission measurement

Wooden roller coaster

Details

For a wooden roller coaster in a German theme park, an acoustic investigation compared the noise emissions of the original track system with a newly installed steel rail profile. Reference and follow-up measurements were used to determine and compare the relevant sound emission parameters, a one-third-octave frequency analysis and the impulsiveness of train pass-bys before and after the conversion. In addition, sound propagation and level decrease with increasing distance were evaluated in order to derive representative level values.

Planned self-service laundrette on the ground floor of an inner-city residential and commercial building
Noise forecast

Self-service laundrette

Details

For a planned self-service laundrette on the ground floor of an inner-city residential building, an acoustic noise forecast was prepared as part of the permit procedure. Based on the sound power levels of the machines and the building physics, it was demonstrated that the TA Lärm immission guideline values are reliably met in the flat above and at the outdoor receiver locations. The required noise control measures, including a suspended acoustic ceiling, were dimensioned from the results.

Rooftop photovoltaic system with inverter on an office building
Indoor measurement

PV system / inverter

Details

For a software office, an acoustic investigation according to TA Lärm was carried out after a tonal noise, described as a “hum”, was noticed in the offices, originating from the rooftop photovoltaic system with inverter. As the installation and the protected rooms are structurally connected, the indoor immission guideline values according to section 6.2 of TA Lärm were applied and checked by measurement. In addition, a one-third-octave analysis assessed the low-frequency noise exposure and prominent tones according to TA Lärm 7.3 in conjunction with DIN 45680.

Schematic site plan with receiver locations, air conditioners on a residential building
Expert statement

Air conditioners on a residential building

Details

Following a complaint from a neighbour, the building authority required proof that two unpermitted air conditioners, retrofitted on the gable of a residential building, comply with the TA Lärm immission guideline values. Based on the manufacturer's data and the local conditions, the noise immissions at the relevant protected receiver locations on the neighbouring property were determined and assessed. The investigation served to clarify on a technical basis whether the units cause unreasonable noise nuisance for the neighbourhood.

Measurement setup with recorder and microphone on a tripod in the flat above the bar
Indoor measurement

Bar / flat

Details

For an owner-occupied flat above a bar, an acoustic investigation was carried out after low-frequency noise, vibrations and information-bearing components such as music and voices were perceived as considerably disturbing, especially at night. As the bar and the flat are structurally connected, the indoor levels were measured and assessed against the indoor immission guideline values of TA Lärm no. 6.2. In addition, the low-frequency components were evaluated according to DIN 45680, the peak levels were assessed, and the structural sound insulation was appraised according to DIN 4109.

Schematic development plan with special cultural zone, residential areas and access roads
Immission measurement

Cultural centre / loudspeaker

Details

For a cultural centre with an indoor loudspeaker used to broadcast prayers, a noise measurement according to TA Lärm was carried out to assess the effects on the surrounding neighbourhood. Airborne sound measurements were taken at several representative receiver locations in the surrounding mixed-use area with protected residential use, using a substitute measurement point for one inaccessible location. The investigation served to establish whether the installation complies with the relevant immission guideline values under typical use.

How we measure

Measuring without travel.

Many questions can be answered without anyone having to be on site. The device travels to you, and we control the measurement from Freiburg. No travel costs, no appointment and no afternoon off, and the measurement can run for as long as the question requires.

Opened reusable container with measuring device, tripod, power supply and cables
  1. 1 The device arrives as a parcel. Fully equipped in a reusable container, with tripod, power supply and quick guide. The container is then returned and reused.
  2. 2 Set up, switch on, leave it. That is all there is to do. On request, we guide you through the setup by phone so that the measurement location is right from the start.
  3. 3 We measure and analyse. Start, monitoring and end are handled via remote access, including at night and over several days. You receive the measurement report, not the raw data.

Where conditions are more complex, we measure on site ourselves. We will tell you in advance which approach suits your case.

Remote measurement →
News

Articles from our practice.

All articles →

Do you need a noise assessment?

Tell us about your concern. We will tell you which regulations apply and how we would proceed.

Request a non-binding quote