Acoustic Camera Guide: Nor848B Beamforming System for Asia
The Nor848B Acoustic Camera uses beamforming microphone array technology to visualize sound sources in real time on an HD video overlay — used for automotive pass-by noise testing, building facade leak detection, HVAC diagnostics, industrial noise source identification, and university research across Asia and the Middle East.
Nor848B Acoustic Camera — Key Capabilities
- Modular Hextile array design: 30 to 384 microphones per configuration — scale the system to your application
- Real-time beamforming visualization on HD video overlay — immediately see where noise comes from
- Frequency range: 30 Hz – 24 kHz — covers low-frequency to high-frequency tonal, broadband, and impact noise sources
- Solid anodized aluminum weatherproof housing for permanent outdoor and automotive track deployment
- Measurement modes: beamforming, near-field acoustical holography (NAH), and time reversal
- Compatible with NorReview software for advanced post-processing, frequency filtering, and reporting
- Nor848B full specifications →
How Beamforming Works
- Simultaneous signals from all microphones are combined with time delays to focus sound from a specific direction
- The resulting spatial sound map (acoustic image) is overlaid on the HD camera image in real time
- Frequency filtering lets you isolate specific tonal frequencies or octave bands
- Spatial resolution improves with larger arrays and higher frequencies — array size determines low-frequency capability
- Near-field acoustical holography (NAH) improves resolution for close-field measurements on machinery surfaces
Applications by Industry
- Automotive pass-by noise: ISO 362 exterior source identification on test track — tyre, exhaust, powertrain contributions
- Building facade: locate acoustic weak points, window seal failures, and flanking transmission paths
- HVAC and MEP systems: fan, compressor, duct resonance, and valve noise sources in plant rooms and ductwork
- Industrial equipment: gearbox, bearing, electric motor, and compressor tonal noise identification
- Product development NVH: noise source ranking and treatment validation across design iterations
- Rail and road infrastructure: surface noise emission spatial mapping for source partitioning
- Data centre and IT: server cooling fan noise dominance and rack acoustic treatment
Array Configuration Selection Guide
- 30–60 microphones — indoor close-field testing (1–5 m range); component and sub-assembly NVH
- 60–120 microphones — automotive and building facade applications (5–15 m range)
- 120–384 microphones — long-range outdoor mapping (>15 m); pass-by noise and large structure surveys
- All configurations use the same Nor848B base unit — Hextile extension panels add microphones modularly
Nor848B vs. Competing Systems
- Modular design — unique Hextile system allows one camera to grow from lab to outdoor array without replacing the core unit
- NorReview software compatibility — same post-processing used across all Norsonic instruments
- IP-rated weatherproof enclosure — most acoustic cameras require shelter for outdoor use; Nor848B does not
Industries and Related Pages
- Automotive and Transportation — pass-by noise, interior NVH
- Product Development NVH — noise source identification and ranking
- Building Construction — facade acoustic mapping and leak detection
- Research and Education — beamforming and array signal processing