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Sound Level Meter

NL-38 Sound Level Meter

NL-38 Rion Class 1 sound level meter — compact and lightweight at 190 g with a detachable microphone, high-visibility OLED display and USB Type-C. Simple, dependable on-site Class 1 accuracy from 10 Hz to 20 kHz per IEC 61672-1:2013.

Overview

The NL-38 is a Class 1 sound level meter from Rion, distributed by Norsonic — the most compact and portable instrument in the Rion sound level meter range. At just 190 g including batteries and 213 × 52 × 30 mm, it is built for one-handed field use where a full analyser is more than the job needs: motor-vehicle inspection, construction-site checks, event and recreational noise, and routine occupat…

Key Features

  • IEC 61672-1:2013 Class 1 compliant — genuine precision-grade accuracy
  • Ultra-compact and light: 213 × 52 × 30 mm, approx. 190 g including batteries
  • Detachable microphone and preamplifier with optional extension cable (EC-38) for tight or awkward measurement points
  • High-visibility 1.5-inch monochrome OLED display (128 × 128)
  • USB Type-C: internal memory (up to 200 data sets) reads as a removable disk for driver-free data transfer
  • Measures Lp, Leq, LIeq, LE, Lmax, Lpeak and Ltm with A / C / Z weighting and F / S / I time weighting
  • Automatic acoustic calibration with Nor1255/Nor1256 or NC-74/NC-75; stores up to 999 calibration records
  • Approximately 9 hours of operation on 2 × AA batteries (alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable)

Applications

  • Stationary motor-vehicle noise measurement during vehicle inspection
  • Construction-site noise checks and quick compliance screening
  • Occupational noise surveys and spot checks per ISO 9612
  • Environmental noise spot measurements and initial site surveys
  • Event, recreational and entertainment-venue noise monitoring
  • Machinery and equipment noise checks at boundary lines

Technical Specifications

  • Model: NL-38
  • Manufacturer: Rion Co., Ltd.
  • Applicable Standards: IEC 61672-1:2013 Class 1; RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU (EN IEC 63000:2018)
  • Measurement Functions: Lp, Leq, LIeq (A + time weighting I), LE, Lmax, Lpeak (C-weighting only), Ltm (A + time weighting F)
  • Measurement Frequency Range: 10 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Frequency Weighting: A, C, Z
  • Time Weighting: F (fast), S (slow), I (impulse)
  • Measurement Level Range: A-weighting: 32 dB to 137 dB, C-weighting: 40 dB to 137 dB, Z-weighting: 45 dB to 137 dB; C-weighted peak: 68 dB to 140 dB
  • Self-Generated Noise: A-weighting: max. 24 dB (typ. 21 dB), C: max. 32 dB (typ. 29 dB), Z: max. 37 dB (typ. 34 dB)
  • Microphone: Detachable microphone and preamplifier; optional extension cable EC-38
  • Display: 1.5-inch monochrome organic EL (OLED), 128 × 128; numeric update 1 s, bar-graph update 100 ms
  • Data Storage: Internal memory: up to 200 data sets (CSV); reads as removable disk over USB

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is the NL-38 a genuine Class 1 sound level meter?
    Yes. The NL-38 complies with IEC 61672-1:2013 Class 1, meaning it delivers precision-grade accuracy suitable for most regulatory noise measurements, including environmental surveys and occupational noise assessment per ISO 9612, in a compact, portable form.
  • What is the advantage of the detachable microphone?
    The microphone and preamplifier detach from the body and, with the optional EC-38 extension cable, can be positioned exactly where the noise source is — inside an engine bay, at a boundary line, or close to a machine — while you read the display comfortably away from the source.
  • How is measurement data transferred to a PC?
    The NL-38 stores up to 200 measurement sets in internal memory, which a computer recognises as a removable disk over the USB Type-C connection. Data (CSV) transfers directly with no special software required.

Application Guide

The NL-38 Sound Level Meter belongs to the Norsonic Sound Level Meter range. See the Sound Level Meter application guide for system configuration, compatible accessories, and applicable measurement standards.

Related Norsonic Products

Why Norsonic?

  • Manufactured in Norway — decades of acoustic measurement heritage; all instruments designed and built in Norsonic AS, Lierskogen, Norway
  • IEC 61672 Class 1 — highest accuracy class for professional and regulatory acoustic measurement
  • International type approvals — PTB (Germany) and LNE (France); accepted by environmental authorities across the region
  • 3-year manufacturer warranty — covers parts and labour; Norsonic Asia authorized service center support throughout the region
  • Open data formats — .nox files work with NorReview and can be exported to CSV, Excel, and third-party analysis software

Calibration and Compliance

  • All Norsonic instruments require periodic IEC 61672-3 calibration — Norsonic Asia provides factory-authorized calibration services with full DANAK-traceable certificates
  • Calibration interval: 1 year for ISO 17025 accredited laboratories; 2 years for field instruments in non-accredited applications
  • Field calibration check: use an IEC 60942 Class 1 sound calibrator (94 dB or 114 dB) before and after each measurement session
  • Loaner instruments available during calibration to minimize project downtime — contact Norsonic Asia for loaner availability

Availability & Regional Support

Available from Norsonic Asia — the factory-authorized distributor for ASEAN, GCC, and South Asia. Instrument supply includes 3-year manufacturer warranty, factory-authorized calibration services, operator training, and after-sales technical support.

  • Typical lead time: 3–6 weeks from order confirmation (ex-factory Norway)
  • Countries served: Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and more
  • Technical support: English and Arabic; response within 1 business day

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