Sound Level Meter

NL-53 Sound Level Meter

NL-53 Rion Class 1 sound level meter with 3.5-inch TFT-LCD touch panel, LAN connectivity, USB Type-C, and IP54 protection. Measurement range 25–138 dB, 10 Hz to 20 kHz.

Overview

The NL-53 is a Class 1 sound level meter from Rion, distributed by Norsonic, built around a connectivity-first design. Its LAN terminal — enabled by the optional NX-43EX extended function program — allows remote access from any web browser on a PC or smartphone, supporting measurement monitoring, remote operation, and data download over a local network or WAN via mobile router. This makes the NL-5…

Key Features

  • IEC 61672-1: 2013 Class 1 compliant; also ANSI/ASA S1.4-2014/Part1 and JIS C 1509-1: 2017 Class 1
  • LAN connectivity for remote browser-based monitoring and operation (NX-43EX required)
  • USB Type-C: single cable for power supply, communication control, and data transfer
  • Backlit 3.5-inch TFT-LCD QVGA display with touch panel
  • Simultaneous measurement of up to four conditions with selectable frequency and time weightings
  • Auto store: Lp intervals from 10 ms to 1 s; Leq intervals up to 24 h; SD card storage
  • IP54 rated (excluding microphone); optional WS-15 windscreen adds IPX3 microphone protection
  • Approximately 16 hours battery life (alkaline AA at 23°C, ECO setting)

Applications

  • General environmental noise surveys and spot measurements
  • Workplace noise assessment per OSHA and ISO 9612
  • Community noise complaint investigation and documentation
  • HVAC system noise verification and commissioning
  • Quality control noise testing in manufacturing facilities
  • Educational and research laboratory applications

Technical Specifications

  • Model: NL-53
  • Manufacturer: Rion Co., Ltd.
  • Applicable Standards: IEC 61672-1: 2013 Class 1, ANSI/ASA S1.4-2014/Part1 Class 1, JIS C 1509-1: 2017 Class 1, JIS C 1516: 2020 Class 1; CE, UKCA, China RoHS, KC mark
  • Microphone: UC-59 (sensitivity level: −27 dB)
  • Measurement Frequency Range: 10 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Measurement Level Range (A): 25 dB to 138 dB
  • Measurement Level Range (C): 33 dB to 138 dB
  • Measurement Level Range (Z): 38 dB to 138 dB
  • Peak Level Range (C-weighted): 55 dB to 141 dB
  • Peak Level Range (Z-weighted): 60 dB to 141 dB
  • Self-Generated Noise (A): 17 dB or less
  • Frequency Weighting: A, C, Z

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the relationship between Rion and Norsonic?
    Rion is a Japanese manufacturer of precision acoustic instruments whose products are distributed by Norsonic in certain markets including the GCC. The NL-53 complements the Norsonic product range by offering a Class 1 sound level meter at an entry-level price point.
  • Is the NL-53 suitable for regulatory noise measurements?
    Yes, as a Class 1 instrument compliant with IEC 61672-1, the NL-53 meets the accuracy requirements for most regulatory noise measurements including environmental noise assessment per ISO 1996 and occupational noise evaluation per ISO 9612.
  • Can the NL-53 perform octave band analysis?
    The base model measures broadband levels only. An optional upgrade adds real-time 1/1 and 1/3 octave band analysis capability, extending the instrument's usefulness for frequency-dependent applications such as HVAC noise evaluation and hearing protector selection.

Application Guide

The NL-53 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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