Building Acoustics Buying Guide: Complete ISO 16283 Equipment Selection
Complete guide to selecting the right equipment for airborne and impact sound insulation testing per ISO 16283 standards. From Class 1 analyzers to sound sources and analysis software.
Types of Building Acoustics Testing
Measures how much airborne sound is blocked by walls, doors, windows, and floors.
Required Equipment:
- Class 1 Sound Level Meter
- Dodecahedron Loudspeaker
- Power Amplifier
- Analysis Software
Key Metrics:
Measures sound transmission through floors caused by footsteps and impacts.
Required Equipment:
- Class 1 Sound Level Meter
- Tapping Machine
- Impact Ball (optional)
- Analysis Software
Key Metrics:
Measures sound insulation of external walls and windows against outside noise.
Required Equipment:
- Class 1 Sound Level Meter
- Loudspeaker or traffic measurements
- Analysis Software
Key Metrics:
Equipment Selection Guide
Select the right components for your building acoustics testing system based on standards requirements and project types.
Sound Level Meters
The foundation of every building acoustics measurement system
Airborne Sound Sources
Omnidirectional sound sources compliant with ISO 16283-1
Dodecahedron Loudspeaker
Impact Sound Sources
ISO 16283-2 testing equipment for floor sound insulation
Recommended Building Acoustics Kits
Pre-configured equipment packages for different testing levels and budgets.
For consultants focusing on impact sound testing
Includes:
- Nor145 (single-channel)
- Nor277 Tapping Machine
- Nor850 Software
Ideal for:
Floor impact sound testing, small projects
Approximate price range:
$15,000 - $20,000
For comprehensive airborne and impact testing
Includes:
- Nor145 (single-channel)
- Nor283 Dodecahedron
- Nor282 Power Amplifier
- Nor277 Tapping Machine
- Nor850 Software
Ideal for:
Full ISO 16283-1 and ISO 16283-2 testing
Approximate price range:
$30,000 - $38,000
For accredited laboratories and high-volume projects
Includes:
- Nor150 (dual-channel)
- Nor283 Dodecahedron
- Nor282 Power Amplifier
- Nor277 Tapping Machine
- Nor279 Impact Ball
- Nor850 Full Software
Ideal for:
Accredited laboratories, high-volume operations
Approximate price range:
$40,000 - $50,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need for ISO 16283 building acoustics testing?
For ISO 16283 testing you need: a Class 1 sound level meter (Nor145 or Nor150), an omnidirectional sound source like the Nor283 dodecahedron loudspeaker with Nor280/282 power amplifier, a tapping machine (Nor277) for impact testing, and analysis software (Nor850) for automated calculations and reporting.
Do I need a single-channel or dual-channel analyzer for building acoustics?
For most building acoustics applications, a single-channel analyzer like the Nor145 is sufficient when you measure source and receiving rooms sequentially. However, a dual-channel analyzer like the Nor150 enables simultaneous measurements in both rooms, which speeds up testing and is required for some advanced applications like sound intensity measurements.
What is the difference between airborne and impact sound insulation testing?
Airborne sound insulation testing (ISO 16283-1) measures how well building elements block sound transmitted through the air, using a loudspeaker as the noise source. Impact sound insulation testing (ISO 16283-2) measures sound transmitted through floor structures using a standardized tapping machine that simulates footsteps and impacts.
Buying Tips
Start with Standards
Identify which ISO 16283 standards you need to comply with before selecting equipment.
Consider Workflow Volume
If conducting multiple tests daily, a dual-channel analyzer saves significant time.
Don't Forget Software
Analysis software is essential for automated calculations and professional report generation.