RION NL-38 Sound Level Meter

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 occupational surveys. Rion positions it as "simple Class 1 — the on-site standard," and that is exactly its role: laboratory-grade Class 1 accuracy in a pocketable, take-anywhere form. A detachable microphone and preamplifier, with optional extension cable (EC-38), let the sensor be placed exactly where the noise is — inside an engine bay, at a boundary line, or close to a machine — while the operator reads the high-visibility 1.5-inch monochrome OLED display from a comfortable position. The single USB Type-C connector handles both power and data: internal memory holds up to 200 measurement sets and is recognised by a PC as a removable disk, so results transfer without special software. Automatic acoustic calibration with the Nor1255/Nor1256 or NC-74/NC-75 calibrators stores up to 999 calibration records for a fully traceable measurement history. Compliant with IEC 61672-1:2013 Class 1, the NL-38 measures A-, C- and Z-weighted sound with F, S and I time weightings and calculates Leq, LIeq, LE, Lmax, Lpeak and Ltm across a 10 Hz to 20 kHz range. Approximately nine hours of operation on two AA batteries (alkaline or rechargeable) makes it dependable for a full day in the field across GCC and ASEAN projects. For consultants, HSE teams and inspectors who need a genuine Class 1 instrument for spot checks and mobile work, the NL-38 is the accessible entry point to the Class 1 range — with the connected NL-53 and the premium, cloud-connected Nor145 available when remote monitoring and advanced analysis are required.