About Pulsar Instruments
Practical noise measurement equipment, expert advice and ongoing support. Helping people understand and manage noise since 1969.
As noise measurement experts, Pulsar Instruments has been helping companies around the world meet their legal requirements for safeguarding their employees’ hearing for over 50 Years by providing affordable, robust, accurate and easy to use noise measurement devices.
Our comprehensive range of Sound level meters, noise meters, personal noise dosemeters, noise-activated warning signs and outdoor monitoring kits are designed with busy health and safety practitioners in mind.
Since 2018 Pulsar has also expanded its product range to include Hand-Arm Vibration meters to help employers manage the risks of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome in workers using power tools.
Our History
1969–1977: The Early Innovations
Founded in California
Pulsar Instruments Inc. was founded in California by a group of university researchers to develop a new linear-scaled sound level meter. The instrument was intended to help employers meet the requirements of the 1969 Walsh–Healey Act, which called for noise in US workplaces to be controlled.
A World First in Sound Exposure
Pulsar became the first company to display sound exposure times on the sound level meter scale alongside the sound level—a revolutionary idea that helped users relate noise readings to exposure.
The First True Linear-Scaled Meter
Pulsar developed the world’s first true linear-scaled meter, marking another milestone in the development of practical sound measurement instruments.
Instruments for a World Market
Pulsar produced the first instrument designed for a world market that met the new international standards of the time.
In the same year, technical difficulties prompted a group of European engineers to buy into the company and provide technical support.
1980s: A UK Base and International Standards
Scientific Measurements Inc. Acquires Pulsar
The Scientific Measurements Inc. (SMI) group, headquartered in Delaware, bought Pulsar Instruments. SMI retained its US headquarters for legal and tax reasons, while remaining majority-owned by a group of European engineers.
Production and Marketing Move to the UK
Production and marketing were centralised at the main plant in the United Kingdom. Pulsar Instruments Ltd. specialised in accurate, easy-to-use sound level meters, mainly for the US, European and Pacific markets.
Helping Shape International Standards
Pulsar seconded its Chief Engineer, Dudley Wallis, to the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Working with three other British engineers, he helped shape the IEC 61672 noise measurement standard.
Leq Measurement and Class 1 Precision
Pulsar designed the world’s first Leq meter to meet the new international standard, alongside a series of precision Class 1 sound level meters.
1998–Today: Independence and Growth
A New Takeover Offer
A group of British and American design engineers offered to acquire Pulsar Instruments Inc. from its shareholders, including its ownership of Pulsar Instruments Ltd.
Independent Again
The takeover was completed on 1 September 1999, and Pulsar became independent again. Following this change, the company expanded its international sales to more than 50 countries.
Pulsar Becomes a Public Limited Company
Pulsar Instruments became a public limited company (PLC), with the additional governance and financial reporting requirements that accompany that status in the UK.
At the time, Pulsar was only the third sound level meter company in the world to achieve PLC status. The change increased opportunities to supply European government bodies and supported further growth.
Practical Noise Measurement
We continue to develop and supply easy-to-use noise measurement equipment to meet our customers’ needs, including sound level meters, personal noise dosimeters and noise-activated warning signs.