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10-Year Warranty

Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter

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Available in Class 1 and Class 2 models, the Pulsar Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter is designed for environmental noise assessments. It can be bought on its own or as a complete noise measurement kit with an acoustic calibrator and case.

  • Class 1 or Class 2 to IEC 61672-1:2013
  • Simultaneously measures LAeq, LCpeak and Ln values
  • Data logging and 1:1 octave band analysis
  • Licence-free AnalyzerPlus software included
  • Available as a meter only or a complete kit

Price range: £2,600.00 through £3,750.00 (Ex. VAT/GST)

SKU:
Delivery2–3 working days
ShippingWorldwide
WarrantyExtended 10-year warranty
SoftwareLicence-free software included
TrainingOnline Noise Awareness course included

The Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter is designed for environmental noise assessments. Compliant with IEC 61672-1:2013, it is available as a Class 1 or Class 2 meter, with Class 1 suited to applications requiring higher accuracy. The Nova Environmental measures Leq, Lpeak, Ln values and other key environmental noise parameters simultaneously, with 1:1 octave band analysis, data logging, and our licence-free AnalyzerPlus software for detailed analysis and reporting.

Sound Level Meter for Environmental, Construction and Traffic Noise

The Nova Environmental is designed for environmental noise monitoring. With a dynamic measurement range of 20 dB(A) to 140 dB(A), it is suitable for environmental noise assessments across a wide range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, entertainment, and local authority compliance. Repeat timers can automatically start and stop measurements, making the Nova Environmental well-suited to prolonged assessments when paired with the Outdoor Noise Measurement Kit.

Straightforward Operation with a Robust Design

With a robust die-cast aluminium casing, the Nova Environmental is designed for use in a variety of environments. Its bright TFT display remains clear in a wide range of lighting conditions, and the soft-touch keypad and intuitive menu system make operation straightforward. All frequency and time weightings are measured simultaneously for ease of use, and the included alkaline batteries typically provide more than 30 hours of battery life, allowing the meter to be used continuously for extended periods.

The Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter is available as a Class 1 or Class 2 meter and can be purchased on its own or as a complete kit with an acoustic calibrator and carrying case.

Class 1 and Class 2 Options

A Class 1 sound level meter is slightly more accurate than a Class 2 model. For most environmental noise measurements, we recommend a Class 1 meter, as it offers better performance at higher frequencies and provides added confidence when presenting results for legal or regulatory purposes.

Sound Level Meter Includes

  • Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter
  • Windshield
  • Batteries
  • Wrist strap
  • Calibration certificates
  • USB download cable
  • AnalyzerPlus noise analysis software

Complete Kit Includes

Our noise measurement kits include all the essential accessories supplied in a carrying case.

  • Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter
  • Acoustic Calibrator
  • Windshield
  • Carrying case
  • Batteries
  • Wrist strap
  • Calibration certificates
  • USB download cable
  • AnalyzerPlus noise analysis software

The Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter and Acoustic Calibrator include a standard 1-year warranty, which can be extended to 10 years when the instruments are returned to Pulsar Instruments for annual calibration.

The sections below outline the basic operation of the Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter. For full instructions, please refer to the user manual.

Powering Up

The Nova uses six AA batteries, providing over 30 hours of operation. Fit quality alkaline or lithium batteries and replace the cover securely. Press the power button. The display will light up, and the instrument will start on the last view used. The bright TFT screen adapts automatically to your environment for clear readings in any lighting.

Calibrating the Nova

Before starting your measurements, select Menu > Calibrate, then place the microphone fully into the acoustic calibrator cavity and follow the on-screen prompts. The Nova automatically checks the calibration level and applies any necessary correction. Repeat the calibration at the end of your session to ensure accurate measurements.

Starting a Measurement

Press Start to begin a measurement. Before the measurement begins, you can record a short audio note to provide context, which makes it easier to identify and review measurements when the data is downloaded. The Nova Environmental measures and logs all parameters simultaneously, including LAeq, Lmax, Lmin, and Peak, with 1:1 octave band analysis, Ln values, TWA, and Dose.

During measurement, the display shows the current sound level with a running average. Use the arrow keys to switch between different views. Changing what is displayed does not affect the data being recorded.

Recording Audio

The Environmental Sound Level Meter allows you to manually record audio during a measurement by selecting Audio. This allows you to listen back to the recorded audio in AnalyzerPlus, helping you identify noise sources or unusual events.

Single and Repeat Timers

The Nova Environmental features single and repeat timers, which you can set by selecting Menu > Storage Options. The single timer runs a single measurement for a specified period while still allowing you to pause, stop, or restart manually. The repeat timer automates start and stop cycles over longer periods, which is particularly useful for prolonged environmental assessments, allowing the meter to be left unattended when used in an Outdoor Noise Measurement Kit.

Stopping the Measurement

Press Stop to end the measurement. The measurement is automatically stored and ready for review on the instrument by selecting Menu > Review Stored Data, or by downloading it to the licence-free AnalyzerPlus software.

Download to AnalyzerPlus

Connect the Nova to your PC using the supplied USB cable and open the AnalyzerPlus software. From here, you can download data, review results, create reports and configure the instrument.

The Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter is ideal for environmental noise assessments. It captures all key Ln values simultaneously, giving a clear picture of the background, typical, and peak noise levels. With 1:1 Octave Band Analysis, audio recording, and a repeat timer function, the Nova gives you detailed noise data for both attended and unattended monitoring.

Environmental Noise

The Nova Environmental is ideal for measuring and assessing environmental and community noise. It captures all key Ln values simultaneously, giving a clear picture of background and peak levels from sources such as traffic, machinery, or music. With manual audio recording, it’s easy to identify and review specific noise events. When used with an Outdoor Noise Measurement Kit, the Nova can be left unattended to monitor for long periods, with repeat timers that automatically start and stop measurements.

Construction Noise

The Nova Environmental Sound Level Meter is ideal for monitoring noise on construction and demolition sites. It provides accurate data to assess compliance with local noise limits and manage the impact of site activity on nearby communities. The instrument is easy to use, robust, and well-suited to the demands of busy site environments.

Repeat timers allow you to schedule measurements, while manual audio recording makes it easy to identify specific noise events. 1:1 Octave Band Analysis helps identify problematic frequencies and assess how effective noise control measures, such as barriers or enclosures, are. When used with an Outdoor Noise Measurement Kit, the Nova can also be left to monitor unattended for long-term boundary assessments.

Vehicle and Traffic Noise

The Nova Environmental is ideal for measuring traffic noise and for individual vehicle testing in workshops or test facilities. It’s easy to use, robust, and provides accurate results that meet international standards. The Nova captures all key Ln values, making it suitable for assessing overall noise levels and identifying potential nuisance from engines, exhausts, and passing vehicles. The Nova stores measurements, which can be analysed with our licence-free AnalyzerPlus software to produce reports that meet ISO 1996 and ISO 5130 requirements.

Accuracy

Class 1 – Model 45
Class 2 – Model 46

Applicable Standards

IEC 61672-1:2013 Class 1 or Class 2, Group X
IEC 60651:2001 Type 1 I or Type 2 I
IEC 60804:2000 Type 1 or Type 2
IEC 61252:1993 Personal Sound Exposure Meters
ANSI S1.4 -1983 (R2006), ANSI S1.43 – 1997 (R2007)
ANSI S1.25:1991
1:1 Octave Band Filters to IEC 61260 & ANSI S1.11-2004

Microphone

Class 1 PM1 pre-polarized
Class 2 PM2 pre-polarized

Microphone Preamplifier

PA40 Removable Preamplifier

Measurement Range

20dB -140dB RMS Single Range (143dB peak)

Noise Floor

<18dB(A) Class 1, <21dB(A) Class 2

Time Weightings

‘F’ (Fast), ‘S’ (Slow) & ‘I’ (Impulse) all measured simultaneously

Frequency Weightings

RMS & Peak: A, C, & Z (un-weighted) all measured simultaneously

Frequency Bands

10 1:1 Octave Bands: 31.5Hz to 16kHz

Integrators

Three simultaneously measuring “virtual” noise meters.
Integrator 1 is preset to Q3 for Leq functions.
Integrators 2 & 3 can be configured with:
Exchange Rate: 3, 4 or 5dB
Threshold: 70dB to 120dB (1dB steps)
Time Weighting: None or Slow
Criterion Level: 70dB to 120dB (1dB steps)
Criterion Time: 1 to 12 hours in 1 hour steps

Integrator Quick Settings (Pre-Set)

EU, OSHA HC & OSHA NC, OSHA HC & ACGIH, MSHA HC & MSHA EC, Custom 1 & Custom 2

Ln Statistical Values

14 independent statistical Ln values calculated from 1/16th LAF
7 are preset to L1.0, L5.0, L10.0, L50.0, L90.0, L95.0 & L99.0
7 user defined Ln values

Time History Data Rates (Global Settings)

10ms, 62.5ms, 125ms, 250ms, 1/2 sec, 1 sec, 2 sec (user selectable)

Language Options

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish as standard

NB. Other language options will be available.

Batteries

6 x AA

Battery Life

Typically 30 hours with Alkaline AA
Typically 50 hours with Lithium AA
Rechargeable battery life depends on type and screen brightness

External Power

5v-15v via Multipin I/O socket

Weight

440g without batteries

Size

280mm x 80mm x 42mm with preamp and microphone

Connections

USB 2.0 Mini-B to PC
AC output via 3.5mm Stereo jack
AC & DC output via Multipin I/O socket

Tripod Mount

1/4” Whitworth socket

Case

Die cast aluminium with silicon elastomer keypad and soft touch back

Display

High resolution anti-glare OLED display
Ambient light sensor
Illuminated keypad

Supplied Accessories

Windshield, Wrist Strap, USB Download Cable, AnalyzerPlus software, AA Batteries

Environmental

Operating Temperature: -10°C to +50°C
Storage Temperature: -20°C to +60°C
Humidity: Up to 95% RH Non-Condensing

Electromagnetic Performance

IEC 61672-1:2013 & IEC 61672-2:2013
Except where modified by EN 61000-6-1:2007 & EN 61000-6-2:2007

Logging and Storage

Memory: 8GB removable memory card
Audio Note Recording: A spoken note (up to 30 seconds) attached to measurements
Audio Recording: Manual, 48kHz/32bit WAV format

Measurement Control

Record and store data over fixed times: 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour, Lden
Automatic Synchronisation & Repeat options
Pause
Back Erase with user selectable duration (via AnalyzerPlus software)

Standard Measurement Parameters

Lxy, Lxy Max, LxyMin
Lxeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, LAPeak, LCeq-LAeq, LxE, LAeqT
Graph of Short LAeq, LCPeak
Measurement Run Time
Integrators 2 & 3: TWA, Dose %, Est Dose %
Real-Time 1:1 Octave Bands (Graphical & Numeric)
14 Statistical Values (Ln)

Stored Measurement Parameters

LxyMax & Time History of LxyMax
LAeq, LCeq, LZeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, LAPeak, LAIeq
Time History of LAeq, LCeq, LZeq, LCPeak, LZPeak, LAPeak, LAIeq
Integrators 2 & 3: LAVG , TWA. % Dose
Time History of LAVG
1:1 Octave Bands: Overall Leq & Leq Time History for each band
Ln Values: 14 independent statistical values
Audio recording during measurement
Time, date & duration of measurement

x represents the frequency weightings A, C and Z. y represents the time weightings S (Slow), F (Fast) and I (Impulse). All applicable weightings are measured simultaneously.

Additional functions may be calculated using AnalyzerPlus software.

User Manuals

Pulsar Nova Part B Technical Manual

User Manuals

Pulsar Nova Quick Start Guide

Datasheets

Pulsar Nova Sound Level Meters Datasheet

User Manuals

Pulsar Nova User Manual

  1. First Direct Arena –

    The ability to comply with Noise at Work Regulations is an essential requirement for a venue such as ours. From the start, we wanted to invest in a trusted brand and a meter that would offer us the right specification and the latest technology to help us achieve compliance. We chose the Nova sound meter from local company Pulsar Instruments plc which meets all our key requirements and we are delighted with its performance.

  2. Independent Environmental Consultancy (IEC) –

    Independent Environmental Consultancy (IEC) regularly updates its noise monitoring kit. When it came to purchasing a new real-time octave band analyser which could be used for workplace and environmental noise measurements, we opted for the Pulsar Nova Model 45 noise measurement kit. The kit is constantly in use and is a favoured by our consultancy team due to its ease of use, reliability and impressive functionality – a sound choice.

  3. HARIBO –

    The Nova is a fantastic piece of equipment. It allows me to take quick readings and produce the relevant reports and make PPE comparisons easily. As well as saving me considerable time, the clear, real-time screen lets me show and explain to the staff the noise readings in their area as it happens. This is the best tool I have had in cultivating a positive attitude in the staff toward managing their own noise exposure and wearing the hearing protection correctly.

  4. Dakat Limited –

    In the past, I’ve used other meters that would have required at least 30 minutes for all of the measurements, but because of the Nova 45’s ability to measure simultaneously, the whole process was completed within the 10 minute window, thus saving me and the client time while allowing the show to go on!

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