AWA5636-1 Class 2 Integrating Sound Level Meter
The AWA5636-1 is a professional Class 2 integrating sound level meter designed for general environmental, workplace, industrial and machinery noise measurement.
It provides considerably more measurement capability than a basic instantaneous sound level meter, with integrated parameters including Leq, maximum and minimum sound levels, sound exposure level and measurement duration.
The AWA5636-1 combines a 30–130 dB(A) measurement range with a 1/2" pre-polarised condenser microphone, A, C and Z frequency weighting and a compact handheld design.
Optional statistical analysis and computer communication functions allow the instrument to be expanded for more advanced noise assessment where required.
Key Features
- IEC 61672-1 Class 2 sound level meter
- 30–130 dB(A) measurement range
- 20 Hz–12.5 kHz frequency range
- A, C and Z frequency weighting
- Fast and Slow time weighting
- True integrating sound level measurement
- Leq,T measurement
- Maximum and minimum sound level measurement
- Sound Exposure Level (SEL)
- Sound exposure measurement
- Optional statistical Ln analysis
- RS-232 communication
- Optional USB interface
- AC, DC and PWM signal outputs
- 1/2" pre-polarised condenser microphone
- 128 × 64 OLED display
- Battery or external power operation
- Optional rechargeable lithium battery
- Compact 0.24 kg handheld instrument
Measurement Capabilities
Unlike a simple sound level meter that displays only the current sound pressure level, the AWA5636-1 provides integrating measurements over a selected measurement period.
Standard measurement parameters include:
- Lp – Sound pressure level
- Leq,T – Equivalent continuous sound level
- Lmax – Maximum sound level
- Lmin – Minimum sound level
- SEL – Sound Exposure Level
- E – Sound exposure
- Tm – Measurement duration
This makes the AWA5636-1 suitable for professional noise measurements where an average level over time is required rather than only an instantaneous reading.
Optional Statistical Analysis
Statistical noise analysis can be added to the AWA5636-1 where percentile measurements are required.
Available statistical parameters include:
- L5
- L10
- L50
- L90
- L95
- Standard deviation
Statistical analysis is particularly useful for:
- Environmental noise surveys
- Community noise assessment
- Traffic noise
- Industrial boundary measurements
- Variable workplace noise
- Background noise investigations
Frequency & Time Weighting
The AWA5636-1 provides:
Frequency Weighting
- A weighting
- C weighting
- Z weighting
Time Weighting
- Fast (F)
- Slow (S)
These allow the instrument to be configured for a wide range of general environmental, workplace and machinery noise measurements.
Data Communication
The AWA5636-1 includes RS-232 communication for connection to a computer.
RS-232 communication can be used to:
- View measurement results
- Communicate with a PC
- Adjust measurement settings
- Transfer supported measurement information
A USB interface is available as an optional configuration.
Signal Outputs
The AWA5636-1 provides multiple signal-output options for connection to external equipment and monitoring systems.
Available outputs include:
- AC output
- DC output
- PWM output
- RS-232 communication
This makes the instrument useful not only for handheld surveys but also for integration with other measurement or monitoring equipment.
Microphone & Remote Positioning
The AWA5636-1 uses the AWA14421 measurement microphone.
The microphone is a:
- 1/2" pre-polarised condenser microphone
- Nominal sensitivity: 30 mV/Pa
- Frequency range: 20 Hz–12.5 kHz
The microphone and preamplifier can be removed from the main instrument and positioned remotely using a suitable extension cable.
This is useful where the operator needs to be positioned away from the microphone to minimise measurement influence.
Power Supply
The AWA5636-1 can operate from standard alkaline batteries or an external power supply.
Standard Battery Operation
- Four alkaline batteries
- At least approximately 10 hours continuous operation
Optional Lithium Battery
An optional rechargeable lithium battery provides:
- At least approximately 20 hours operation per full charge
External Power
- 4.5–9 V external power supply
This allows the instrument to be used for both portable field measurements and longer-duration fixed measurements.
Calibration
The AWA5636-1 can be field calibrated using a suitable acoustic calibrator.
Recommended options include:
- Class 2 sound calibrator for routine Class 2 measurement applications
- Class 1 sound calibrator where a higher-grade calibrator is preferred
Aihua specifies the AWA6221B Class 2 calibrator and also allows compatible Class 1 acoustic calibrators.
Regular calibration and field verification are recommended where the meter is used for workplace, environmental or compliance measurements.
Standard Supply
The standard AWA5636-1 package includes:
- AWA5636-1 sound level meter
- AWA14421 measurement microphone
- Preamplifier
- Windscreen
- Four alkaline batteries
- Aluminium carrying case
- Adjustment tool
- Instruction manual
- Verification certificate
- Product qualification certificate
Communication cables and other optional accessories depend on the selected configuration.
Optional Accessories & Add-ons
| Accessory / Option | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sound Level Calibrator | Field calibration and measurement verification |
| Statistical Analysis Function | Adds L5, L10, L50, L90, L95 and standard deviation |
| USB Interface | Computer connection and data communication |
| RS-232 Cable | Connection to a computer or compatible equipment |
| Microphone Extension Cable | Remote positioning of the microphone |
| Tripod | Stable hands-free and longer-duration measurements |
| Lithium Battery | Extends portable operating time |
| Replacement Windscreen | Reduces wind influence during outdoor measurements |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Instrument Type | Class 2 Integrating Sound Level Meter |
| Accuracy Class | IEC 61672-1:2002 Class 2 |
| Measurement Range | 30–130 dB(A) |
| Frequency Range | 20 Hz–12.5 kHz |
| Microphone | AWA14421 1/2" pre-polarised condenser microphone |
| Nominal Microphone Sensitivity | 30 mV/Pa |
| Frequency Weighting | A, C, Z |
| Time Weighting | Fast (F), Slow (S) |
| Integrating Measurement | Yes |
| Main Parameters | Lp, Leq,T, Lmax, Lmin, SEL, E, Tm |
| Statistical Analysis | Optional |
| Statistical Parameters | L5, L10, L50, L90, L95, SD |
| 1/1 Octave Analysis | Not available |
| 1/3 Octave Analysis | Not available |
| Audio Recording | Not available on AWA5636-1 |
| Display | 128 × 64 OLED |
| Signal Outputs | AC, DC, PWM |
| RS-232 | Yes |
| USB | Optional |
| Standard Battery Life | At least approximately 10 hours |
| Optional Lithium Battery | At least approximately 20 hours |
| External Power | 4.5–9 V |
| Dimensions | 310 × 72 × 32 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 0.24 kg |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 25–90% RH |
| Operating Air Pressure | 65–108 kPa |
Typical Applications
- General environmental noise measurement
- Workplace noise surveys
- Machinery and equipment noise
- Factory and industrial noise
- Industrial hygiene
- Traffic and vehicle noise
- Construction noise
- Boundary noise measurements
- Health and safety inspections
- Leq noise measurement
- Statistical environmental noise measurement with optional module
- General professional Class 2 sound level measurement