AWA6021A Class 1 Sound Calibrator
The AWA6021A is a compact Class 1 acoustic sound calibrator designed for field calibration and verification of sound level meters, noise dosimeters, measurement microphones and other acoustic measuring instruments.
It generates selectable 94 dB and 114 dB sound pressure levels at 1 kHz, allowing professional users to verify instrument sensitivity before and after noise measurements.
Automatic atmospheric-pressure compensation, fast stabilisation and simple push-button operation make the AWA6021A ideal for environmental noise surveys, occupational hygiene, acoustic testing and other applications requiring Class 1 calibration performance.
Key Features
- IEC 60942:2017 Class 1 sound calibrator
- Selectable 94 dB and 114 dB output levels
- 1,000 Hz calibration frequency
- Sound pressure level accuracy: ±0.25 dB
- Frequency accuracy: ±0.7%
- Automatic atmospheric-pressure compensation
- Stabilisation time of less than 15 seconds
- Automatic shutdown after microphone removal
- Suitable for standard 1/2" measurement microphones
- Supports 1" microphones by removing the adaptor
- Optional adaptor available for 1/4" microphones
- Compact and lightweight design
- Powered by standard AA batteries
94 dB & 114 dB Calibration
The AWA6021A provides two selectable calibration levels:
| Calibration Level | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 94 dB @ 1 kHz | Routine field calibration and verification of sound level meters and noise dosimeters |
| 114 dB @ 1 kHz | Calibration at a higher sound pressure level or where required by the instrument or test method |
The calibrator starts at 94 dB. The 94/114 control allows the output to be switched to 114 dB when required.
Class 1 Calibration
The AWA6021A complies with IEC 60942:2017 Class 1, making it the recommended choice where the measurement system or application requires high-accuracy acoustic calibration.
Typical applications include:
- Class 1 sound level meters
- Class 2 sound level meters
- Environmental noise measurement
- Occupational noise assessment
- Acoustic consultancy
- Laboratory acoustic measurement
- Machinery noise measurement
- Building acoustics
- Noise monitoring systems
Microphone Compatibility
The standard adaptor is suitable for 1/2" measurement microphones, commonly used with professional sound level meters.
The calibrator can also be used with:
- 1" microphones – by removing the standard adaptor
- 1/4" microphones – using the optional AWA8532 adaptor
Free-Field Microphone Correction
When calibrating a free-field microphone, a small correction may be required depending on the microphone type.
For a typical 1/2" free-field microphone, the manual specifies a -0.2 dB correction at 1 kHz. Therefore, when the calibrator is producing 94.0 dB, the connected sound level meter would typically display approximately 93.8 dB.
Always follow the correction specified for the particular microphone being calibrated.
Simple Field Operation
- Switch the AWA6021A on.
- Allow the output to stabilise.
- Carefully place the calibrator over the measurement microphone.
- Wait until the indicator confirms stable output.
- Perform or verify the calibration on the connected measuring instrument.
- Select 114 dB where a higher calibration level is required.
- Remove the calibrator after completing the calibration.
When the microphone is removed and the calibrator cavity remains open, the AWA6021A automatically shuts down after approximately five seconds.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Model | AWA6021A |
| Instrument Type | Class 1 Sound Calibrator |
| Standard | IEC 60942:2017 Class 1 |
| Sound Pressure Levels | 94.0 dB / 114.0 dB |
| Sound Pressure Level Error | ±0.25 dB |
| Calibration Frequency | 1,000 Hz |
| Frequency Error | ±0.7% |
| Harmonic Distortion | ≤1.0% |
| Overall Distortion | ≤2.5% |
| Stabilisation Time | <15 seconds |
| Standard Microphone Size | 1/2" |
| 1" Microphones | Supported with standard adaptor removed |
| 1/4" Microphones | Optional AWA8532 adaptor required |
| Battery | 2 × AA alkaline batteries |
| Maximum Continuous Operation | Approx. 7 hours |
| Operating Voltage | 2.2–3.4 V |
| Dimensions | 72 × 72 × 42 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to +50°C |
| Operating Humidity | 25–90% RH |
| Atmospheric Pressure | 65–108 kPa |
Typical Applications
- Field calibration of sound level meters
- Noise dosimeter calibration
- Environmental noise surveys
- Occupational hygiene
- Workplace noise measurement
- Machinery and equipment noise
- Acoustic consultancy
- Building acoustics
- Laboratory acoustic measurement
- Measurement microphone sensitivity verification
Calibration & Verification
For measurement work requiring traceability, the sound calibrator itself should also be periodically calibrated.
Aihua recommends periodic metrological calibration — typically annually — to maintain sound pressure level accuracy.
Help Me Choose
AWA6021A vs AWA6022A
| Model | Accuracy | Output | Best For / Why Choose It |
| AWA6021A | IEC 60942 Class 1 | 94 / 114 dB @ 1 kHz | Professional Class 1 measurement systems and applications requiring higher calibration accuracy. Best choice for Class 1 meters. |
| AWA6022A | IEC 60942 Class 2 | 94 / 114 dB @ 1 kHz | Routine calibration of Class 2 sound level meters and noise dosimeters. Lower-cost calibration option. |
Which One Should I Choose?
Choose the AWA6021A when:
- Your sound level meter is Class 1
- Your procedure specifies a Class 1 calibrator
- You want the highest calibration accuracy
- The calibrator will be used across both Class 1 and Class 2 instruments
Choose the AWA6022A when:
- You are primarily calibrating Class 2 instruments
- Class 1 calibration is not required
- Cost is a priority
If you are unsure, choosing the AWA6021A Class 1 calibrator provides the greater flexibility because it can be used with both Class 1 and Class 2 measurement systems.