The PCE-SC 09 acoustic calibrator is a professional Class 1 instrument designed to quickly verify and calibrate sound level meters, acoustic analysers and noise measurement systems. It is a battery-powered portable sound source that generates a known and stable sound pressure level, allowing the technician to check the response of the microphone and the complete measuring chain before starting a survey, during an inspection procedure or at the end of the measurement session.

This product is particularly suitable for acoustic technicians, measurement laboratories, environmental consultants, HSE managers, quality control departments, public authorities, universities, research centres and professionals using sound level meters in industrial, urban, environmental or occupational safety applications. In many cases, the value measured by the sound level meter must be reliable and documented; for this reason, checking the instrument with an acoustic calibrator is an essential step to reduce errors, instrument drift and disputes regarding measured data.

The PCE-SC 09 operates with two selectable sound pressure levels: 94 dB and 114 dB. The 94 dB level corresponds to 1 Pa and is widely used as a practical reference for checking sound level meters and microphones, while the 114 dB level corresponds to 10 Pa and is useful when checking the instrument response at a higher sound level. The sound level accuracy is ±0.3 dB, an important specification for technical applications where measurement control must be accurate and repeatable.

The calibration frequency is 1000 Hz, a reference value used for international standard weighting curves. At this frequency, A, B, C and D weightings behave as reference curves, making the calibrator suitable for checking instruments configured with different frequency weighting filters. The frequency accuracy is ±0.01%, contributing to the stability of the generated acoustic signal and the quality of the verification process.

Compliance with IEC 942 Class 1 precision makes the calibrator suitable for professional applications requiring a reliable reference sound source. The included ISO calibration certificate is a very important element for users who need to document instrument checks, manage quality procedures, work according to controlled internal methods or provide evidence of traceability for the verification performed.

The calibrator is equipped with a digital display, useful for reading the operating status and immediately checking the selected level. The battery status indication helps prevent measurements from being performed with insufficient power, a condition that could affect signal stability. Power is supplied by 2 x 1.5 V AA batteries, making the instrument practical for field use, laboratory work or direct verification at the measuring point.

The instrument is compatible with 1" microphones and is supplied with an adapter for ½" microphones. It can also be used with ¼" microphones using an optional adapter. This flexibility is useful because sound level meters, laboratory microphones and monitoring systems can use capsules of different sizes. Before use, it is always advisable to check the microphone diameter and choose the correct adapter, because the mechanical coupling between calibrator and microphone must be stable, centred and free from leaks.

Operating conditions are -10 ... +50 °C and 20 ... 90 % RH without condensation, while storage conditions without batteries are -40 ... +65 °C and 20 ... 90 % RH without condensation. The dimensions of 100 x 100 x 75 mm and weight of 250 g make the calibrator compact, easy to carry and suitable for measurement campaigns, site inspections, periodic checks and quick verifications in production departments.

Correct use normally involves checking the sound level meter before the measurement and carrying out a second check at the end of the survey. This makes it possible to verify whether the instrument has maintained its response throughout the session. If the difference between the initial and final check is significant, the technician should evaluate the validity of the collected data and check for possible issues such as a dirty microphone, incorrectly fitted adapter, low battery, shock, environmental changes or instrument drift.

A practical recommendation is to insert the microphone into the calibrator gently, avoiding side pressure on the capsule. The coupling must be complete and stable, but not forced. During calibration, it is preferable to keep both calibrator and sound level meter still, away from vibration, strong air currents and very high impulsive noise. Even though the calibrator generates a known signal, incorrect mechanical use can introduce errors or make the reading less stable.

In industrial quality control, the PCE-SC 09 can be used to check sound level meters used in production areas, test rooms, machine monitoring, noise evaluations and periodic workplace inspections. In environmental measurements, it is useful for preparing surveys near roads, construction sites, schools, plants, residential areas and complex sound sources. In laboratories, it allows the instrument response to be quickly checked before comparative tests or repeated measurements.

The PCE-SC 09 acoustic calibrator is therefore an essential instrument for users who work with sound level measurements and need to verify the correctness of the measuring system in a fast, documented and professional way. The combination of IEC 942 Class 1, 94 dB and 114 dB levels, 1000 Hz frequency, ±0.3 dB accuracy, digital display, ½" microphone adapter and included ISO calibration certificate makes it suitable for technicians and companies that want to perform acoustic measurements with greater control, traceability and reliability.

Delivery scope:

1 x Sound Level Calibrator PCE-SC 09-ICA
1 x Calibration certificate
1 x 1/2 inch adapter
1 x Instrument case
2 x 1.5V AA batteries
1 x Quick start guide
1 x ISO Calibration Certificate