Larson Davis SoundAdvisor 831C User manual

SoundAdvisor
Model 831C Sound Level Meter

Larson Davis
SoundAdvisor
Model 831C
Sound Level Meter
Reference Manual

SoundAdvisor Model 831C i-2
Copyright
Copyright 2017, by PCB Piezotronics, Inc. This manual is copyrighted, with all rights reserved. The manual may not be copied
in whole or in part for any use without prior written consent of PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
Disclaimer
The following paragraph does not apply in any state or country where such statements are not agreeable with local law:
Even though PCB Piezotronics, Inc. has reviewed its documentation, PCB Piezotronics Inc. makes no warranty or representa-
tion, either expressed or implied, with respect to this instrument and documentation, its quality, performance, merchantabil-
ity, or fitness for a particular purpose. This documentation is subject to change without notice, and should not be construed as
a commitment or representation by PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
This publication may contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. PCB Piezotronics, Inc. will periodically update the material
for inclusion in new editions. Changes and improvements to the information described in this manual may be made at any
time.
Safety
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by Larson Davis, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Record of Serial Number and Purchase Date
SoundAdvisor Model 831C Serial Number: ___________
Preamplifier Model: _________ Serial Number: ___________
Microphone Model: _________ Serial Number: ___________
Recycling PCB Piezotronics, Inc. is an environmentally friendly organization and encourages our customers to be environ-
mentally conscious. When this product reaches its end of life, please recycle the product through a local recy-
cling center or return the product to:
PCB Piezotronics, Inc.
Attn: Recycling Coordinator
1681 West 820 North
Provo, Utah, USA 84601-1341
where it will be accepted for disposal
Warranty
For warranty information, refer to our Terms and Conditions of Sale on our website, www.larsondavis.com/TermsCondi-
tions.aspx.
i.1 Contact Larson Davis
Website
www.larsondavis.com
Worldwide Corporate Headquarters
Larson Davis - a PCB Piezotronics division
3425 Walden Avenue
Depew, NY 14043-2495 USA
Toll-free (in the US): 888-258-3222
Phone: [phone]
USA fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]om

SoundAdvisor Model 831C i-3
i.2 Download G4 LD Utility
G4 LD Utility (G4) software enhances the features, flexibility, and ease-of-use of Larson Davis instruments
by providing setup utilities, instrument calibration, computer-based control of the instrument, data
download and manipulation, printing, and export of data to third-party software for post processing and
analysis.
When you insert the G4 LD Utility software CD, it will start automatically. If it does not, access the CD drive
and click LDsetup.exe. Alternatively you can download G4 at
http://www.larsondavis.com/G4
The install program prompts for any additional required information. A PCB Piezotronics menu item will
be created under the Program menu item in the Start menu and a shortcut will be placed on the desktop.
i.2.1 Connecting SoundAdvisor to G4
After installing G4 LD Utility, make your initial connection via USB cable from your instrument to PC. Press
the power button 0on SoundAdvisor to turn the instrument on. Launch the G4 software and click
Connect.
FIGURE I-1 G4 LD Utility Connect
In the Connect to Meter dialog box, select the device and connection type. Instruments that are
detectable via USB connection appear automatically in the list. When your instrument appears, select it
and click Connect when the instruments appear. G4 can be connected to multiple instruments through
both TCP/IP address and USB connection. For more information about G4 see the G4 LD Utility Manual.
FIGURE I-2 Connection To Meter

SoundAdvisor Model 831C i-4
i.3 Using A Digital Reference Manual
Larson Davis is committed to the green practices of limited paper waste. In this effort, we only offer
reference manuals in a digital PDF format. Digital notes and comments can be made in certain readers,
and you are encouraged to print any procedures or sections for quick references that fit your needs. Each
page is drafted on A4 size, and can be easily scaled to fit most printers. When printing set scaling to “Fit to
Printable Area”.
FIGURE I-3 PDF View on Adobe Acrobat Pro
Jump Back button for when
you go to a link and want to
return to your last place in
the document
Loupe Tool allows
for a quick zoom
window
Make text notes that
point directly to sections
Highlight or underline
any text
Create links to open other
documents you have that
relate to the content.

I831C.01 Rev FSupporting Firmware Version 3.0.5
Table of Contents
Module 1 SoundAdvisor Features 1-1
1.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Basic Operations ..............................................................................................................................1-1
1.3 Applications .....................................................................................................................................1-2
1.4 Hardware Features ..........................................................................................................................1-2
1.5 Performance Features .....................................................................................................................1-3
1.6 Available Options .............................................................................................................................1-3
1.7 Accessories .......................................................................................................................................1-4
Module 2 Instrument Overview 2-1
2.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Instrument .......................................................................................................................................2-2
2.3 Keypad ..............................................................................................................................................2-4
2.4 Microphones and Preamplifiers ......................................................................................................2-6
2.5 Displays and Icons ...........................................................................................................................2-6
Module 3 Getting Started 3-1
3.1 Unpacking & Inspecting ...................................................................................................................3-1
3.2 Connect the Microphone & Preamplifier ........................................................................................3-3
3.3 Connect the Preamplifier to Meter .................................................................................................3-4
3.4 Disconnect the Preamplifier ...........................................................................................................3-4
3.5 Power the SoundAdvisor .................................................................................................................3-4
3.6 Turn the SoundAdvisor ON ..............................................................................................................3-8
3.7 Accessibility and Control .................................................................................................................3-9
3.8 Long Term Storage of SoundAdvisor ............................................................................................3-11
Module 4 Data Display 4-1
4.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................4-1
4.2 Data Labels .......................................................................................................................................4-2
4.3 Live Displays .....................................................................................................................................4-2
4.4 Overall Displays ...............................................................................................................................4-8
4.5 Session Log Tab .............................................................................................................................4-18
4.6 Adjust Graph Scale .........................................................................................................................4-19
Module 5 Calibration 5-1
5.1 Calibration Overview .......................................................................................................................5-1
5.2 Calibration Displays .........................................................................................................................5-2
5.3 Choosing a Calibrator ......................................................................................................................5-5
5.4 Performing a Calibration .................................................................................................................5-6
Module 6 Measurement Setup 6-1
6.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................6-1
6.2 Setup Manager .................................................................................................................................6-2
6.3 Default to LD Default Setup .............................................................................................................6-9
6.4 User Defined Setup ..........................................................................................................................6-9
6.5 Exiting the Setup Manager ............................................................................................................6-10
Module 7 Making a Measurement 7-1
7.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................7-1
7.2 Before You Start ...............................................................................................................................7-2
7.3 Performing the Measurement .........................................................................................................7-5
7.4 Storing the Measurement ................................................................................................................7-8
7.5 Low Level Sound Fields ...................................................................................................................7-8

SoundAdvisor Model 831C ii-2
Module 8 Measurement Data Files 8-1
8.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................8-1
8.2 Data Storage Preferences ................................................................................................................8-2
8.3 Data File Manager ............................................................................................................................8-3
8.4 USB Drive Storage ............................................................................................................................8-5
8.5 File Naming System .........................................................................................................................8-7
8.6 Out Of Memory .................................................................................................................................8-8
Module 9 System Properties 9-1
9.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................9-1
9.2 Device ...............................................................................................................................................9-1
9.3 Time ..................................................................................................................................................9-2
9.4 NTP ...................................................................................................................................................9-2
9.5 Power ...............................................................................................................................................9-3
9.6 Preferences ......................................................................................................................................9-5
9.7 Localization ......................................................................................................................................9-8
9.8 Displays ............................................................................................................................................9-9
9.9 Options ...........................................................................................................................................9-10
9.10Network ..........................................................................................................................................9-10
9.11Email ...............................................................................................................................................9-11
9.12Cloud Storage ................................................................................................................................9-13
9.13Other ...............................................................................................................................................9-15
9.14Set Reference Spectra ...................................................................................................................9-16
Module 10 About System 10-1
Module 11 Lock 11-1
11.1Overview .........................................................................................................................................11-1
11.2Lock Meter ......................................................................................................................................11-1
11.3Lock Modes ....................................................................................................................................11-2
11.4Allow Calibration When Locked ....................................................................................................11-3
11.5Constraints .....................................................................................................................................11-4
11.6Unlock ............................................................................................................................................11-4
Module 12 System Utilities 12-1
Module 13 Communications & WiFi 13-1
13.1Communication .............................................................................................................................13-1
13.2Connecting to an Ethernet Port ....................................................................................................13-2
13.3WiFi .................................................................................................................................................13-3
Module 14 Upgrade Firmware 14-1
14.1G4 LD Utility ....................................................................................................................................14-1
14.2Upgrading SoundAdvisor Firmware .............................................................................................14-2
14.3Upgrading Options ........................................................................................................................14-4
14.4Enabling/Disabling Optional Firmware ........................................................................................14-4
Module 15 Measurement History 15-1
15.1Overview .........................................................................................................................................15-1
15.2Enabling Measurement History .....................................................................................................15-1
15.3Setting up the Measurement .........................................................................................................15-1
15.4Making a Measurement .................................................................................................................15-4
15.5Viewing Measurement Data ..........................................................................................................15-4
15.6Storing Measurement History .......................................................................................................15-6
Module 16 Time History 16-1
16.1Overview .........................................................................................................................................16-1
16.2Metrics Logged ...............................................................................................................................16-1

SoundAdvisor Model 831C ii-3
16.3Enabling Time History ...................................................................................................................16-3
16.4Setting up the Measurement .........................................................................................................16-3
16.5Making a Time History Measurement ...........................................................................................16-4
16.6Markers ...........................................................................................................................................16-5
16.7Viewing Time History Data ............................................................................................................16-7
16.8Storing Time History ......................................................................................................................16-9
Module 17 Event History 17-1
17.1Overview .........................................................................................................................................17-1
17.2Enabling Event History ..................................................................................................................17-1
17.3Setting up the Measurement .........................................................................................................17-1
17.4Making an Event History Measurement ........................................................................................17-5
17.5Viewing Event History Data ...........................................................................................................17-5
17.6Storing Event History .....................................................................................................................17-7
17.7Triggering Method .........................................................................................................................17-7
Module 18 Sound Recording 18-1
18.1Overview .........................................................................................................................................18-1
18.2Enabling Sound Recording Option ...............................................................................................18-1
18.3Create Setup File ............................................................................................................................18-1
18.4Manual Sound Recording ..............................................................................................................18-2
18.5Marker Sound Recording ...............................................................................................................18-3
18.6Event Sound Recording .................................................................................................................18-4
18.7Sound Recording Range ................................................................................................................18-8
18.8Sound Recording Playback .........................................................................................................18-10
18.9Storing Sound Recordings ...........................................................................................................18-10
Appendix A Technical Specifications A-1
A.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................A-1
A.2 SoundAdvisor Model 831C Instrument Platform ...........................................................................A-1
A.3 SoundAdvisor Model 831C Base Software ......................................................................................A-5
A.4 SoundAdvisor Model 831C Octave Band Analysis Software – Option 831C-OB3 .........................A-8
A.5 SoundAdvisor Model 831C Event Logging Software – Option 831C-ELA ....................................A-14
A.6 SoundAdvisor Model 831C Time History Software – Option 831C-LOG ......................................A-15
A.7 Frequency Response ......................................................................................................................A-16
A.8 Declaration of Conformity .............................................................................................................A-35
Appendix B Measuring IEC61672-1 B-1
B.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................B-1
B.2 Section 9.3 ........................................................................................................................................B-1
Appendix C Glossary C-1
C.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................................C-1
C.2 Glossary of Terms ............................................................................................................................C-1

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Overview 1-1
Module 1SoundAdvisor Features
1.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................................1-1
1.2 Basic Operations .................................................................................................................1-1
1.3 Applications .........................................................................................................................1-2
1.4 Hardware Features ..............................................................................................................1-2
1.5 Performance Features .........................................................................................................1-3
1.6 Available Options ................................................................................................................1-3
1.6.1 Purchase-Required Options .................................................................................1-3
1.7 Accessories ..........................................................................................................................1-4
1.7.1 Optional Accessories ............................................................................................1-4
1.1 Overview
TAKE NOTE The “C” in 831C
stands for color. The SoundAdvisor Model 831C (the SoundAdvisor, 831C, or meter) is a Class 1 acoustic monitoring instrument with a full-color touch screen
that measures noise frequency, sound pressure level, and community
and environmental sound.
G4 LD Utility (G4) software connects your meter through USB 2.0 high-
speed and other wired and wireless methods to your PC. With G4 you
can calibrate the meter, create setup files, download measurements,
and analyze the results.
1.2 Basic Operations
The SoundAdvisor performs the following operations:
TRY THIS Explore the interface,
press buttons, change
settings, and test the
operations.
• Measures sound: stop, pause, and resume measurement
• Display broadband and spectral sound values on a full-color
display screen
• View live and stored data while a measurement is in process
• Log simultaneously to time, statistical measurement and event
histories
• Use markers to annotate portions of time histories, including
voice annotation
• Automatically back up data to prevent data loss on power
failure
• Calibrate using a Precision Acoustic Calibrator, and store
calibration history

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Applications 1-2
• Time stamping for Lmax, Lmin, Lpeak-(max) single event metrics.
• Sync clock with PC, attached GPS, or Network Time Protocol
(NTP)
• Create multiple Setup configurations using the Setup Manager
• Record audio in .wav and .ogg formats with event, manual, or
time-based triggers
1.3 Applications
The SoundAdvisor monitors:
• City noise
• Construction noise
• Airport noise
• Nuisance noise
• Noise ordinance compliance
• Wind farm noise
1.4 Hardware Features
The SoundAdvisor is a precision integrating sound level meter with the
following hardware features:
TAKE NOTE Up to 32GB USB
memory can be purchased
from Larson Davis as an
option.
• 2 GB internal industrial grade data memory
• 240 x 320 full-color graphic LCD display with touchscreen user
interface
• Quiet Touch elastomeric keypad
• 4-AA batteries provide upwards of 8 hours operating time,
usable with NiMH, photo-lithium, lithium-Ion, and alkaline cells
• AC/DC output jack with full dynamic range option
• Compatible with 61 m (200 ft.) microphone extension cable (full
scale to 20 kHz)
• Dust resistant durable plastic case with lanyard and tripod
mount (tripod not included)
• USB 2.0 high-speed host connector for mass storage, weather
sensors, USB headset, and WiFi communication devices
• USB 2.0 high-speed peripheral connector for control and data
download by a PC
• I/O connector for power, weather transducers, logic input/
output, and preamplifier communications

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Performance Features 1-3
1.5 Performance Features
• Large dynamic range > 120 dBA
• RMS Detectors: Slow, Fast & Impulse
• RMS Frequency Weighting: A, C & Z
• Peak Frequency Weighting: A, C & Z
•AnyLevel
TM Simultaneous measurement and display of Max and
Min sound pressure levels (Slow, Fast and Impulse detectors),
plus Leq and Peak levels, all with A, C and Z frequency weighting
• Weather Measurements (Wind Speed and Direction,
Temperature, and Humidity with SEN03x)
• Multiple language support: English, French, Italian, German,
and Spanish
• Field-upgradeable firmware
1.6 Available Options
LEARN MORE To purchase
options, see “Contact Larson
Davis” on page ii-2.
The SoundAdvisor is delivered with all firmware options available at
the time of manufacture already installed. However, only those options
which have been purchased are enabled. Any of the other firmware
options can be enabled at a later date, following purchase, using a file
delivered from Larson Davis.
1.6.1 Purchase-Required Options
831C-LOG
Time History data logging with periods from 2.5 ms to 24 hours.
831C-OB3
Real-time 1/1 & 1/3 Octave Frequency Analysis .
831C-ELA
Measurement History for the manual or timed storage of statistical
data, and exceedance-based Logging Analysis with Events.
831C-SR
Make event based and manual sound recordings that can be sent via
email or SMS and stored in the measurement data.
831C-MSR
Measurement History for the manual or timed storage of statistical
data with all sound recording capabilities.
831C-SW
Make direct USB communication with Sierra Wireless RV50 gateway.

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Accessories 1-4
1.7 Accessories
TAKE NOTE Some of these
options may not be provided
with systems designed for
specific applications.
Unless otherwise noted, the SoundAdvisor is delivered with these
standard accessories:
Microphone Preamplifier
PRM831
or
PRM2103
Microphone
377B02 1/2” free-field prepolarized microphone, 50 mV/Pa, providing
performance conforming to Class 1 sound level meter standards
or
377C20 1/2” random incidence prepolarized microphone, 50 mV/Pa,
providing performance conforming to Class 1 sound level meter
standards
Software CD
G4 LD Utility Software for setup, measurement, download, and data
viewing through CBL138 USB or TCP/IP
Accessory Kit
831-ACC includes:
• 831-CCS Hard Shell Case
• PSA029 Universal AC USB Power Adaptor
• CBL138 USB to mini-B cable, 1.8 m
• WS001 3 1/2” Windscreen
• 4 Rechargeable AA NiMH batteries
Other
Lanyard
1.7.1 Optional Accessories
Microphones • 377C01 1/4” free-field prepolarized microphone, 2 mV/Pa, for
higher level and/or higher frequency measurements (ADP043
adaptor required)
• 377C10 1/4” pressure prepolarized microphone, 1.0 mV/Pa, for
higher level and/or higher frequency measurements (ADP043
adaptor required)
Microphone Preamplifiers • 426E01 1/2” ICP Low Noise Microphone Preamplifier (requires
adaptor ADP074)

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Accessories 1-5
• PRM2103 Outdoor Microphone Preamplifier
• PRM426A12 Outdoor Microphone Preamplifier
Environmental Protection EPS2116 Environmental Shell
Protects microphone and preamplifier from rain and wind with
mounting options for pipes, poles, and most tripods
EPS030-831
Weather-proof enclosure for remote noise monitoring; includes battery
NMS/EPS043
Weather proof enclosure for remote noise monitoring
NMS/EPS044
Solar powered noise monitoring system for outdoor, long-term, and
unattended sound monitoring
Weather Data Acquisition • 831-INT Interface Unit for use with 426A12 Outdoor Microphone
Preamplifier and weather sensors
Communication • DVX012, 013, 014, 015
• 831-INT-ET 831-INT with integrated Ethernet capability
GPS
GPS001 GPS Receiver, USB Magnetic Mount
Equivalent Electrical Impedance Adaptor
An equivalent electrical impedance adapter can be used in place of the
microphone when very high impedance measurements need to be
made and the instrument is being tested electrically. The adapter is
simply a series capacitor with the same capacitance as the microphone
it is replacing. The following adapters are available. If square wave
pulse measurement is to be performed, then the adapter must also be
used with a 100 kHz, low pass, T filter.
• ADP002 6.8pF BNC Input Adaptor for 1/4 in., 7pF microphone
equivalent
• ADP090 12pF BNC Input Adaptor for 1/2 in., 12pF microphone
equivalent
• ADP092 BNC In-Line Low Pass Filter 75kHz
Cables Extension and Interface Cables
• Microphone Extension Cable: EXCXXX (shielded), where XXX is
the length in feet (XXX = 010, 020, 050, 100 and 200 available)
• CBL138 USB Cable
• CBL139 AC/DC Output Cable

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Accessories 1-6
Cables for Environmental Monitoring
• CBL152 Cable; 426A12 to 831 Signal, 20’
• CBL153 Cable; 426A12 to 831-INT Control, 20’
• CBL154 Cable; 426A12 to 831C Control, 20’
• CBL203 Cable; PRM2103 to 831Control, 20’
• CBL208 Cable; PRM2103 to 831-INT Control, 20’
Cable for use with PSA027 Universal Input Power Supply AC Power
Adaptor
• CBL140 Cable; 831 Power, 2.5 mm JACK, 1’
Power Supply • PSA027 Universal 90-240 AC Power Adaptor providing power
from electrical outlet, used to power the SoundAdvisor in
conjunction with CBL140, CBL145 or CBL154. 1.25 A, 2.5X5.5X14
mm
• BAT015 External battery holder for the 831, holding 4 or 8 D-
sized alkaline 1.5 volt batteries to extend run time
Tripods • TRP001 Instrument/Camera Tripod with ADP032 1/2 in.
microphone clip used with EPS2116
• TRP002 Microphone Stand with Boom
• TRP003 Support Tripod, heavy duty, can be used with EPS029,
EPS030 and EPS2116
• ADP091 Mounting adapter, 426A12 TO TRP003
• TRP019 Permanent 17' tilt down pole.
• TRP020-06 Heavy duty 6' tripod
• TRP020-10 Heavy duty 10' tripod
• TRP020-15 Heavy duty 15' tripod
TRP020-20 Heavy duty 20' tripod
Other Hardware Calibrators
• CAL200 Class 1 Sound Level Calibrator, 94/114 dB @ 1 kHz
• CAL250 Class 1 Sound Level Calibrator, 114 dB @ 250 Hz
Soft Case
CCS032 pouch with belt clip
Optional Software DNA (Data Navigation and Analysis) software

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Overview 2-1
Module 2Instrument Overview
2.1 Overview ..............................................................................................................................2-1
2.2 Instrument ...........................................................................................................................2-2
2.3 Keypad .................................................................................................................................2-4
2.3.1 Navigating and Selecting ......................................................................................2-4
2.3.2 Basic Run Function ...............................................................................................2-5
2.3.3 Entering Text .........................................................................................................2-5
2.4 Microphones and Preamplifiers .........................................................................................2-6
2.5 Displays and Icons ...............................................................................................................2-6
2.5.1 Measurement Data Tabs .......................................................................................2-7
2.5.2 Pages .....................................................................................................................2-8
2.5.3 Status Bar Icons ....................................................................................................2-8
2.5.4 Display Menus .....................................................................................................2-13
2.1 Overview
The SoundAdvisor Model 831C accomplishes all tasks related to
sound monitoring. The SoundAdvisor is a reliable and diversely
competent meter. With the SoundAdvisor, you can:
• Measure all area sound
• Stream and record audio continuously or for events using
sample rates up to 51.2 ksps in compressed or uncompressed
format
• Communicate with via USB, Ethernet, cellular, or WiFi
• Operate completely from the device itself, or remotely using G4
LD Utility software
• Easily expand memory using USB memory
• Automatically synchronize the clock with Network Time
Protocol (NTP) or GPS for optimal accuracy
• Select desired color theme on the full-color graphic LCD display
with touchscreen user interface
This module describes the hardware and visual components that make
up the SoundAdvisor.

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Instrument 2-2
2.2 Instrument
FIGURE 2-1 SoundAdvisor Instrument Overview (front)
Standard 1/2” free field
or random incidence
microphone
Release button to disconnect
the preamp from the meter
240 x 320 full-color graphic
LCD display with touchscreen
user interface (shown with
Dark color theme)
Display navigation
softkeys
Multicolor back-lit
keypad
Tools button leads
to system set-up
information
On/Off button is
also a one-touch
power control
access
Reset/Clear
Measurement
USB Auxiliary port,
AC/DC output jack,
and I/O connectors
PRM831
Preamplifier

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Instrument 2-3
FIGURE 2-2 Instrument Overview (bottom)
1. AUX connector intended for use with USB mass storage, cellular
modem, GPS, headphones, speakers, and future devices.
CAUTION DO NOT use the hard-
ware power switch to turn the
SoundAdvisor ON or OFF. This
may cause data to be lost.
The purpose of this switch is
to disconnect the batteries for
storage (1 to 2 weeks). If any
longer, then remove the bat-
teries from the meter.
2. Hardware Power Switch when set to “ 0 ” completely powers down
theSoundAdvisorforstorage.Setto“|” forinstrumentoperation.
3. USB Interface 2.0 peripheral full-speed port used for communica-
tion, full control, and downloading of data to PC. The PSA029 exter-
nal power supply may be connected here. The maximum USB cable
length is 1m and the cable is part number CBL138.
4. AC/DC 2.5 mm Output jack for analog AC/DC output signals.
CAUTION The AC/DC jack is not
a headphone jack.
5. The I/O Connector for peripherals and external power is typically
used for external devices.

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Keypad 2-4
Softkeys:
Left, Center, Right
2.3 Keypad
The SoundAdvisor has 13 buttons that are used to start, stop, or pause
measurement, navigate display, and safely power the meter off.
FIGURE 2-3 SoundAdvisor Keypad
2.3.1 Navigating and Selecting
To navigate the display on the meter, you can utilize the touch-screen
feature and simply press your selection directly on the screen using the
tip of your finger, or use the keypad.
Arrow Keys
Up, Down, Right, Left
Reset a measurement
Power Control
Tools menu
Stop or Store a Run or Pause a
measurement
Select or Enter
Table 2.1 Navigating and Selecting
Action Key(s) Description
Navigate to tabs //Top left & right softkeys
Navigate to pages 8
2
Up & down arrow keys
Navigate within display (e.g.,
move highlighted octave band) 46Left & right arrow keys

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Keypad 2-5
2.3.2 Basic Run Function
The basic run measurement functions can be executed using the
following keys:
2.3.3 Entering Text
The SoundAdvisor allows for complete operation from the meter itself.
In instances where a text field will need to be edited, a keyboard will
appear. Navigate the keyboard using the arrow keys 28up &
down and 46left & right. Use the 5key to make a selection.
Access content specific menu /*/ There are times when a content specific menu
appear on the screen. The associated top soft key
will access that menu.
Exit a menu *The top middle soft key can be used to close or
save. If you don’t want to save, press it, and then
select no to exit.
Navigate up & down in a display 5The enter key can be used to move up and down on
certain pages
Make a selection 5The enter key can be used to make a selection
Table 2.1 Navigating and Selecting
Action Key(s) Description
Table 2.2 Basic Run
Action Key(s) Description
Initiate a run 9Start a measurement
Pause a run 9While the SoundAdvisor is running, press this
button to pause
Stop measurement 7End a measurement during a run or pause
Store data file 7Pressing the stop/store button while the meter is
stopped will store the measurement data
Reset measurement 1Press the reset key to clear measurement

SoundAdvisor Model 831C Microphones and Preamplifiers 2-6
2.4 Microphones and Preamplifiers
The following microphone preamplifier is used with the SoundAdvisor:
LEARN MORE For information
on using the SoundAdvisor
with the PRM2103
preamplifier, see the
PRM2103 Manual.
• PRM831 1/2” Microphone Preamplifier
The following microphone are the most commonly used with the
SoundAdvisor:
• 377B02 1/2” Free Field Microphone with nominal sensitivity of
50 mV/Pa
• 377C20 1/2” Random Incidence Microphone with nominal
sensitivity of 50 mV/Pa
• 377C01 1/4” Free Field Microphone with nominal sensitivity of
2.16 mV/Pa (ADP043 adaptor required)
• 377C10 1/4” Pressure Microphone with nominal sensitivity of 1
mV/Pa (ADP043 adaptor required).
2.5 Displays and Icons
The SoundAdvisor has a full-color, back-lit LCD touchscreen. The color
theme can be changed to dark or light from System Properties. See
“System Properties” on page 9-1.
When the SoundAdvisor is first powered ON, the Live screen is
displayed. When a measurement is in progress, the display is similar to
Figure 2-4 Live Main Screen.
FIGURE 2-4 Live Main Screen
OBA Overload or
Under Range icon
Tools menu
Run time of current
measurement
Measurement status
Pages can be
accessed using the
up and down Measurement
name of current
running
Data display Session log,
Overall, and other
tabs can be
accessed using the
right and left
softkeys