How to Calibrate the Pro Sound Level Meter (IC-QM1598)

The professional-grade IC-QM1598 Sound Level Meter comes with all the tools required to perform accurate environmental sound level measurements. This article shows you how to perform a calibration using the included sound calibrator to ensure your meter is performing to the highest level of accuracy.

Figure 1 Watch an Instrument Choice scientist demonstrate how to calibrate the IC-QM1598 Pro Sound Level Meter here.

Materials

1. The Professional Sound Level Meter
2. Sound Level Calibrator
3. 2 x 9V batteries
4. A small flat-head screwdriver (not included)

Battery Installation

Before first use, you must install the included batteries into the sound level meter and sound calibrator.

Sound Level Meter

1. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the battery compartment on the back of the sound level meter.
2. Install 1 x 9V battery, observing polarity.
3. Replace the battery cover and screw to secure.

Sound Calibrator

1. Use the screwdriver to unscrew the battery compartment on the back of the sound calibrator.
2. Install 1 x 9V battery, observing polarity.
3. Replace the battery cover and screw to secure.

How to Calibrate the Pro Sound Level Meter (IC-QM1598)

Preparing the Sound Level Meter for Calibration

Before performing calibration, you will need to make the following three adjustments to the sound level meter.

1. Set the frequency weighting to A-weighting. Press the A/C key until dBa appears on the LCD.
2. Set the time weighting to FAST. Press the F/S key until FAST appears on the LCD.
3. Set the sound level range. Press the LEVEL key until the device level is 50-100dB (or auto).

Figure 1 IC-QM1598 Sound level meter
inserted into the sound calibrator

Calibrating the Sound Level Meter

1. Remove the wind protection ball from the microphone.
2. Insert the microphone housing into the 1/2 inch insertion hole of the sound calibrator.
3. Adjust the switch of the calibrator to line up with the 94dB marking.
4. The LCD of the sound level meter will display the measured value.

5. If the value is 94.0dB	If the value is not 94.0dB
   Make no changes	Use the small screwdriver to adjust the CAL potentiometer (Figure 2) until 94.0dB is displayed.

6. When the display is reading 94.0 dB – calibration is complete.
7. Remove the sound calibrator from the microphone.
   

   Figure 2 Cal potentiometer on
   the side of the IC-QM1598

8. Move the sound calibrator switch to the OFF position and store it away for future calibrations.
9. On the sound level meter, replace the windshield ball on the top of the microphone. The sound level meter is now ready to take accurate sound level measurements

Conclusion

With the Pro Sound Level Meter (IC-QM1598), you can ensure precision sound level measurements in almost any environment. This device is easy to use and is supplied with everything you need to keep your meter calibrated.

Want more information or need a hand calibrating your IC-QM1598 Sound Level Meter? See the links below or contact us!

Additional links

• View the Pro Sound Level Meter with Calibrator - IC-QM1598
• Browse all Sound Level Meters at Instrument Choice
• Want to see what comes in the box? Watch a scientist “Unboxing the Pro Sound Level Meter with Calibrator (IC-QM1598)”.
• Need a hand setting up your IC-QM1598? Watch “How to Set Up and Measure Sound Level Using the Pro Sound Level Meter With Calibrator (IC-QM1598)”
• Watch “How to Calibrate the Pro Sound Level Meter With Calibrator (IC-QM1598)”