What is Class 1?

Class 1 sound level meter's are high-precision instruments that are designed for professional acoustic measurements where legal compliance and accuracy is critical. Class 1 meters are defined by the international standard IEC 61672.

A Class 1 Sound Level Meter is all about accuracy — particularly where reliable, legally defensible noise measurements are essential. Class 1 meters are designed to meet much tighter performance tolerances than standard instruments and are commonly used in environmental noise surveys, workplace assessments, building acoustics, and compliance testing.

In this video, we explain:

  • What a Class 1 Sound Level Meter is and how it’s defined
  • How Class 1 differs from Class 2 in terms of accuracy and tolerances
  • Why Class 1 instrumentation is required for many professional acoustic measurements

If you’re working with noise assessments, acoustic compliance, or environmental monitoring, understanding Class 1 Sound Level Meters is essential. Want to explore more acoustics and vibration terminology? Visit the AcSoft Knowledge Hub for practical guidance, FAQs, and the full acoustics glossary.