Acoustic check background noise measurement

The Nureva^® App is a companion app designed to enhance the setup and configuration of HDL310 and HDL410 systems, as well as manage a comprehensive range of audio device settings. The Nureva App is available from the Apple^® App Store (iOS, iPadOS^®) and through a web browser by using the IP address for a Nureva Pro series device.

Get started with the Nureva App

What is background noise?

Measuring background noise involves capturing the average level of ambient noise in a space. Ambient noise includes the noise generally heard from the following sources:

• HVAC systems

• Fans in computers, displays, projectors and other devices

• Any other sources of sound heard when the space is free of people

What is dBC and how is it different from dBA?

A-weighted decibels (dBA) is typically used to measure a sound level that the human ear is sensitive to, whereas dBC is useful for measuring the impact on microphones. These are different frequency weights to account for the high and low frequencies. A-weighting scale filters out low-frequency energy, so an A-weighting can be several decibels lower than a dBC for the same location.

Learn more about background noise levels.

Tips for taking a  measurement

• The measurement is taken using the iPhone microphone.

• For optimal results, point the microphone upwards. This means holding the iPhone upside down.

• The measurement should be taken when the room is quiet (i.e. no talking).

• Position the iPhone near the intended location for the microphone and speaker bar.

• The iPhone should be about 3 ft from the wall and 5 ft above the floor.

Steps for taking a background measurement

1. Open the Nureva App on an iPhone.

2. Press on Start acoustic check.

3. Select Background noise.

4. Position iPhone in the spot of the room to be measured.

5. Press Start and point the iPhone microphone upwards.

6. Wait for the measurement to complete. Remain quiet (do not talk) until the measurement is completed.

   • The measurement can be completed in multiple locations of a room to see the variances in each position.

7. Press Done when you are finished taking background noise measurements.

Recommended range and values

The recommended range is 0 – 52 dBC. We use dBC because it correlates best with how a Nureva audio device picks up sound. Background noise measurements will fall into one of three categories.

Low noise level (green dot)

Persistent noise at this spot in the room is minimal. The background noise is quieter than speech, so the conditions are ideal for clear microphone pickup with few audio artifacts. Proceed with the system installation and the default noise reduction setting.

Moderate noise level (amber dot)

Persistent noise at this spot in the room is noticeable. When noise and speech levels are similar, audio artifacts may be noticed by remote listeners. Try another location on the wall to reduce measured noise or proceed with installation and the default noise reduction setting.

High noise level (red dot)

Persistent noise at this location is very noticeable. When background noise is louder than speech, microphones will capture this noise and speech may be clipped. Try another location on the wall to reduce measured noise or contact Nureva technical support.