The Importance of Acoustic Measurements and ISO Standards – How NTI Audio & Svantek Ensure Precision

In today’s world of professional audio and acoustics, precision in sound measurement is not just a technical necessity—it is a regulatory and design requirement. From auditorium acoustics to industrial noise control, achieving accurate and standardized measurements ensures compliance, safety, and the creation of high-quality listening environments.

This is where international standards (ISO/IEC) come into play, defining how sound must be measured, reported, and evaluated. Trusted global brands like NTI Audio (Switzerland) and Svantek (Poland) provide state-of-the-art measurement solutions that help acoustic consultants, sound designers, and engineers meet these requirements with confidence.

Why Acoustic Measurements Matter

Accurate acoustic measurements are critical for:

  • Auditorium Sound Design – ensuring proper reverberation time (RT60), clarity (C50, C80), and speech intelligibility (STI).
  • Workplace Noise Regulations – compliance with occupational health & safety limits.
  • Environmental Noise Studies – measuring impact around airports, highways, and industrial zones.
  • Product Testing & R&D – ensuring loudspeakers, microphones, and sound systems meet international standards.
  • Immersive Sound & Stagecraft – precision tuning for concerts, theaters, and stadiums.

Without precise, standards-based measurement, even the most advanced acoustic consultancy or sound design project risks poor performance or regulatory failure.

Key ISO & IEC Standards for Acoustic Measurements

General Standards

  • ISO 3382 – Measurement of room acoustic parameters (reverberation time, clarity, definition).
  • ISO 16283 – Field measurement of sound insulation in buildings.
  • ISO 1996 – Description and measurement of environmental noise.
  • ISO 3740 series – Determination of sound power levels of noise sources.

Safety & Noise Exposure

  • ISO 9612 – Determination of occupational noise exposure.
  • ISO 226 – Equal-loudness contours (human hearing perception).
  • IEC 61672 – Sound level meters – class 1 & class 2 precision specifications.

Speech & Intelligibility

  • IEC 60268-16 – Objective rating of speech intelligibility (STI).

These standards ensure consistency across projects and geographies, meaning results from a consultant in India can be compared to those from Europe or the U.S.

NTI Audio: Swiss Precision in Sound Measurement

NTI Audio is globally recognized for portable and user-friendly instruments tailored for acousticians and sound designers.

Key Products & Features

  • XL2 Sound Level Meter – IEC 61672 Class 1 compliant; widely used for building acoustics, noise monitoring, and sound system verification.
  • STIPA Module – Built-in speech intelligibility measurement tool for auditoriums, PA systems, and voice evacuation systems.
  • Room Acoustics Tools – Automated RT60 and STI calculations for fast, reliable reporting.

Strength: NTI focuses on ease of use + compliance, making it ideal for consultants and integrators in live projects.

Svantek: Advanced Polish Engineering in Noise & Vibration

Svantek specializes in high-end precision instrumentation for noise, vibration, and environmental monitoring.

Key Products & Features

  • SV 971A Sound Level Meter – Class 1 meter with 1/1 and 1/3 octave analysis.
  • SV 100A Dosimeter – For personal noise exposure monitoring (ISO 9612 compliance).
  • Environmental Noise Monitoring Systems – Cloud-based solutions for long-term outdoor noise mapping.
  • Vibration Analyzers – Extending beyond acoustics into structural and occupational health monitoring.

Strength: Svantek excels in long-term, high-precision measurements, making it suitable for industrial, environmental, and research-grade applications.

NTI Audio vs. Svantek: Complementary Strengths

Feature NTI Audio Svantek
Focus Portable, integrator-friendly, audio-focused Precision, long-term, research & environmental
Key Use Cases Room acoustics, STI, live sound checks Noise mapping, compliance, vibration analysis
Standards Compliance IEC 61672, IEC 60268-16, ISO 3382 IEC 61672, ISO 9612, ISO 1996

Together, these brands provide a comprehensive toolkit for any acoustic consultancy or sound design project.

Conclusion

The world of auditorium acoustics, stadium sound design, and industrial noise control relies heavily on standardized acoustic measurements. With ISO and IEC standards guiding methodology, tools from NTI Audio and Svantek empower consultants to deliver accuracy, compliance, and confidence in every project.

For professional audio projects in India, leveraging these world-class measurement tools ensures better design decisions, compliance with regulations, and superior end-user experiences.