The Sonocat is an advanced acoustic measurement instrument designed for capturing and analyzing the most complex sound fields. Featuring a spherical array of eight MEMS microphones and integrated acquisition hardware. The device enables users to measure a wide range of acoustic parameters, including sound pressure, particle velocity, intensity and impedance in 3D. It comes equipped with user-friendly software that allows for real-time monitoring, recording, and analysis of the captured sound data.
One of the Sonocat’s most remarkable features is its ability to separate incident (immited) and reflected (emitted) sound, without relying on global sound field assumptions. This enables the Sonocat to measure the sound absorption coefficient of materials, as it is used in the application, and transmission loss of partitions, like noise barriers. This makes it the only handheld device capable of measuring in-situ acoustic properties without requiring an artificial sound source.
Experience precision, versatility, and efficiency like never before with Sonocat.
In-situ sound absorption measurements with the Sonocat provide real-time, spatially averaged absorption values. Measure absorption of acoustic materials, including complex-shaped noise barriers and diffracting elements.
The Sonocat can measure the sound intensity level and direction in 3D. This can be used to determine the location of sound sources, for example. It is not always obvious where the sound is coming from or which source has the highest contribution to the noise.
Applying the theory of sound propagation around a rigid sphere enables the SonoCat to account for the most dominant scattering that impacts the measurements. It is therefore possible to estimate the 3D sound intensity vector and sound pressure level as if the SonoCat was not in the field,
The sound power measurement solution provided by Sonocat is incredibly simple to use. You can effortlessly rate and compare various noise sources with precision, while also monitoring multiple additional parameters simultaneously.
SVL is a useful measure of sound because it is directly related to the amount of energy in the sound wave. The higher the SVL, the more energy is in the sound wave, and the louder the sound will be perceived.
An ordinary intensity probe measures active intensity but with the Sonocat we can also measure incident intensity and reflected intensity.
The Sonocat is very capable in measuring Sound Pressure levels with certified compliance with international standards. Each microphone is calibrated to a higher precision than necessary for Class 1 microphones.
Acoustics are crucial in the automotive industry for enhancing vehicle quality, safety, and comfort. The Sonocat is a valuable tool for the automotive industry, offering precise, real-time analysis of sound absorption, intensity and direction. Its capabilities help engineers identify noise sources accurately, enabling targeted improvements in acoustic performance.
Acoustics are essential in building and room design, significantly affecting the quality of life and functionality of spaces. Good acoustic management reduces unwanted noise, enhances speech clarity, and creates comfortable environments in homes, offices, schools, and public spaces.
The Sonocat enables precise identification of noise sources, helping designers and engineers optimize acoustic performance.
Acoustics play a vital role in civil engineering. Proper acoustic design ensures that transportation systems, public buildings, and recreational areas provide comfortable and efficient environments, improving overall quality of life.
The Sonocat has a proven track record on identifying acoustic issues on bridges. It allows engineers to accurately identify and address noise sources, optimizing acoustic performance in large-scale projects
Consulting with acoustic experts helps identify these issues and implement effective solutions to improve sound quality and reduce unwanted noise. The Sonocat is a must-have addition to the toolbox of any acoustical expert. With a proven trackrecord on for example HVAC noise control, workplace noise management, sound isolation and transfer path mapping.
Acoustics play a crucial role in research and development (R&D) across various industries, influencing product quality, performance, and user experience. Effective acoustic management is essential for developing products that meet high standards of sound quality and noise control, whether in automotive, building design, consumer electronics, or industrial equipment.
In the fast-paced world of R&D, efficiency and precision are paramount. Traditional acoustic measurement methods often involve complex setups and adherence to ISO norms, which can slow down the process and introduce unnecessary bureaucracy. This is where the Sonocat makes a significant difference.
The Sonocat 3D Intensity Probe revolutionizes acoustic measurement in R&D, providing real-time, precise analysis of the sound field without the need for cumbersome ISO-standard microphone arrays.
Use cases
Source localization
Finding the dominant acoustic sound sources in a driving vehicle
The Sonocat measurement device does not rely on any assumption about the global sound field impinging on the absorbing materials. Therefore it can always be used, even in complex sound fields.
Measurements can be taken directly in the actual sound field without needing to bring the material to a laboratory.
The Sonocat is unique as it is the only handheld device capable of separating the immited (incoming) from the emitted (reflected) intensity. This capability allows it to measure in-situ properties without needing an artificial sound source.
1 – Multifunctionality. You can measure many different acoustic quantities with the same device, in a single measurement.
In-Situ absorption coefficient
Sound pressure level
Sound power level
Sound intensity (3D)
Emitted and Immitted Intensity
Particle velocity
Intensity direction
Impedance
In-Situ sound transmission loss (being implemented at the moment)
2 – Intensity separation. Intensity probes measure the resultant (active) intensity while the Sonocat can separate the immited (incident) to the emmited (reflected) intensity. Please see question 5).
3 – Real In-Situ Absorption Coefficient measurement without the need of an artificial sound source.
4 – Practical, portable, plug and play. With the built in acquisition system and no token based license, the user can literally connect the Sonocat to their laptop and start monitoring or measuring acoustic quantities.
5 – Emulates traditional methods. Normal incidence and diffuse field absorption coefficient can be emulated with the Sonocat if tested under specific conditions.
To calculate the different quantities using the recorded signals of the eight MEMS microphones located in the SonoCat’s sphere, two models are implemented as schematized below:
Sonocat results are very comparable to impedance tube if the user recreates similar conditions of the sound field.
When using the Sonocat in-situ, it measures the absorption coefficient of the material under that particular situation, which includes:
natural sources (cars, bikes, birds, building noises, wind sound, people talking, etc.);
complex sound field distribution (room modes, reflections, uneven sources);
non-rigid backing (table tops, walls, noise barriers – they all vibrate).
If the user is able to reduce these effects and with the help of a sound source at normal incidence, the results will be much closer to an impedance tube. Figure 1 shows a comparison between the Sonocat and traditional methods.
Figure 1: Comparison between different methods for measuring absorption coefficient and the Sonocat. From Prof. Dr.-Ing. Berndt Zeitler – DAGA 2024 [1].A simple way to obtain a similar result to more traditional methods is to put a frame around the sample. Figure 2 shows the results of a Sonocat measurement of a melamine foam of 100 mm, with (blue) and without a frame (red), in comparison to the theoretical normal incidence absorption coefficient (JCA – yellow). This was done in a normal office, with no acoustic treatment with a source at 1.5 m above the sample.
Figure 2: Sonocat measurement on melamine foam with (blue) and without frame (red) against theory (JCA – yellow).
Specifications
8 Microphones
Absorption frequency range: 50 – 8 kHz Intensity frequency range : 50 – 10 kHz Sound pressure frequency range : 20 – 20 kHz
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