Larson Davis

What Larson Davis does

Larson Davis, founded in 1981 and headquartered in Depew, New York, designs, manufactures, and distributes precision acoustic and vibration measurement instruments. It operates as a division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc., which is in turn a wholly owned subsidiary of Amphenol Corporation (NYSE: APH), giving the unit access to multinational sales, distribution, and supply-chain infrastructure. The product portfolio centers on Class 1 precision sound level meters (SoundAdvisor 831C, SoundExpert 821ENV, Spartan series), portable and permanent environmental noise monitoring systems (NMS044, NMS045, NMS048, EMS011), personal noise dosimeters (Spartan 730/730IS), the HVM200 human vibration meter, audiometer calibration systems, acoustic calibrators, outdoor preamplifiers, and ear simulators. Differentiated technology features include 51.2 kHz sampling, 14–140 dB dynamic range, IEC 61672-1 / ANSI S1.4 Class 1 compliance, automatic calibration verification on outdoor preamplifiers, 4G/LTE cellular connectivity via Sierra Wireless gateways, and modular firmware options (octave band, FFT, sound recording, event detection, scheduling) unlocked on the same hardware platform.

The business makes money primarily through capital equipment sales of sound level meters, noise monitoring systems, and accessories to enterprise and government buyers, augmented by recurring revenue from the SoundLink cloud-based remote monitoring service (licensed per noise monitor on 6- or 12-month terms) and from CAL+ factory calibration, repair, and equipment rental services routed through sister company The Modal Shop. Go-to-market is a hybrid model: direct enterprise field sales in North America, a 30+ year-old international rental channel through The Modal Shop, and regional distributors (with PCB Piezotronics subsidiaries in Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Belgium, and China) for international markets. Customer segments span environmental and community noise monitoring, industrial hygiene and occupational noise, building acoustics, human vibration exposure, audiometer calibration, product testing, and firearms/suppressor testing, served through technical-support-led, quote-based sales emphasizing regulatory compliance, NIST-traceable calibration, and application engineering.

Name

Larson Davis

Legal name

Larson Davis, A Division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc.

Website

https://larsondavis.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Larson Davis, a division of PCB Piezotronics (Amphenol), designs and manufactures Class 1 precision acoustic and vibration measurement instruments — sound level meters, noise monitoring systems, dosimeters, and human vibration meters — sold globally to environmental, industrial hygiene, occupational safety, and product testing customers via direct sales, distributors, and sister-company The Modal Shop.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Acoustic and Vibration Measurement Instruments

NAICS

Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing (33451), Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing (334519)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823)

akta.pro primary industry

Metrology, Calibration & Testing Equipment (Balances, pH/DO, Standards) (HLAGAIAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Calibration Services & Standards (Calibration labs, reference standards, traceability services) (IMAGAFAH)

Keywords

• Sound level meters
• Vibration measurement
• Noise monitoring systems
• Acoustic calibrators
• Audiometer calibration systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Depew

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Hardware Sales: Sale of precision acoustic instruments including sound level meters (SoundAdvisor 831C, SoundExpert 821ENV, Spartan Series), noise monitoring systems (NMS044, NMS045, NMS048), human vibration meters (HVM200), audiometer calibration systems, microphones, preamplifiers, calibrators, and accessories. Products are sold directly and through international distributors.
2. Factory Calibration Services (CAL+): ISO 17025 accredited calibration services for all Larson Davis products. Includes complete multi-point factory test, 10 business day turnaround, free firmware upgrades, labor warranty extension for one year, worn consumables replacement, and rush 48-hour service option. Covers sound level meters, microphones, calibrators, accelerometers, and preamplifiers.
3. Product Repair Services: Full repair services with products returned within 10 working days of receipt. Fixed price quotes provided after receipt. Warranty-covered repairs include free return shipping. RMA process with international customers handled through distributors.
4. SoundLink Remote Monitoring Service: Cloud-based remote access service for noise monitoring systems. Licensed per noise monitor with 6 or 12 month time blocks. Enables remote cellular access, static IP connectivity, and VPN security. Data stored on customer computers. Supports up to 30 noise monitors and 5 simultaneous PC clients.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Larson Davis designs, manufactures, and distributes precision acoustic and vibration measurement instruments, including Class 1 sound level meters (SoundAdvisor 831C, SoundExpert 821ENV, Spartan series), environmental noise monitoring systems (NMS044, NMS045, NMS048, EMS011), noise dosimeters, human vibration meters, audiometer calibration systems, microphones, preamplifiers, and acoustic calibrators. The company supplements hardware sales with ISO 17025-accredited factory calibration services, product repair services, and a subscription-based SoundLink remote monitoring service. Products are sold direct to enterprise customers and through international regional distributors, with rentals handled through sister company The Modal Shop.

Product overview

Larson Davis is a division of PCB Piezotronics (Amphenol Corporation) offering a comprehensive portfolio of sound and vibration measurement solutions. The product line centers on precision sound level meters (SoundAdvisor 831C, SoundExpert 821ENV, Spartan series) with modular firmware add-ons for specialized capabilities including octave band analysis, FFT analysis, time history logging, event detection, and sound recording. The ecosystem extends to environmental noise monitoring systems (NMS044 portable, NMS045 permanent, NMS048 outdoor kit) and the EMS011 system with cloud connectivity. Supporting hardware includes noise dosimeters (Spartan 730/730IS), human vibration meters (HVM200), acoustic calibrators (CAL series), outdoor preamplifiers (PRM831, PRM2103, PRM2105), environmental protection shrouds (EPS2116), ear simulators/couplers (AEC series), and headphone test fixtures (AEC206, AEC210). Software consists of G4 LD Utility (PC), LD Atlas Mobile App, SoundLink remote monitoring service, and DNA reporting software. The products integrate with Sierra Wireless cellular gateways for remote connectivity and support data export to Microsoft Excel.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• SoundAdvisor Model 831C Class 1 precision integrating sound level meter with 51,200 Hz sample rate, 14 to 140 dB dynamic range, and a modular firmware architecture enabling octave band analysis, FFT analysis, time history logging, event detection, sound recording, and remote cellular connectivity for environmental, occupational, and product-noise applications.
• SoundExpert Model 821ENV Class 1 multi-purpose environmental sound level meter with weatherproof case designed for unattended outdoor noise monitoring deployments lasting hours to weeks, supporting battery, solar, or line power operation with full compliance to IEC 61672 and ANSI S1.4.
• Spartan Model 821IH Occupational noise sound level meter designed for workplace noise assessment and industrial hygiene measurements in hearing conservation programs.
• Spartan Model 730 Noise Dosimeter Personal noise dosimeter for occupational noise exposure monitoring, measuring and recording individual worker noise doses in accordance with IEC 61252 and ANSI S1.25.
• Spartan Model 730IS Intrinsically Safe Noise Dosimeter Intrinsically safe personal noise dosimeter designed for use in hazardous environments where explosion-proof equipment is required.
• Human Vibration Meter Model HVM200 Hand-arm, whole-body, and general vibration measurement instrument with pre-programmed frequency weightings per ISO 2631-1 for comfort, health, and hand-arm assessments, compliant with ISO 8041.
• SoundAdvisor NMS044 Portable Noise Monitoring System Completely wireless portable outdoor noise monitoring system featuring solar charging, 4G wireless connectivity, LiFePo battery power, and remote cellular access with real-time email/text alerts for environmental noise compliance applications.
• SoundAdvisor NMS045 Permanent Noise Monitoring System Permanent, unattended long-term noise monitoring system in a fiberglass enclosure mounted to a pole, designed for continuous 24/7 noise monitoring at fixed locations such as airports, construction sites, and city environments.
• SoundExpert NMS048 Outdoor Noise Kit Outdoor environmental noise monitoring kit for short-term deployments, including the SoundExpert 821ENV-D sound level meter, weatherproof case, and flexible powering options for up to 2 weeks of continuous battery operation.
• EMS011 Environmental Monitoring System Environmental monitoring system with LD Cloud Connect for continuous noise monitoring with cloud-based reports, alerts, and options for dust and vibration monitoring, designed for construction, mining, tunneling, oil and gas applications.
• SoundLink Remote Monitoring Service Subscription-based cloud service enabling worldwide remote access to noise monitors via VPN, allowing users to control meters and view data from anywhere with support for up to 30 noise monitors and 5 simultaneous PC clients per license.
• G4 LD Utility Software PC-based software for SoundTrack LxT and Model 831C sound level meters enabling data download, firmware upgrades, translation, text report printing, and spreadsheet export.
• LD Atlas Mobile App Mobile application companion to G4 LD Utility for remote display, data visualization, and sound recording playback from compatible Larson Davis sound level meters.
• CAL+ Factory Calibration Service ISO 17025 A2LA-accredited factory calibration service for all Larson Davis products, including complete multi-point factory test, 10 business day turnaround, free firmware upgrades, labor warranty extension, worn consumables replacement, and an optional 48-hour rush service.
• Product Repair Service Full instrument repair service with products returned within 10 working days of receipt, fixed price quotes provided after evaluation, warranty-covered repairs including free return shipping, with RMA processing for international customers handled through regional distributors.
• Equipment Rental Program (via The Modal Shop) Rental access to sound level meters, outdoor noise monitoring systems, noise dosimeters, human vibration meters, building acoustics sound sources, and test accessories through sister company The Modal Shop, enabling channel count expansion, short-term or one-time tests, and try-before-buy evaluations.
• CAL1150 Acoustic Calibrator Class 2 battery-operated precision microphone calibrator providing 94 dB or 114 dB output at 1 kHz for Class 2 sound level meters and personal noise dosimeters, compliant with IEC 60942:2017 and ANSI S1.40-2006.
• CAL1200 Acoustic Calibrator Class 1 battery-operated precision microphone calibrator for 1/2 inch and smaller microphones, providing 94 dB or 114 dB output at 1 kHz, with PTB type approval and compliance with IEC 60942:2017 and ANSI S1.40-2006.
• CAL1250 Multi-Frequency Acoustic Calibrator Class 1 battery-operated calibrator with 94 dB or 114 dB output at 251.2 Hz or 1000 Hz for extended field validation of instruments with 1 inch and smaller microphones, compliant with IEC 60942:2017 Class 1 and ANSI S1.40-2006 Class 1.
• PRM2105 Outdoor Preamplifier Outdoor preamplifier for the SoundExpert 821ENV with integrated maintenance-free heater preventing condensation, automatic daily calibration checks at five frequencies (31.25, 250, 1000, 4000, 8000 Hz), and compatibility with cable runs up to 300 feet.
• PRM2103 Outdoor Preamplifier Outdoor preamplifier with built-in heater, humidity and temperature sensors, and automatic calibration verification at five frequencies for unattended long-term noise monitoring deployments.
• PRM831 Preamplifier Microphone preamplifier for use with electret microphones and Model 831 Sound Level Meter, operating over wide temperature and humidity ranges with drive capability up to 300 feet of cable.
• EPS2116 Environmental Protection System Environmental protection shroud for outdoor microphone protection with built-in rain screen, compatible with 1/4-20 tripod mount or 3/4 inch NPT pipe mounting.
• AEC201-A Ear Simulator Ear simulator meeting IEC 60318-1:2009 for supra-aural and circumaural earphone testing at frequencies up to 16 kHz, compatible with TDH 39, TDH 49, TDH 50, HDA200, and Koss HV/1A earphones.
• AEC304 Occluded Ear Simulator IEC 60318-4 compliant ear simulator (Series 711 Coupler) for testing earphones inserted in the ear, including a 1/2 inch 12.5 mV/Pa matched microphone.
• AEC206 R&D Headphone Test Fixture Research and development test fixture for headphone acoustic testing with an artificial head and pinna for realistic simulation of real-ear conditions.
• AEC210 Production Headphone Test Fixture Production test fixture for high-volume headphone testing with streamlined testing capabilities for QC environments.
• AudCal Portable Audiometer Calibration System Complete portable audiometer calibration system combining the SoundAdvisor 831C with 831C-AUD firmware, an acoustic calibrator, and various ear couplers for field audiometer testing.

Quantifiable outcome

• LiFePo batteries provide 2500+ recharge cycles compared to 3-5 years for lead-acid
• +4 more outcomes

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature8 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• PCB Piezotronics, Inc.coreOthersLarson Davis is a division of PCB Piezotronics, Inc., which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Amphenol Corporation (NYSE: APH). PCB Piezotronics is headquartered in Depew, NY with subsidiary companies in Germany, France, UK, Italy, Belgium, and China.
• The Modal ShopcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSister company to Larson Davis offering sound and vibration equipment rental program with 30+ years of experience. Located in Cincinnati, OH. Provides application experts to help find right instrumentation for customer tests. Renting allows expansion of channel count, completion of short-term tests, and try-before-buy options.
• Amtivo Inc.minorOthersCertification body providing ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certification for Larson Davis Division of PCB Piezotronics.
• A2LA (American Association for Laboratory Accreditation)minorOthersAccreditation body providing ISO 17025 and ANSI-Z-540-1 accreditation for testing and calibration laboratory competence. Scope available at a2la.org/scopepdf/3622-01.pdf.
• International DistributorsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorInternational customers directed to regional distributors. Multiple subsidiary companies including PCB Piezotronics GmbH (Germany), PCB Piezotronics S.A. (France), PCB Piezotronics Limited (UK), PCB Piezotronics SRL (Italy), PCB Piezotronics BV (Belgium), and PCB Piezotronics Sensor Technology (Beijing) Co., LTD. (China).

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Brüel & Kjær (HBK): Hottinger Brüel & Kjær (now part of HBK) is the historical leader in precision sound and vibration measurement, offering Class 1 sound level meters, environmental noise monitors, and vibration analyzers that directly compete with the SoundAdvisor 831C and Spartan product lines.
• Cirrus Research: UK-based manufacturer of Class 1 and Class 2 sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and environmental noise monitors, directly overlapping with Larson Davis's occupational hygiene and environmental noise monitoring portfolio.
• NTI Audio: NTI Audio (NTi) makes precision acoustic measurement instruments including Class 1 sound level meters (XL2, XL3) and building acoustics analyzers, directly competing in the same professional acoustic measurement category as SoundAdvisor and SoundExpert.
• Svantek: Poland-based manufacturer of sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and environmental vibration monitoring instruments with comparable Class 1 IEC 61672 compliance, targeting the same occupational hygiene and environmental noise customers.
• 01dB (ACOEM Group): ACOEM's 01dB brand offers Class 1 sound level meters (Fusion, Solo) and outdoor environmental noise monitoring systems (DUO, CUBE), directly competing with Larson Davis's NMS044/NMS045 permanent monitoring systems.
• RION: RION Co., Ltd. is a Japanese manufacturer of precision sound level meters, vibration meters, and audiometer calibration equipment with direct overlap in Class 1 IEC 61672-compliant acoustic instrumentation.
• Cesva: Spanish manufacturer of sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and acoustic calibrators targeting environmental noise monitoring and occupational hygiene markets directly served by Larson Davis.

Others

• PCB Piezotronics (parent): Direct parent company of Larson Davis; while not a competitor, PCB Piezotronics manufactures vibration sensors, accelerometers, and force sensors that integrate with Larson Davis's HVM200 human vibration meter and ICP accelerometer inputs.

Broad incumbents

• Keysight Technologies: Large public test & measurement incumbent with industrial electronic test equipment that overlaps with Larson Davis's broader instrumentation category in R&D and electronics manufacturing test environments.
• National Instruments (NI / Emerson): Broad test & measurement platform vendor offering data acquisition and modular instrumentation that overlaps with Larson Davis's vibration and acoustic measurement use cases in industrial and research laboratories.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/3138507

Compliance17 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Larson Davis