Dealing with noisy neighbours is one of the most common problems every American citizen experiences. Worse enough, the impact noise from the floor above can be unbearable as it’s also one of the most difficult to deal with noise problems regarding soundproofing.
Calling the cops won’t help much as they will require some evidence for them to fully and legally engage your neighbors. And because every city has a set of noise ordinances, you will need to prove to the police that your neighbor is indeed violating the city ordinances.
The simplest way to record upstairs neighbors stomping is to buy a recording device. These devices have different decibel levels, meanings you will be able to pick up the noise of your neighbors. They also have sufficient storage to allow for continuous recordings.
Digital Noise Recording App
The first and the most basic way to record a noisy neighbor is through your smartphone. Head over to the play store with your Android device or IOS store with an apple smartphone or tablet and search “noise recording app.
One of the most recommended apps is the NIOSH Sound Level Meter App, vouched by the CDC.
The NIOSH Sound Level Meter app can monitor workplace noise to determine if employees are exposed to potentially dangerous noise levels. The free app integrates the finest features of professional noise dosimeters and noise meters into a single, straightforward app. The app was designed to enable users to measure workplace noise levels, make the best decisions regarding noise exposure, and prevent occupational hearing loss.
Why is it only available on iOS?
iOS devices use a standardized hardware and software design ideal for audio applications. Thus, it is confirmed that the NIOSH SLM application will function as intended on any iOS device.
In contrast, the Android smartphone market is fragmented, with varied requirements and specifications for audio/signal processing chips, microphones and software tools across numerous vendors. Thus, testing and validating an Android app’s accuracy and operation in the NIOSH lab is now impossible.
Key Features:
- Designed by professional acoustics engineers and specialists in hearing loss.
- Tested and verified.
- Downloading is free.
- Offers reliable noise level measurements with any iOS device.
- Offers instructional screens regarding harmful noise levels, taking noise measurements, choosing hearing protection, and hearing loss guidelines.
- Includes the most accurate data currently found in professional acoustic measurement equipment.
- Connects to the technical assistance of NIOSH hearing specialists
Technical Specifications
- Accurate within +/-2 dBA; tested according to the NIOSH acoustics laboratory’s acoustical environment requirements.
- Conforms to Type 2 IEC 61672:3 SLM standard when used with a calibrated external microphone.
- Contains several metrics, such as Max and Peak Levels, LAeq and TWA, Noise and Projected Dose per OSHA and NIOSH guidelines, and the three primary weighting networks (A, C, and Z).
- External as well as internal microphone calibration capabilities
- Capability to share and report on data
- Available exclusively on iOS devices. The NIOSH laboratory cannot verify the accuracy and operation of Android-based applications
stomping neigbors recording
Use a Sound Level Meter
Sound level meters is a handheld gadget used for acoustic measurements. The ANSI S1.4 standard governs the legal criteria for noise level meter performance in the United States. A sound level meter must conform to the IEC 61672 international electroacoustics standards. It is used to measure the sound waves that human ears interpret and transmit to our brains.
Current digital variants are incredibly simple, consisting of a microphone, circuit boards, and an LCD for displaying the data. The microphone is positioned on a rod that keeps it from the instrument’s body, allowing for more precise ambient noise monitoring.
The microphone incorporates a membrane that vibrates slightly in response to sound waves. After that, the membrane generates electrical currents. The greater its motion, the greater current it generates. A sound meter monitors the power of the membrane’s electric current and translates it into a value shown on the screen.
REED Instruments R8070SD Data Logging Sound Level Meter
This Type 2 sound meter can save dB information on an SD card. With a 16GB card fitted (the maximum capacity supported), the 8070SD can record more than one billion dB values. Using a sampling rate of 1 reading/second, it is possible to capture data continuously for 32 years.
With virtually no recording duration limitation, the 8070SD is ideal for capturing numerous, lengthy recordings in different locations. In addition, the x6 AA batteries provide the 8070SD with an incredible battery life. I’ve operated mine on 2000mAh cells for more than 48 hours continuously. And that’s while recording.
Pros:
- Massive storage
- Long-lasting battery life
Cons:
- It uses 6 AA batteries
- Large and bulky
Specifications
| Accuracy | Type 2 |
| Measuring Range | 30 – 130 dB |
| Internal Memory | No |
| Expandable Memory | 16GB SDHC |
| Frequency Weighting | A C |
| Selectable Sampling Rate | Yes (1, 2, 5, 10, 30, 60, 120, 300, 600, 1800, 3600 seconds) |
| Power Supply | 6 x AA Batteries |
How to Record Upstairs Neighbor Stomping
Before recording your neighbors’ stomping noise, you should ensure that you do not violate any state or federal wiretapping regulations. Normally, authorization from all parties is needed for recording a conversation.
You do not require all party’s authorization if you will be only recording the stomping noise. Before filming your noisy neighbors, it is essential to speak with an attorney if you are unclear about the legality of doing so. You do not want to record the noisy neighbors, report them to the police, and afterwards face criminal penalties for recording them without their permission.
But how will the police trust you if you complain about loud neighbors without recording device evidence? Your allegation must be justified. You may discover that other neighbors also have filed complaints, and the cops may be able to help you resolve the issue.
Eliminate any external sounds
To record your upstairs neighbor’s stomping noise, you must authenticate that no other sounds interfere with the recordings. The simplest approach to accomplish this is to close the windows and shut off any loud appliances or devices.
Setup Recording Device
Once your home is completely silent, you should position your recording equipment closest to the noise source. Recording close to the source prevents the recording equipment from picking up additional sounds from your room and refocuses its attention on your upstairs neighbor’s footfalls.
If you’re using your smartphone, ensure it’s in silent mode. You don’t want phone calls or pop-up sounds to interrupt your recording sessions if you’re using your phone to record. The greatest way to avoid stress is to switch your cell phone to airplane mode.
- How to Reduce Noise from Upstairs Floors
- 9 Ideas How to Annoy Upstairs Neighbors Legally
- Top 5 Devices For Noisy Neighbours
Record only when the noise starts.
When your neighbors begin stomping again, position the recording device and push the record button. Position the phone’s microphone closer to the noise source rather than away for optimal results.
Tips for Recording Stomping Upstairs Neighbours
Keep it Plugged/ Charged: If you intend to set the gadget on 24 hours a day for several weeks or longer, you must either ensure it’s plugged in or check its battery level frequently and plug it in as needed. If you are in the market for a new device, look for one with long battery life since this will alleviate some of the stress associated.
Type of Microphone: Did you know there are two kinds of mics, the condenser and the dynamic? The condenser microphone shines at capturing quieter sounds and is ideal for high frequencies, whilst the dynamic microphone excels at capturing louder sounds and a wider range of frequencies.
While searching for a sound recorder, get one that uses a dynamic mic to capture as much noise as possible. If the disturbances from your neighbors are loud to disturb you, it is doubtful that you will need to utilize a condenser microphone!
References:
- https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/app.html
- https://svantek.com/products/sv-973-class-2-sound-level-meter/
Meet Mike O’Connor, (a DIY enthusiast), living in Cincinnati, a city ranked as the noisiest in the USA.
As a work from home dad, I have a first hand experience of how noise can truly affect your well being.
Soundproofing isn’t something that should be taken as a hobby, it should be a skill that every homeowner should be equipped with.
Most of the work documented on this blog comes from purely first hand experience, and the products recommended work as indicated.