Wireless Sound Sensor (waveform) Redy

Quick Answer: The Redy wireless sound sensor (waveform) is a microphone-based sensor that records the pressure variations of sound fast enough to display the wave shape itself, and sends the data wirelessly to a connected device. This wireless sound sensor is used to study frequency, amplitude, beats and harmonics.

Waveform Versus Sound Level

Two kinds of sound sensor are common in school data-logging. A sound level sensor reports loudness in decibels, a single slowly changing number. A waveform sensor, as this title specifies, samples quickly enough to trace the rise and fall of air pressure within each cycle, so a tuning fork appears as a smooth sine curve and a sung vowel as a repeating, more complex shape.

From that trace students measure the period and work out frequency, compare the amplitudes of loud and soft notes, and watch two nearly matched tuning forks produce beats whose envelope swells and fades. If the software offers a frequency spectrum, the harmonics of a guitar string or recorder appear as separate peaks. The sampling rate, frequency response and software features are not stated in the title.

Timing an echo along a long tube is a classic route to the speed of sound; the same echo-timing idea, at ultrasonic frequencies, is how the wireless motion sensor measures distance.

Specifications

Applications

• Finding the frequency of tuning forks from the period of the waveform
• Showing beats with two tuning forks of slightly different frequency
• Comparing waveforms from different instruments playing the same note
• Measuring the speed of sound from echo time in a closed tube

Care & Handling

• Keep the sensor a steady distance from the source; small movements change the amplitude.
• Do not blow into or tap the microphone opening, and keep it dry.
• Record in a quiet room, or note the background noise, for clean traces.
• Store the sensor with the microphone opening protected from dust.

Why Choose LabEquip

Physics departments teaching waves and sound use a waveform sensor in place of, or alongside, an oscilloscope and microphone. LabEquip supplies it as part of its chemistry lab equipment listing; ask about software and sampling details on the contact page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a sound waveform sensor and a sound level meter?

A waveform sensor records the rapid pressure changes that make up each sound wave, so you can see its shape and period. A sound level meter averages those changes into a single loudness value in decibels.

How do I find the frequency from the waveform?

Measure the time for several complete cycles on the graph, divide by the number of cycles to get the period, and take the reciprocal. Timing several cycles reduces the reading error.

Why does a tuning fork give a cleaner waveform than a voice?

A struck tuning fork vibrates mainly at one frequency, which gives a near sine wave. A voice or instrument produces a fundamental plus many harmonics, which combine into a more complex repeating shape.

Can the sensor measure loudness in decibels?

The waveform amplitude shows relative loudness, but turning it into calibrated decibels needs a sound level meter or a sensor mode designed for that. Use the waveform to compare sounds with each other.

What causes flat tops on some recorded waveforms?

That is clipping: the sound is louder than the sensor can record, so the peaks are cut off. Move the source further away or turn its volume down.

Can two sounds be recorded at the same time?

One sensor records the combined sound at its position, which is how beats are shown. To compare two separate positions, for example when timing how sound travels, you need two sensors logging together.

Last Updated: September 2026