Cirrus Research PLC

Cirrus Research Partners with Net4Cities to Combat Urban Noise Pollution

Cirrus Research PLC — 18/02/2025

Noise Pollution is one of the biggest environmental challenges in modern cities. With increasing populations, expanding infrastructure, and growing transportation networks, noise pollution poses serious risks to public health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Realising the need for smarter solutions, Net4Cities will facilitate the realisation of the zero-pollution vision by 2050 with the help of Cirrus Research and Quantum Outdoor.

What is Net4Cities?

Net4Cities is a European initiative focused on achieving zero pollution in urban areas by 2050. With the participation of 11 partner cities across Europe, the project aims to tackle various environmental challenges, including noise pollution, by leveraging real-time monitoring, data analysis, and evidence-based policymaking.

By equipping cities with state-of-the-art environmental monitoring technology, Net4Cities enables policymakers to assess noise levels, identify pollution hotspots, and implement targeted solutions that enhance urban environments.

Supplying Cutting-Edge Noise Monitoring Technology

At Cirrus Research, we’ve been at the forefront of noise monitoring solutions for over 50 years, and our Quantum Outdoor noise monitors have been designed to deliver high-precision, real-time environmental noise monitoring for long-term applications.

As part of our partnership with Net4Cities, 30 Quantum Outdoor units are being deployed across the partner cities. Our advanced monitoring technology will support governments in collecting accurate, real-time noise data to assess urban landscapes, monitor trends, identify noise pollution sources from transport, industry, and urban activity, and provide actionable insights for decision-makers to introduce effective noise reduction policies.

Jonathan Phillips, International Sales Manager at Cirrus Research, said, “We are proud to support the Net4Cities project with our Quantum Outdoor noise monitoring technology. Urban noise pollution is a growing challenge, and by providing real-time, accurate data, we are encouraging cities to make informed decisions that enhance public health and quality of life. This partnership is a great example of how innovative environmental monitoring can drive meaningful change across Europe.”

As Net4Cities continues to expand its impact, we remain committed to delivering innovative noise monitoring solutions that help shape better cities for the future.

Want to learn more about our Quantum Outdoor noise monitors? Get in touch with our noise experts today.

LNE Type Approval for the Optimus+ sound level meter

Cirrus Research PLC — 21/07/2023

At Cirrus Research, we understand the importance of accurate and reliable measurements, especially when it comes to occupational noise and environmental monitoring.

We know that you rely on our noise monitoring instruments to ensure that your workers are safe and that you are complying with regulations, which is why we are so excited to be able to announce that eight models of the new Class 1 Optimus+ Sound Level Meter are now LNE approved!

The LNE (the French National Laboratory of Metrology and Testing) is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of measurement instruments and systems. This process is rigorous and involves extensive testing to ensure that products meet the highest standards of accuracy and precision.

As an organisation, we are committed to providing the highest quality instrumentation and service to you, our customers. This LNE approval is a testament to our dedication and excellence.

You can view the LNE certificate here.

Ashleigh Morris Rallying partners with Cirrus Research for the 2019/20 MSN Championship

Cirrus Research PLC — 25/09/2019

This year, Cirrus Research has made the exciting move to partner with Ashleigh Morris for the 2019/20 Motorsport News Rally Championship.

The Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship, in association with MSVR Racing, consists of eight rallies at some of the UK’s premier race circuits including Oulton Park, Cadwell Park, Brands Hatch and Donington Park.

We’ve partnered with Ashleigh as we have seen the incredible progress she’s made in the sport, despite only starting as a driver back in 2016. Ashleigh’s passion for rallying was inspired after a passenger ride in a rally car at Knockhill Racing Circuit, near her hometown of Dollar in Scotland. In July 2016, she took to the driver’s seat for the first time for the Enville Stages at Anglesey Circuit, finishing second in class. She then competed in two gravel events to gain experience on mixed surfaces, before taking part in her first championship last year. She finished second in Class A in the prestigious Motorsport News Circuit Rally Championship.

Ashleigh has come on leaps and bounds since she first sat in the driver’s seat. In 2018, she was nominated for the Gold Star Award for the British Women Racing Drivers’ Club. Her car – affectionately known as JIG – now sits on the British Women Racing Drivers’ Club stand on rally days.

Ashleigh is supported by co-driver, Jamie Mactavish. Jamie started out taking photos at rallies all over the UK and across the world, moving on to film for Special Stage TV. He finally gave in to peer pressure and co-drove on his first event at the Plains Rally in 2014. He was immediately hooked, despite a trip backwards down a steep bank!

Either together or individually, they have now competed in over 50 events, from single UK events to international competitions with Jamie taking part in the WRC Rally GB and making four attempts at the famous Safari Rally in Kenya, which is even more adventurous than it sounds!

A second-place finish in Class B for the 2016-17 Circuit Rally Championship was improved on after pairing with Ashleigh for the 2017-18 season. He won the co-driver Class B championship for two consecutive seasons.

Their focus this year is to win the drivers’ championship. The two make an excellent pair, and we are sure that this year they will take the top spot.

Throughout the coming season, we will be at each event, supporting scrutineers with their monitoring and measuring of vehicle noise. We’ll also be carrying out vital research, which will help marshals, drivers and spectators be better-protected against the dangers of excessive noise.

We’re incredibly excited that the Cirrus team will be joining Ashleigh and Jamie at each of the eight rounds. However, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the days as much without sharing them with you: our loyal customers and followers. We’re pleased to say we’ll be giving you the chance to join us at various stages of the championship. Keep an eye on our social media channels for details of how to get yourself tickets in the coming weeks and months.

For those that don’t get the chance to join us- fear not! You can get involved directly by sporting some of our fantastic team wear. We’ll be offering t-shirts, jackets, beanie hats etc., which will all be available for purchase. We’ll even have some giveaways too.

We can’t wait to get the season off to a roaring start!

Award of Excellence for Cloud-Based Monitoring Solutions 2023!

Cirrus Research PLC — 20/11/2023

From rising levels of noise pollution in urban areas to concerns over air quality, these issues have a profound impact on the well-being of citizens and the sustainability of industries. To address these challenges, the field of environmental monitoring has emerged as a critical sector within the broader technology and engineering landscape.

Environmental monitoring solutions encompass a range of sophisticated technologies and data-driven approaches aimed at tracking and mitigating environmental factors. This includes monitoring noise levels in cities, assessing air quality in industrial zones, and measuring vibrations caused by construction activities. Such monitoring is not only essential for regulatory compliance but also for the overall quality of life and safety of individuals living and working in these environments.

In this context, companies like Cirrus Research play a pivotal role by developing innovative and reliable monitoring solutions. These solutions provide real-time data, enabling businesses and government authorities to make informed decisions to improve the environment and safeguard health. Cirrus Research’s mission revolves around creating innovative solutions that enhance the way we monitor and manage noise and other environmental impacts. They have not only revolutionised the field of noise monitoring but also expanded their expertise in air quality, vibration, and more.

Cirrus Research’s cloud-based monitoring solutions, Quantum Indoor and Quantum Outdoor, have had a profound impact on businesses and communities across the UK. By providing real-time data on noise, air quality, and vibrations, they empower businesses and local authorities to make informed decisions. This data-driven approach not only ensures compliance but also fosters healthier, quieter, and more sustainable living and working environments.

One of the key reasons Cirrus Research is being honoured with the Awards of Excellence is its unwavering commitment to excellence. They continuously strive for perfection in their products and services, pushing the boundaries of what is possible. This dedication has led to the creation of cutting-edge, user-friendly, and highly reliable monitoring solutions.

Cirrus Research’s journey to become a pioneering industry leader is nothing short of inspirational. Their relentless pursuit of excellence, commitment to improving the quality of life, and contributions to environmental and occupational safety have made them deserving recipients of the Awards of Excellence. Their cloud-based monitoring solutions have not only changed the way we perceive data but have also transformed the way we live and work in the UK. As Cirrus Research continues to innovate and drive positive change, we can only anticipate a brighter and more sustainable future for the UK and beyond. Their journey reminds us that with dedication, innovation, and a focus on the greater good, any company can become a beacon of excellence and a force for positive change in our world.

Cirrus Rallies Behind Rising Motorsport Star

Cirrus Research PLC — 03/04/2019

Motorsport is incredibly exciting. Whether it’s the thrill of competitive circuit racing in Formula One, the raucous roar and desire for speed in drag racing, or the battle against the clock in rallying, motorsport speaks to the thrill-seeker in everyone. We’ve recently teamed up with rally driver, Ashleigh Morris, in a sponsorship deal for the final races of this season, which has also allowed us to capture the noise levels from the driver’s seat.

During the rally at Donnington Park circuit on 3rd March 2019, Ashleigh and navigator Jamie each wore a doseBadge5 noise dosimeter, allowing us to get accurate noise readings from inside the cockpit over a fifteen-minute period. Quite unsurprisingly, the results of our analysis show that the interior of a competitive rally car can be quite a loud place. However, when we downloaded the data, we were astonished by just how loud it actually was.

The graph to the left shows the overall measurement values during the 15-minute recording period. The C-weighted peak measured 133 decibels, which actually falls below the lower occupational noise exposure limit of 135 decibels. However, the LAeq (average noise level) was 101.5 decibels, meaning that in any working environment, hearing protection must be worn. Thankfully, crash helmets offer enough protection without the need for additional ear defenders or earplugs to be worn. With that being said, it would be advisable to also wear earplugs, just in case the insulation from a crash helmet doesn’t quite do the job.

On the day we measured Ashleigh and her navigator, she finished 5th in class from 13 starters and 34th overall, which given the challenging conditions she faced out on the track, was a brilliant achievement.

Ashleigh is currently sitting 20th overall in the championship and third in her class (B), which is impressive by anybody’s standards.

With only one more rally to go before the end of the reason, everyone at Cirrus Research is cheering Ashleigh on, and hopefully, she’ll be able to build on her already-successful year.

Cirrus Research Team Goes The Extra Mile To Support Key Businesses During Covid-19 Pandemic

Cirrus Research PLC — 16/04/2020

Nobody could have predicted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in the face of global uncertainty, the team at Yorkshire-based Cirrus Research has continued to do their very best to keep supplying their customers with everything they need, to help them protect employees and residents from the dangers of excessive noise.

As a manufacturer and supplier of noise measurement instruments, Cirrus Research serves numerous clients in essential sectors, including local authorities, housing associations, the emergency services, and food manufacturing plants and distribution centres. The Cirrus Research team often speak of their sense of duty to their customers, and the safety and well-being of those their products help protect. The team's response to the COVID-19 crisis has demonstrated this dedication in abundance.

One of the critical areas of the Cirrus business is its service centre and calibration laboratory, which ensures that people's equipment functions correctly and that it is compliant with the regulations governing noise measurement. An initial decision to close the Cirrus service centre and calibration lab, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, was met with concern by some of the firm's key clients. Many of them said they were worried about being unable to ensure that the equipment they use to keep people safe, was working correctly and compliant with health and safety law.

In response to these concerns, the service and calibration team expressed a desire to carry on working, so that they could continue to provide the services that their key clients rely on so heavily. Cirrus Research Managing Director said: "I can barely put into words how proud I am of our service and calibration team. Their determination to carry on working to help those in key sectors is inspiring."

Members of Cirrus' Senior Management Team have also gone above and beyond their normal lines of duty.

As many members of the Cirrus team were sent home to safeguard their health and well-being, it was up to senior managers to roll their sleeves up and fill in the gaps, with one of the most significant being in the product despatch department. From the Head of Sales through to the Product Development Manager, everyone had to learn new skills incredibly quickly. Together, they ensured that instruments that had been either serviced or purchased were sent to their customers on time.

Apple’s New Noise App Is A Game Changer

Cirrus Research PLC — 08/10/2019

You might have heard that Apple has released a handy new app in its latest update to the WatchOS platform. Wearers can now track their noise exposure throughout the day, receiving real-time alerts when their environment is too loud. As one of the world’s leading acoustic measurement specialists, we like to keep up-to-date with developments in the market. Even though we already knew this app was in the works, we still tuned in to see its announcement on 10th September – along with the millions of dedicated Apple fans from around the world.

Apple is well known for creating genuinely life-changing technology, which many people claim began with the launch of the iPod in 2001. Since then, it has driven the mobile phone market to a point where nowadays, phones are seen as an extension of our very being. As a master of expanding markets, we have no doubt Apple’s development of this app can only be a good thing. Of course, there is no substitution for scientific instrumentation like the equipment we make, which is designed to measure a massive spectrum of sound in precise detail. However, the advent of this app will drive a more comprehensive appreciation of the harm that high noise levels can have on people’s health and wellbeing. Raising awareness of this was one of our fundamental founding principles back in 1970.

So, let’s have a look, shall we? Getting hands-on with the Noise app.

Starting the app is nice and simple, in true Apple fashion. As it’s native to Apple Watches (Series 1 onwards – for those of us that have the very first generation of Watch, we’re out of luck), it works as seamlessly as long-standing wearers will have come to expect. Its interface is clear and easy-to-understand, with a helpful introduction that explains how the app works and what the different noise levels mean for your hearing.

We’ve seen warnings about hearing health on smart technology before; turn the volume on your phone up when wearing headphones and you’ll notice the bars change colour. However, this new app isn’t limited to when you’re enjoying the latest tunes. As you wear your watch throughout the day, it’s always listening to the ambient noise levels, checking to make sure that your hearing is kept safe.

That’s the impressive thing about this app: it’s not one of those apps where you have to have it open to get it to work. It provides real-time alerts for when your hearing is potentially at risk, in the form of haptic feedback or a visual warning.

But a wearable noise monitor isn’t necessarily new technology. In 1995, we introduced the world’s first wireless noise dosimeter: the doseBadge. Durable, robust and light, the doseBadge is what has set the standard for wireless noise dosimeters ever since it launched.

How do they compare? The Apple Watch vs the doseBadge

It’s difficult to estimate precisely how many doseBadges are out there in the world, but we reckon it’s definitely more than 20,000! Not quite as many as the 22.5 million Apple Watches that were shipped last year…

When comparing the two devices, there are a few key things to consider. Firstly, there’s the durability. Remember, the doseBadge survived a trip through a stone crusher and being driven over by a two-tonne pickup truck; it’s a tough little piece of kit! Over the years, smart technology has fallen foul of criticism about its ability to take a knock or two. As materials improve and build quality gets better, it’s becoming less of an issue. Although it’s still unlikely the Apple Watch could survive what the doseBadge has. Sorry folks.

Then there’s the more critical issue of legislation compliance. I know: talking about regulations isn’t the most exciting thing in the world, but it’s what all our equipment is designed for. The doseBadge meets the Control of Noise at Work regulations and industry-specific standards, which means you’re guaranteed to get more accurate noise data. As an avid Apple user myself, I can say that the quality of their kit is unrivalled by many in the industry, which probably explains the hefty price tag on everything. With that said, it’s highly unlikely that Apple products meet the same acoustic standards that our plucky little doseBadges do.

Regulations state that a noise dosimeter should be calibrated every year by a professional laboratory, and at the start and end of every measurement. It’s dead easy to calibrate one of our doseBadges; less so for the Apple Watch. The internal microphone can’t be accessed for calibration and if we know anything about microphones, it’s that their accuracy can fluctuate over time, hence the need to calibrate.

Although both pieces of tech are wearable, where they’re worn makes a difference. The doseBadge is designed to be worn on the shoulder close to the ear, so it can capture the noise levels as experienced by the wearer. With the Apple Watch on someone’s wrist, noise levels will read differently than what is actually experienced in the ear. So, your readings may not be all that accurate.

When comparing the doseBadge with the Apple Watch, there’s not much in the watch’s favour. I mean sure, it looks funky, but it just can’t compete with the doseBadge in terms of its applicability to the health and safety industry.

So, what do we think? Our thoughts on the Noise app.

Taking everything I’ve already said, I think it’s fair to say that the Apple Watch isn’t attempting to be a replacement for a noise dosimeter like the doseBadge. Of course it isn’t going to be as accurate as the “real thing”, but it’s not trying to be. And what it does successfully is so important. It raises awareness of noise and hearing health to a whole new swathe of people who have probably never considered it before. That’s huge.

I’ve spoken to several people here at Cirrus, and we’re all in agreement that this app is superb. We’ve been in the industry for almost 50 years and know how damaging noise can be. Whether it’s hearing loss or other health conditions like cardiovascular disease and depression, it can have such a negative impact on people’s lives. Trying to convince people that they need to look after their hearing isn’t as easy as convincing someone to buy an Apple Watch. But now Apple has created this app, noise and hearing health is going to be in the public’s mind far more than it ever has been, and from where I’m standing, that can only be a good thing.

Awareness surrounding hearing health is on the rise. There have been several high-profile cases in the last year that have highlighted the impact that noise can have on someone’s health. Additionally, February ’19 saw the World Health Organisation produce guidelines that outline a standard for safe listening on mobile devices. Included in these guidelines is a recommendation that users should have the ability to limit the maximum volume level when listening through their headphones, something which has been available on smartphones for a while now.

This most recent development from Apple goes hand-in-hand with what Cirrus has been doing since its inception. We exist to help organisations limit their impact on people’s hearing, health and wellbeing in easy-to-use and straightforward ways that challenge the rest of the market to change the way they do things.

Hats off to you, Apple. When it comes to noise, you’ve clearly taken a leaf out of our book.

Cirrus Research plc joins leading Yorkshire industry network

Cirrus Research PLC — 20/02/2019

Here at Cirrus Research plc, we are delighted to announce that we have joined the leading Yorkshire manufacturing and engineering membership group Made in Yorkshire. We are now part of a collective group of more than 100 firms including Portakabin, Actionplas, Rosti Automotive, Holmesterne Foods, Balmoral Tanks, Hesco, Hayley Group, Corrocoat and many more.

Cirrus Research is dedicated to helping people protect themselves, their employees and the wider community and environment from the effects of excessive noise exposure. Our instruments are innovative and simple-to-operate and are supported by an industry-leading 15-year warranty. With over 40 years of experience, we can offer our products with superior technical expertise and experience as one of the world’s leading names in noise measurement.

We strive to help people and businesses worldwide meet their noise measurement needs and we are dedicated to providing high-quality noise measurement solutions, knowledge and support to our customers, whilst growing a profitable and stable business, innovating and striving to be the best in all areas in which we operate.

Like many other fellow members, we have joined Made in Yorkshire to share best practice, win new business, collaborate, raise our profile and source Midlands based suppliers.

We join an industry network of ‘movers and makers’ that is proactively bringing together our regions engineering and manufacturing firms from all sectors, that challenges the status quo and is leading the way in creating a lasting legacy and ensuring the long-term prosperity of industry in this region.

Cirrus Research plc is proud to now be part of the growing #MIYFAMILY, and relish our opportunity to benefit from the buzz surrounding this network whilst also contributing to benefit others.

Cirrus Makes Some Noise for Red Nose Day!

Cirrus Research PLC — 18/03/2019

To celebrate Red Nose Day and to raise money for Comic Relief, we visited hundreds of school children across Yorkshire in order to find out which primary school was the loudest – we appropriately named our event, Red “Noise” Day.

The schools which took part were: Riverside Primary School, Tadcaster; Monk Fryston Primary School, North Yorkshire; Hunmanby Primary School, East Yorkshire, Filey Junior School, East Yorkshire, and Thornton Dale CoE Primary School, Pickering.

The eventual winners in a hard-fought contest were Filey and Thornton Dale, who both claimed top spot with an impressive 128.3dB reached. Third place was Riverside Primary School Tadcaster with 127.3 dB. As well as raising money for a great cause, the two winning schools share a £150 bonus for their top spot.

Marketing Manager Antony Towle said: “It was a great day, but my ears are still ringing! The children were amazing and really put everything into their shout out. Some people say children should be seen and not heard – but certainly not on Red Noise Day!”

Ian Yapp Headteacher at Riverside Community Primary School said: “We always do something in school to raise money for Red Nose Day but Red Noise Day was a first for us and the children loved it – it’s not often teachers are telling pupils to make more noise so they made the most of it!”

He added: “We’re delighted to have claimed third place in the shout out but more importantly hundreds of pounds was raised for a great cause.”

The total decibels reached by combining the sound levels from all the schools came to an ear-shattering 626.1dB – louder than four Jumbo Jets taking off. A total of £776 will be donated with the winning bonus included.

Join the scores of companies exhibiting at this year's Made in Yorkshire Expo, which takes place at the Centenary Pavilion in Leeds on May 23. Register for tickets for the event click on the banner below; and don't forget to visit our new website - www.madeinyorkshireexpo.co.uk

PTB Type Approval for the Optimus+ Sound Level Meter

Cirrus Research PLC — 26/07/2023

We are delighted to announce that the latest version of the Optimus+ sound level meter, with the newest firmware and features, has achieved PTB pattern approval.

This means that the Optimus+ sound level meter has been independently verified as meeting the highest standard in noise measurement!

The Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) is the German Metrology Institute, and is recognised as one of the most prestigious national test laboratories in the world.

After a series of detailed tests which include both electrical and acoustic verification, approval numbers have been issued for our Optimus+ sound level meters with firmware v5.8.3251!

You can view our certificate here.

What is PTB Pattern Approval?

Pattern Approval, or Type Approval, is a method where a test laboratory such as the PTB tests an instrument against a set of standard tests to ensure that it meets the performance claims of the manufacturer.

Find out more about PTB Approval here.