This standard specifies the requirements to be fulfilled by sound level meters of classes 1, 2 and LS. Together with part 2 of this standard, this standard replaces the separate standards on simple sound level meters (DIN EN 60651) and integrating-averaging sound level meters (DIN EN 60804). DIN EN 61672-1 is dedicated to specifications only, no test methods are described. These are covered by parts 2 and 3 of this standard. Futher, this standard has changed with respect to its precursor in that DIN 61672-1 takes into account the measurement uncertainty of the testing laboratory as specified in DIN V ENV 13005 "Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement". Also, sound level meters without permanent display (such as devices with a memory for data) multi-channel sound level meters, and sound level meters requiring an external computer for operation are considered. In an annex, specifications for the AU-weighting (for the measurement of audible sound in the presence of ultrasound) are given.