Compare Sensorbee and the Cirrus Research Quantum Outdoor for construction noise, dust, and vibration monitoring. Specs, power options, and guidance for UK projects.
Cirrus Research is one of the UK's most established noise measurement companies, with decades of experience in sound level meters and acoustic instrumentation. Their Quantum Outdoor is a cloud-based environmental noise monitoring system that has expanded beyond noise to include dust, vibration, gaseous pollutant, and weather measurement capabilities.
Sensorbee takes an integrated approach — a single compact, solar-powered device covering noise, dust, vibration, gas, and weather from the outset. Both target UK construction and environmental monitoring, but from very different starting points.
This comparison uses publicly available specifications from Cirrus Research product pages and datasheets. Where detailed specifications are not publicly documented, we note it.
At a Glance: Sensorbee vs Cirrus Research Quantum Outdoor
| Feature | Sensorbee Pro 2 | Cirrus Quantum Outdoor |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | LAeq (dB) | LAeq, LAmax + optional audio recording |
| Dust | PM1, PM2.5, PM10 | Dust measurement (add-on capability) |
| Vibration | PPV | Vibration measurement (add-on capability) |
| Gases | Up to 6 modules (NO2, SO2, CO, O3, H2S, CO2, NH3, VOC) | Gaseous pollutants (add-on capability) |
| Weather | Temperature, humidity, pressure | Wind speed, wind direction, weather (add-on capability) |
| Dust certification | MCERTS (PM10 & PM2.5) | Not publicly documented for dust add-on |
| IP rating | IP65 | IP65 |
| Power | Solar + 20 Ah battery | Mains, battery, or solar |
| Connectivity | LTE-M / NB-IoT | Cloud-based (cellular) |
| Weight | ~1.9 kg | Not publicly documented |
| Data platform | Sensorbee Cloud | Quantum Portal (cloud) |
| Pricing model | Hardware purchase | Hardware + subscription (Standard Level included for 1 year) |
| Heritage | Environmental monitoring station | Noise monitoring specialist, expanding to multi-parameter |
What Cirrus Research Quantum Outdoor Offers
Cirrus Research is a UK-based manufacturer with deep expertise in noise measurement. The Quantum Outdoor started as a dedicated cloud-based outdoor noise monitor and has expanded to offer multi-environmental monitoring — simultaneous measurement of dust, gaseous pollutants, vibration, weather, wind speed, and direction alongside core noise measurement.
The Quantum Outdoor measures detailed noise metrics (LAeq, LAmax, and more) with optional audio recordings that can be configured for specific events or time periods. This audio recording capability — allowing you to listen to and review sound clips from exceedance events — is a feature acoustic consultants value for investigating noise complaints and defending consent condition compliance.
The system is IP65 rated and supports mains, battery, or solar power. Data is available through the Quantum Portal — a cloud platform providing live and historic data, with a Standard Level subscription included for one year. Each unit comes with a wall mounting kit.
Cirrus Research has a strong reputation in UK acoustic consulting. The Quantum brand is well-known among noise professionals, and the expansion into multi-parameter monitoring represents a broadening of their offering from noise specialist to environmental monitoring platform.
What Sensorbee Offers
The Sensorbee Pro 2 measures dust (PM1, PM2.5, PM10), noise (LAeq), vibration (PPV), temperature, humidity, pressure, and VOC in a single 1.9 kg device. It holds MCERTS certification for PM10 and PM2.5. Up to six gas sensor modules can be connected for NO2, SO2, CO, O3, H2S, and CO2.
Solar power with a 20 Ah battery is standard. Connectivity is via NB-IoT or LTE-M. Deployment takes under 5 minutes.
Key Differences
Noise Measurement Heritage
Cirrus Research built the Quantum Outdoor from a noise measurement foundation. Their core expertise is acoustics, and the Quantum's noise capabilities reflect this — detailed metrics, audio recording, event-triggered recordings, and a platform designed by noise professionals for noise professionals.
Sensorbee approaches noise as one parameter among several. It measures LAeq, which covers the most commonly specified metric in Section 61 consent conditions, but does not provide audio recording or the same depth of noise analysis that the Quantum offers.
If noise measurement quality and audio evidence are your primary requirements, the Quantum Outdoor's acoustic heritage gives it an advantage. If noise is one of several parameters you need to monitor, Sensorbee's integrated approach simplifies deployment.
Multi-Parameter Integration
The Quantum Outdoor has expanded to include dust, vibration, gaseous pollutants, and weather as add-on capabilities. The specific instruments or sensors used for these add-ons, and their respective certifications, are not fully detailed on Cirrus Research's public product pages. If you are considering the Quantum Outdoor for multi-parameter monitoring, request detailed specifications for the dust, vibration, and gas measurement components.
Sensorbee was designed from the start as a multi-parameter platform. Dust measurement holds MCERTS certification. Vibration measures PPV for BS 7385 compliance. Gas modules are individually specified with published measurement ranges.
Power and Deployment
Both systems support solar power, but Sensorbee ships with solar as standard — every unit is ready for off-grid deployment. The Quantum Outdoor supports mains, battery, or solar, with deployment specifics depending on the measurement configuration.
At 1.9 kg, Sensorbee is compact enough for single-person deployment. The Quantum Outdoor's weight and form factor with add-on sensors are not publicly documented — confirm with Cirrus Research for your specific configuration.
Platform and Pricing
The Quantum Portal comes with one year's Standard Level subscription included. Beyond that, ongoing access requires subscription renewal. Specific subscription tiers and pricing are not publicly documented.
Sensorbee Cloud is included with the hardware purchase — there is no separate platform subscription.
Which Is Right for Your Project?
Cirrus Research Quantum Outdoor may be the better choice if:
- ·Noise measurement is your primary focus and you need audio recording with event playback
- ·Your project is specified by an acoustic consultant who prefers Cirrus instrumentation
- ·You are already using Cirrus products and want platform consistency
Sensorbee Pro 2 may be the better choice if:
- ·You need proven, MCERTS-certified dust measurement alongside noise and vibration
- ·Solar-powered deployment with no mains dependency is a practical necessity
- ·Gas and air quality monitoring is needed alongside construction NDV monitoring
- ·You want all measurement parameters certified and specified from a single manufacturer
- ·Hardware ownership without ongoing platform subscriptions is preferred
Both systems address UK construction monitoring requirements. The choice often comes down to whether noise measurement depth (Quantum) or integrated multi-parameter simplicity (Sensorbee) is the higher priority for your specific project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Cirrus Quantum Outdoor MCERTS certified for dust?
Cirrus Research does not publicly document MCERTS certification for the Quantum Outdoor's dust measurement add-on. If MCERTS-certified particulate monitoring is a consent condition requirement, confirm the certification status directly with Cirrus Research.
Can the Quantum Outdoor measure all parameters simultaneously?
Yes. Cirrus Research states that the Quantum Outdoor can simultaneously measure noise, dust, gaseous pollutants, vibration, weather, wind speed, and direction. The specific sensor types and certifications for each parameter add-on should be confirmed with Cirrus Research.
Does Sensorbee offer audio recording for noise events?
The Sensorbee Pro 2 does not currently offer audio recording for noise events. It measures LAeq continuously. For projects where audio evidence of noise exceedances is required by consent conditions, this is a limitation compared to the Quantum Outdoor.
Which system is better for long-term environmental monitoring?
Both systems are designed for long-term outdoor deployment with IP65 ratings. The Quantum Outdoor has an established track record in long-term environmental noise monitoring. Sensorbee's 20 Ah battery and solar power are designed for extended unattended operation. Evaluate both based on your specific deployment duration, power availability, and parameter requirements.
Compare the specifications — download the Sensorbee product catalogue or contact us for a detailed discussion of your monitoring needs.




