Frequently Asked Questions

If SLM Utility G4 (any version) or SLM Utility G3 version 2.300 or later is unable to connect to a sound level meter, there are two potential causes.

Cause #1 – The USB driver for the Model 831 or LxT sound level meter is not correct

1. To check for the correct driver click the start icon and in search type device manager then press Enter to start the device manager.

On a Windows 8 PC

1. Open the Charms Bar by dragging the cursor to top right of the screen or by pressing Win + C.
2. Select Settings and then Change PC settings.
3. Select the Devices under PC settings application. 

    2.    Using a USB cable, connect the sound level meter to the computer making sure the meter is powered on and fully booted. 

    3.    In the list of devices, find the item Larson Davis USB device and expand the list to show the device  

    4.    On the device Larson Davis Model 831 & SoundTrack LxT, right click and select Properties 

    5.    On the properties page, the driver manufacturer should be libusb 1.0  

    6.    If the driver manufacturer is “libusb 1.0” and you cannot connect then proceed to Cause #2.  If the driver something different like motusb.dll then uninstall the SLM Utility G3 and/or G4 software then reinstall.  Make sure that you install by running LDsetup.exe and that you have administrator rights.

Cause #2 – The USB hardware driver needs an update

This problem only occurs when using a USB 3.0 port with drivers from certain hardware manufacturers.

    7.    Verify that connected port is USB 3.0.  This can be done one of two ways

a.    If the internal portion of the connector is blue, the port is USB 3.0

                b.     Within device manager, expand the Universal Serial Bus Control and look for a port name that includes Renesas Electronics USB 3.0 in the name 

    8.    If there is a Renesas Electronics USB 3.0 device or device manager shows a device that is unknown and doesn’t have a driver, the USB 3.0 driver needs to be updated.  This driver is provided by the manufacturer of the PC or motherboard.  Normally, you can find the driver with instruction for updating if you google the manufacturer and model of the PC + USB 3.0 driver.  For example, I would google Lenovo T420s USB 3.0 driver.

    9.    Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for updating the driver and you should now be able to connect.  If a workaround is needed, any available USB 2.0 port will work.