Continuing with the office example, after determining the source with the highest sound power. We can further reduce noise by targeting and addressing its individual noise-radiating components. And we need sound intensity for that.

Sound intensity measures the rate of energy flow through a unit area, typically 1 m² in the SI system, with units of Watts per square meter. Unlike pressure, which is a scalar quantity with only magnitude, sound intensity is a vector quantity, as it includes both magnitude and direction. This means sound energy flows in specific directions, but not in others. Typically, we measure sound intensity in a direction perpendicular (at 90°) to a specified unit area through which the sound energy travels.

Sound intensity, of course, can be measured with an intensity probe. Sound intensity probe, traditionally, have placed 2 microphones facing each other. This allows source localization in two dimensions. The Sonocat, on the other hand, has 8 microphones. Allowing source localization in 3 dimensions, to within 2 degrees.  Furthermore, applying the theory of sound propagation around a rigid sphere enables the Sonocat to account for the most dominant scattering that impacts the measurements. It is therefore possible to estimate the 3D sound intensity vector and sound pressure level as if the Sonocat was not in the field.