The Future of the In-Cabin Soundscape: How to Meet Evolving Consumer Expectations

The landscape of in-cabin audio is undergoing a remarkable transformation. As the automotive industry shifts from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs), the acoustic environment within vehicles is changing, too. This transition is driven not only by the technological advancements in automotive design but also by increasing consumer expectations for quieter cabins and more immersive sound experiences.

The Quiet-ish Revolution

In electric vehicles, the absence of traditional engine noise presents both a unique challenge and an opportunity for some really cool sound design. But as the quieter electric engines raise consumer expectations for silent cars and futuristic cabin audio environments, unwanted noises like road and wind noise, which were previously masked by engine sounds, are being amplified. Adding to this, lighter materials with their own dampening characteristics, and highly reflective elements like instrumentation panels, windows, and even panoramic glass ceilings, are being incorporated into new EV designs. This results in a combination of sound fields where noise can come to the occupants from multiple angles, with a range of dampening effects for different frequencies. This introduces a range of new challenges for assessing the quality of in-cabin audio that demands innovative approaches to managing in-cabin sound, making vehicle noise, audio, and infotainment system assessments more crucial than ever.

Infotainment Expectations Skyrocket

Simultaneously, there's a surge in consumer demand for advanced in-cabin infotainment systems. Today's drivers and passengers want more than just music; they expect surround sound, sophisticated voice command systems, and interactive navigation systems that communicate clearly and effectively. This demand for high-quality audio extends to every aspect of the in-cabin experience, from phone calls and music streaming to system alerts and vehicle diagnostics. Auto manufacturers are responding by using sound design as an integral part of the vehicle's branding, crafting unique acoustic signatures that enhance the driving experience and reinforce brand identity.

The Need for Superior Testing with Minimal Interference

To meet these compound, critical challenges, auto manufacturers and automotive audio developers alike must enhance their testing methods. The evolution of the in-cabin soundscape, coupled with heightened consumer expectations, necessitates more frequent and more precise testing using advanced equipment. But to truly perform in the complex in-cabin soundscape, test microphones need to be as small as possible to cause as little interference as possible, calling for a shift from ?” to ?” microphones. However, traditional ?” microphones do not have a sufficiently low noise floor to perform these tests. That is why GRAS developed a family of ?” microphones that do! The GRAS 46BC (Dyn range: 24 dB(A) to 146 dB) and 46BL-1 (Dyn range: 24 dB(A) to 146 dB) high sensitivity mics both boast the lowest ?” noise floor on the market. These microphones enable developers to capture and analyze the nuanced soundscapes within modern vehicles, ensuring that audio systems are not only immersive and high-quality but also tailored to the unique acoustics of each cabin.

A Case for Excellence

As we stand at the beginning of a new era in automotive sound design, understanding the role of innovative testing equipment has never been more critical. Auto manufacturers and audio developers equipped with the right tools are better positioned to navigate this changing landscape, delivering the audio experiences that consumers now demand. In our recent customer case, we delve into why HARMAN has come to rely on the GRAS 46BL-1 ?” microphone for testing and tuning their high-end automotive audio systems to redefine in-cabin audio and staying ahead of the competition. Sign up to download a free copy of the HARMAN and GRAS customer case and join us in shaping the future of automotive sound.