Boasting an array of features, the new room includes remarkable control over reverberation time, achieving an impressive 0.5 seconds in low frequencies and maintaining a linear 0.2 seconds from mid to high frequencies. It also aligns seamlessly with stringent IEC and Dolby acoustical standards, earning a 100% score in several criteria, complemented by a Noise Criteria value of less than 20.
The room's acoustics were crafted through advanced computational simulation modeling, including Finite Element Analysis, Boundary Element Method and Raytracing for a conducive time-domain response, which is paramount in realizing the extraordinary, emotional potential of immersive recordings. It also sets new standards in air and structure-borne insulation, achieving an outstanding Sound Transmission Class score of 68.
According to Stellantis, the newly state of the art immersive audio lab will allow the automaker to create roadmaps for each of its brands, internalize automotive acoustic R&D capabilities, and support its "Dare Forward" plan to achieve carbon net zero by 2038.
Spearheaded by Akshay Khanna, Director and Space Leader in Acoustics Engineering, the lab aims to refine Stellantis' in-car audio systems. "The lab was created to help develop our in-house audio signature for cars," Khanna explains. "It ultimately aids in fostering programs, affording Features Over the Air and faster time to market."
The system relies entirely on Genelec Smart Active Monitors, with 8361s in the L-C-R positions, 8351s taking care of the surround and height channels, and a 7382 subwoofer handling the low frequencies. A 9301 AES/EBU interface provides multichannel digital audio connectivity, seamlessly integrating the 7382 subwoofer into the immersive audio system. Finally, GLM software enabled precise calibration of frequency response, playback level and distance delay, ensuring that the Genelec solution seamlessly met Stellantis’ technical and aesthetic demands.
"Genelec is an industry benchmark, and ticked all the boxes for sonic quality, envelopment, timbre, and SPL," notes Khanna. "It was a demanding process, but our team's expertise and commitment were key to achieving these standards. Genelec's technology is playing a vital role in meeting our requirements. It offers us an unobtrusive footprint without compromising on bandwidth, tonality, or SPL. It's one of the few monitors that provides AES digital inputs, reducing cabling needs and enabling digital up-sampling. This alignment with our needs was essential for the project."
Genelec Smart Active Monitoring technology allows studio monitors to be networked, configured and calibrated for the user's specific acoustic environment. Each Smart Active Monitor or subwoofer is equipped with advanced internal DSP circuitry, which tightly integrates with the GLM (Genelec Loudspeaker Manager) software application, running on Mac or PC. GLM's reference microphone kit allows the user’s acoustic environment to be analyzed, after which GLM's AutoCal feature optimizes each Smart Active Monitor for level, distance delay, subwoofer crossover phase and room response equalization, with the option of further fine tuning by the user.
Yves Bonnefont, Chief Software Officer at Stellantis, highlights the significance of the lab, stating: "Audio plays a vital role in our customers' satisfaction and enjoyment of their vehicles, as well as alerting them to key functions and driving situations. This brand-new lab demonstrates our commitment to class-leading automotive acoustics – and highlights India's pivotal role in Stellantis’ global strategy."
Disclaimer: audioXpress doesn't normally publish stories about installations. We made an exception in this case because it was a very interesting example of an automotive company creating a reference listening space for immersive audio.
www.genelec.com
