Evaluation of Automotive Audio Energy Efficiency

Automotive systems expert Philipp Paul Klose writes about the vital topic of Evaluation of Automotive Audio Energy Efficiency. This important article addresses an approach to measure energy consumption and efficiency of car audio systems as an essential method for an industry investing in ever more sophisticated technologies and applications. More importantly, the author proposes practical approaches, including standardized test procedures. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2022

This third article continues to follow Ethan Winer's fascinating journey of building modules for a Guitar-Controlled Synthesizer. The two previous articles described the core circuits he developed for this project that uses an electric guitar instead of a keyboard to control an analog synthesizer. This article continues with two components that are essential for all analog synthesizers: The Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) and the Attack Decay Sustain Release (ADSR) envelope generator. Both of these circuits generate voltages that control other modules in the synthesizer. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2022

This is an interesting Test Bench of a 3" dome midrange from Tang Band Speaker (aka TB Speaker), model 75-1558SH, intended for high-end and home audio applications. One of the most innovative and prolific OEM speaker manufacturers from Asia, Tang Band submitted a new 75mm diameter soft dome midrange, using a coated cloth diaphragm and surround, with a large neodymium magnet and distortion reducing shorting ring. The steel cup has a foam damped vent that loads into a shaped and 100% polyester-filled injection-molded back enclosure. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2022.

The Celestion CDX1-1412 Compression Driver is a compact 1" unit intended for professional audio applications, a traditional segment for the UK-based OEM manufacturer. This compression driver features a FEA-optimized neodymium ring magnet motor structure, a nominal power handling of 35W, a 2kHz recommended crossover frequency (with a minimum 12dB/octave high-pass network), and 106dB sensitivity (1W/1m) measured with its own 1" H1-9050 90°x50° constant directivity horn. This article was originally published in Voice Coil, June 2022.

When digital audio processing is performed in hearing aids, it’s meant to have a demonstrable impact on wearers’ lives. Therefore, doing it well is important. In this article, Dana Helmink, Senior Director, Audiology/Clinical Education at Widex USA, discusses the nuances of signal processing and filter bank design, exploring the most impactful decisions in filter bank types specific to hearing aids, and how ultimately each approach helps dealing with the hearing challenges that people face. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2022.

Automotive audio industry veteran John Whitecar is currently the VP of Product Management, Automotive at DSP Concepts and a leading expert in his field, renowned for his important work with Texas Instruments, Tesla, and Ford, among others. In this interview, John shares details of his work in the design of custom-mixed signal DSP-based automotive receiver ICs, which awarded him the Henry Ford Technology Award from Ford Motor Company. He also discusses why we are only getting started in an exciting era for automotive audio. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2022.

Exploring some pressing topics in headphone technology, in this article Hans W. Gierlich addresses the requirements for effective performance testing of communication headsets that use active noise cancellation (ANC) technologies, test setups, testing equipment, and setup conditions needed to correctly assess ANC performance. From the right choice of artificial ears and the latest ITU-T recommendations in that domain, to ANC performance measurements and talk-though performance. This article was originally published in audioXpress, June 2022.

Another great issue of Voice Coil magazine. Vance Dickason writes about the Multi-Tone Measurement Module (MTON) available for the Klippel KA3 Analyzer. Mike Klasco and Nora Wong (Menlo Scientific) compiled an updated Directory of Headphone Test & Measurement Equipment for 2022. We revisit a 2004 patent of a speaker using an "Internal Negative Stiffness Mechanism." And in Test Bench, Vance Dickason characterizes the latest Celestion CDX1-1412 1" Compression Driver and a new 3" dome midrange from Tang Band Speaker (TB Speaker).

Get the latest market intelligence and expert perspectives on automotive audio in the June 2022 issue of audioXpress. Hans Gierlich (HEAD acoustics) explains ANC headset testing, and Dana Helmink (Widex) writes about signal processing and filter bank design for hearing aids. Read Brent Butterworth's detailed review of Røde's NTH-100 Headphones, and enjoy another chapter of Ethan Winer's hands-on journey an analog guitar-controlled synthesizer modules.