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Small acoustic spaces such as car cabins are harsh and challenging listening environments for any sound system. No matter the quality of electronics and loudspeakers, it is the listening enivironment that imposes the boundary conditions on the system design. Many factors can have a negative influence on perceived sound quality: interior materials, wide reflective surfaces, resonances, asymmetry of the dashboard. In OEM systems, loudspeakers positioning is dictated by space, weight and design constraints rather than acoustic performance, producing sound field anomalies and differences for all listening positions.

In aftermarket installations interiors can be heavily modified: the number of loudspeakers is increased and their positioning changed, dampening materials are used for doors and trunk, etc..

There can be a substantial improvement in performances but the costs for such "upgrade" can be considerably higher than the benefit. Besides, the approach is nearly "blind" and the results cannot be predicted until the system is turned on.


The solution to the problem is "digital room correction", a very short process involving

  1. identification and analysis of the acoustic environment
  2. digital processing of data and filters calculation
  3. fine system tuning for skilled engineers (optional)

The algorithm makes crucial decisions based on the result of identification and the nature of the signal, still a target curve can be specified according to user preferencies.

The process is fully automatic, it provides IR optimization and loudspeaker response correction in short time with repeatble and stable results. The tuning process can be dramatically reduced letting skilled engineers the time to focus on details if needed.

The algorithm produces a set of filters readily usable in different hardware architectures, embeddded or pc-based. Performances can be scaled in terms of precessor resources or memory constraints selecting IIR or FIR filters. A set of parameters to configure the existing equalization engine can be provided to prevent hardware/software redesign.

The tool is based on NU-Tech Framework, a pc-based DSP platform able to run complex multichannel acquisition sessions with strict control over latency.

A set of graphical tools is available to perform real-time and off-line analysis.

The software architecture is the synthesis of years of experience in audio and automotive fiield as testified by several pubblications.


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Further Information

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