Active sound design

Active sound design is an acoustic technology concept used in automotive vehicles to alter or enhance the sound inside and outside of the vehicle. Active sound design (ASD) often uses active noise control and acoustic enhancement techniques to achieve a synthesized vehicle sound.

The typical implementations of ASD vary, from amplifying or reducing an existing sound to creating an entirely new sound. Each vehicle manufacturer may use different software or hardware techniques in ASD, as there is no one unified model. ASD exists under multiple names, like Acura’s Active Sound Control, Kia’s Active Sound System, Volkswagen’s Soundaktor, and QNX’s Acoustic Management System.

The first instance of in-vehicle active noise canceling (ANC) was developed by Lotus and featured in the 1992 Nissan Bluebird. In 2009, Lotus partnered with Harman International for an improved ANC system that eliminated noise from the road, tires, and vehicle chassis. With recent demand for economical and cleaner combustion engine vehicles, engine systems have become more efficient but less audibly appealing to consumers. Electric and fuel cell vehicles operate with high-pitched tones, lacking the recognizable sound of a typical combustion engine. With ASD, both combustion and electric vehicle manufacturers aim to improve the reception of these vehicles by increasing the quality of interior and exterior vehicle sound.