HARMAN, a subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd, has announced the launch of its Car Acoustic Experience Lab in Pune, India. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the diverse needs of car audio acoustics, engineering, research, and customer demonstrations. Inspired by the research of HARMAN's renowned experts, Dr Sean Olive and Dr Floyd Toole, the Acoustic Experience Lab replicates a typical residential listening environment.
The new lab serves a broad spectrum of engineering and R&D needs within HARMAN, acting as a valuable tool for acoustic engineers. It provides a sonic aid when designing and fine-tuning car audio systems to meet the highest audio standards and formats. Additionally, the lab is utilised by the Experiential R&D team for conducting consumer and internal sound quality testing. It plays a crucial role in supporting product development, optimisation, and competitive analysis, catering to major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in India. HARMAN also conducts the HARMAN Qualified Listener Program in the lab, training employees and OEMs to become qualified listeners.
Equipped with hidden modular panels, the Automotive Acoustic Experience Lab allows for easy manipulation of the lab's reflective properties. This flexibility enables engineers to tailor the listening experience to meet specific testing or demonstration requirements, ensuring optimal results.
To bring this dynamic listening environment to life, HARMAN partnered with Modi Digital, a Pro Audio consultancy. Modi Digital, which boasts an impressive client portfolio including the legendary AR Rahman, contributed its expertise to the meticulous design of the space. The lab complies with the strict NC 20 room criteria as per ISO 9568 and aligns with ASHRAE guidelines for acoustically sensitive spaces. Its adjustable treatment elements facilitate a seamless transition between a bright-sounding volume and an acoustically absorptive space.
The acoustic experience in the lab is exceptional, utilising HARMAN Luxury Audio products and Professional products. The lab is outfitted with nine main loudspeakers, four in-wall subwoofers, and seven height channels. BSS Audio manages the digital signal processing (DSP), while Crown amplification powers the system. With a remarkable 9.1.6 Dolby ATMOS configuration, meticulously calibrated by Dolby engineers, the lab delivers an immersive audio experience like no other.
Jonathan Pierce, Director of Audio Benchmarking, Engineering at HARMAN Automotive, stated 'This lab adheres to our global standards for automotive research and evaluation. This is HARMAN’s sixth global testing environment, aimed at bringing critical tools and resources to our customers and engineering teams. We are optimistic that this lab will not only meet our customer expectations but also provide them with a new perspective on the car audio experience.'
Sanjeev Kulkarni, Vice President at HARMAN Automotive, added 'By replicating a typical residential listening environment, we can ensure that our products meet and exceed consumer expectations. This facility represents our commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences and driving innovation in the automotive industry. We are delighted that the leading OEMs in India, who are our esteemed customers, visited and appreciated the lab.'
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