Sennheiser enters auto sector with its audio technology
Sennheiser has entered the automotive sector with an AMBEO immersive audio solution for in-car entertainment and communication in collaboration with Southern California-based luxury automaker, Karma Automotive. Meticulously engineered using highest-grade microphone and loudspeaker technology and 3D audio expertise, the AMBEO sound system provides impressively enveloping sound and clear audio for phone calls. The system was experienced first on a new 2020 Karma Revero GT during Monterey Car Week from 15-18 August 2019.
The system promises authentic immersive sound, voice intelligibility, and possibilities for sound personalisation. And together with Karma, Sennheiser is attempting to combine the future of mobility with the future of audio enjoyment, with an aim to create nothing less than the best-in-class sound experience.
Based in Wedemark near Hanover, Germany, Sennheiser is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of headphones, microphones and wireless transmission systems. The brand is active in more than 50 countries and has production facilities in Germany, Ireland and the USA.
Karma Automotive builds immersive driving experiences through collaborative relationships and technology partners. And the Pebble Beach technology showcase of the AMBEO sound system in their 2020 Revero GT illustrates cutting-edge audio technology possibilities for the future.
The AMBEO sound system consists of a multi-channel loudspeaker set-up arranged in two main layers plus a subwoofer to provide authentic sound immersion anywhere in the cabin. To make this experience complete, the vehicle’s headrests have been integrated into the loudspeaker concept. The ability to enjoy breathtaking immersive sound does not require specific 3D audio sources – the system’s AMBEO upmix algorithm can turn any stereo material into an immersive experience. Audio sources and levels are managed via a convenient graphical user interface, which allows the driver and passengers to personalise the sound according to their preferences. The interface also lets a user determine the preferred degree of immersiveness, and position within the sound stage.
For crystal clear phone conversations, the system employs beamforming technology to actively focus on the speaker, with the beamforming microphone arrays integrated into both sides of the cabin. The result is precise capture of the voice, while wind, engine and tire noise is efficiently attenuated. The other passengers can join the phone conversation or continue listening to their music or film audio undisturbed. This solution enables relaxed, clear communication between everyone in the car.
Sennheiser engineers worked for over two years on developing and fine-tuning the technology for the automotive sector – the gold-standard AMBEO up mix algorithm for immersive audio with high-quality, elevated sound reproduction and the latest beamforming technology for clear communications.