NEW AUDI A4 MODELS TO FEATURE BANG & OLUFSEN 3D SOUND SYSTEM
There are some big things going on in the world of OEM audio. The mighty Harman group purchased the whole of the Bang & Olufsen car audio division. Regular readers/viewers may recall my video in the A8 at Audi HQ relatively recently. What follows is their press release: Acquired by HARMAN in May 2015, B&O Automotive offers exceptional 16-Channel Sound: Audi has just released the new and improved Audi A4 to an eagerly awaiting luxury saloon market. Supporting the high performance nature of the Audi brand, the new Audi A4 Saloon and Audi A4 Avant include an optional Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System that offers an unparalleled level of acoustic transparency and sets the benchmark of excellence in the automotive audio systems market.
‘The Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System in the Audi A4 brings fascinating 3D sound to all who hear it, adding an exciting new dimension to the listening experience,’ said Jens Peter Zinck, Head of Bang & Olufsen Automotive for HARMAN.
For the ears
The Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System for the Audi A4 pushes yet further the reference point for audio performance in the automotive market. The system comprehensively includes an array of 19 speakers, each housed within grilles that are seamlessly integrated into the interior design of the Audi A4. The Bang & Olufsen Dynamic Lines Design feature brings together excellent styling with unrivalled acoustic transparency.
The 16 channel Class D amplifier delivers 755 watts of clear, crisp 5.1 surround sound. Regardless of what is happening outside the cabin, the Vehicle Noise Compensation (VNC) technology incorporated into the amplifier ensures audio consistency is maintained, automatically adjusting timbre and volume based on input from a number of internal and external on-board sensors and microphones. Using Fraunhofer’s Symphoria® technology, the sound system provides an acoustic spaciousness in the Audi A4 that sets new standards for automotive 3D sound reproduction.
For the eyes
The elegant shape and design of the exterior of the Audi A4 weaves itself into the vehicle’s interior. The combination of the cabin’s spaciousness, luxury and subtle attention to detail provides a perfect stage for Bang & Olufsen Automotive engineers to display a new visual design that will carry into future partnerships with Audi.
These attributes further integrate the audio system into the overall interior design of the Audi A4, ensuring that Bang & Olufsen maintains a strong and distinct brand identity. Speaker grilles with a specific Dynamic Lines Design follow the design line of the interior and include anodised aluminium details and logos, LED lighting and visibility from the interior and exterior of the vehicle.
For the heart
By design, the Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System for the Audi A4 aims to please both driver and passenger. It is capable of flawlessly reproducing a multitude of music categories, with a focus on being unblemished and distinctive, effectively and virtually transporting listeners to packed stadiums, recording studios, jazz clubs or concert halls on their drive. The system also ensures that the respect for individual preferences is never forgotten: An array of settings allows passengers to adjust volume levels in their areas.
Technical Specifications
19 speakers, Class D Amplifier with Digital Signal Processing (DSP), MOST150 and Microphone inputs, 16 amplifier channels – 755 watt output power
DSP features Vehicle Noise Compensation (Road EQ)
Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP)
Fraunhofer Symphoria® 3D algorithm for 5.1 multichannel support
Sound settings FRONT/REAR/ALL
Design theme: Dynamic Lines
Midrange grilles (close to A-pillar) with Bang & Olufsen precision milled and anodised aluminium details in black colour covering the midranges used for 3D sound
A-pillars
Tweeters for 2D and 3D sound reproduction
Front doors
Midrange grille with a Bang & Olufsen Dynamic Lines design
Woofer grille with a Bang & Olufsen Dynamic Lines design including precision milled and anodised aluminium detailing platinum colour and a light diffuser
Rear doors
Tweeter grille with a Bang & Olufsen Dynamic Lines design
Woofer grille with a Bang & Olufsen Dynamic Lines design including precision milled and anodised aluminium detail in platinum colour
Parcel shelf
Parcel shelf grilles with a Bang & Olufsen Dynamic Lines design including precision milled and anodised aluminium detailing black colour
All aluminium details carry laser marked BANG & OLUFSEN logo.
About Bang & Olufsen Automotive
Bang & Olufsen Automotive, acquired by HARMAN in May 2015, offers its partners car audio systems with unprecedented sound quality and listening pleasure for the driver and passengers. In addition to traditional craft skills within manufacturing and aluminium finishing, the systems incorporate the radical synthesis of emotional appeal and technological performance that has long been the hallmark of Bang & Olufsen Automotive. Bang & Olufsen Automotive launched its first car audio system in 2005, and will continue to innovate and refine together with its partners within the automotive industry. For more information on Bang & Olufsen Automotive, please visit link