Walking through Huawei’s Shanghai Acoustics R&D Centre reveals more than just a typical research facility. Instead, it showcases a cutting-edge approach to car audio that aims to redefine the driving experience. Huawei has been investing in audio research since 2012, building an advanced testing environment to develop innovative sound systems. This facility features three specialized rooms: a fully anechoic chamber, a semi-anechoic room, and a dedicated listening space designed for precise audio tuning.

Innovative Sound Engineering at Huawei

The team behind Huawei’s sound systems is led by Goller, a veteran with experience at Gamut Audio, Bang & Olufsen, and Harman International. His team employs what they call a “master-tuning methodology,” which combines scientific measurements with psychoacoustic principles. The process begins with objective tests like frequency response, phase analysis, and distortion measurements to establish the system’s technical limits.

However, the final tuning focuses heavily on how humans perceive sound. The goal is to recreate recordings as artists intended, creating a “phantom effect” that makes listeners feel immersed in the original environment. This blend of science and art involves custom hardware and meticulous tuning to ensure the sound feels natural and emotionally engaging, despite the challenges of the car cabin’s acoustics.

The Science and Art of Perfect Sound

Huawei’s technical process involves detailed measurements to understand how the system performs. These include analyzing how sound waves behave within the vehicle’s space, considering factors like asymmetry, reflections, and bass loading. Once the technical boundaries are mapped out, engineers conduct extensive listening sessions, adjusting the sound to compensate for cabin characteristics while staying true to the source material.

This careful tuning has led to Huawei’s flagship audio system, the HUAWEI SOUND ULTIMATE Series. It’s designed to deliver a premium listening experience that’s both scientifically optimized and artistically refined. The system’s complexity reflects Huawei’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of in-car audio quality and immersion.

This innovative approach has been applied in the Maextro S800 luxury electric vehicle. The system features 43 speakers powered by dual amplifiers producing a total of 2,920 watts. Notably, it offers an industry-first seat-specific 4D immersive surround sound experience, where rear seat exciters add tactile feedback synchronized with audio and video content. This creates a multi-sensory experience that goes beyond traditional sound systems.

Huawei’s hardware innovations are highly specific rather than generic. For example, the Tangential Force Woofer rotates the typical door-woofer geometry by 90 degrees, which reduces panel resonance and extends bass response. Additionally, a patented dual-diaphragm subwoofer uses the vehicle’s interior volume to produce deep, powerful bass notes. These tailored solutions demonstrate Huawei’s focus on engineering sound systems that work seamlessly within the unique environment of each vehicle.

Overall, Huawei’s in-car audio efforts highlight how science and creativity can come together to create something truly revolutionary. By combining precise measurements with artistic tuning, Huawei aims to deliver an immersive, high-fidelity experience that elevates what drivers and passengers can expect from their in-car sound systems. This approach not only sets a new standard but also shows how innovation can transform everyday experiences into extraordinary ones.

Inspired by

• https://www.artificialintelligence-news.com/news/huawei-automotive-sound-engineering-lab-shanghai/