The Hyper-Focused Science of Internal Audio Engineering @ Mercedes-Benz
by Gunnar Heinrich ::: YouTube ::: Mercedes-Benz engineering
FROM a marketing standpoint, this video reflects very nicely on the obsessive nature of German engineering – upon which, as we all know, Mercedes-Benz has become such a household name. In-car acoustics is a big deal – particularly as interior cabin environs are getting ever more quiet due to the greater success of insulation and slipperiererer aerodynamics.
One point, however.
Rather than fussing over the exact decibels of how loud the signal indicator’s soft click-clicks should sound, why not grant the driver the option to customize to his/her own preferences?
After all, no matter what settings the committee of Benz boffins establish, in the end, the customer will always be right.
August 09, 2010
About the Author: Gunnar Heinrich is publisher of Automobiles De Luxe online and is executive producer of the Automobiles De Luxe Television series on PBS member station CPTV.
Chris | Aug 10, 2010 | Reply
That is surprisingly fascinating. It’s amazing to see the level of consideration going into their cars. However some things I’d like to groan about.
The locks just don’t sound as good as the old vacuum system. I love how they lock and unlock one by one through the car as if a bank vault is closing. It gives a nice sense of security. The W140 and W220 systems operated smoothly and nearly silently as well.
Same for the sunroof. The most impressive system was over 40 years ago in the old 600s with the hydraulics that controlled just about everything (until they have an epic fail). Windows that raise nearly silently really says something about a car.
And the simulated turn signal sound. I can only imagine the day when I start the car and I get the error message, turnsignal.mp3 and horn.mp3 can not be found…please re-install.
Otherwise, impressive.
Gunnar | Aug 10, 2010 | Reply
LOL, I’m going to have mine customized to be the voice of the London’s Mind-The-Gap guy “Turning Left”, “Turning Right”, “Hazard, Hazard, Hazard”
ath20 | Aug 14, 2010 | Reply
I hate when my seat adjustment dsnt sound like a seat adjustment, I hate it almost as much when my turn signal doesnt sound powerful enough. and I liked the vaccum locks better too.
Neil | Aug 31, 2010 | Reply
I had no idea that much thought and resources went into creating interior sounds. I still love my first car, a 1983 Datsun 280zx Turbo. When the door was left open, or the lights were left on, a miniature record player (the size of a coffee mug) in one of the rear panels, would chime and say in a scratchy/grainy voice, “your lights are on” or, “left door is open”.
It always made me laugh because you could hear the needle clicking on and off of the mini-record…good times.