Photo: Ford Motor Company
Whether it’s a matter of choice or passion, most of the petrolheads can’t stand the noise. While on the road, unwanted sounds “attack” the driver much like mosquitos do with fishermen in the summer. If not from outside the vehicle, these vibrations may as well come from the auto’s engine or its transmission. Ford claims its innovative Active Noise Control is solving this problem, and here’s how.
Debuting on the company’s all-new Ford Mondeo Vignale and to be offered soon on the Ford Edge, this technology uses three microphones, strategically placed in the cabin, to detect undesirable noises from engine and transmission. The counteract comes in the form of opposing sound waves sent via the sound system - without affecting volume levels of music and conversation.
Moreover, both the driver’s and the vehicle’s behaviors are recorded and anticipated, such as when the owner of the car is accelerating in a lower gear. However, the American carmaker has more in mind when it comes to fighting against unwanted sounds. Ford Vignale also uses acoustic glass that can improve the sound-proofing qualities of the windscreen and front windows.
Now, about that glass. Apparently, it contains a layer of acoustic film thinner than a human hair. Its innovative construction helps reduce the intrusion of wind noise caused by airflow around the window pillars. To these, Ford also adds extensive testing to help minimize noise, vibration and harshness.
To make sure the Vignale has what it takes, the cabin has been designed to offer the optimum sound experience. How? Engineers have used foam rather than fiberglass for engine bay insulation, a material that allegedly reduces powertrain noise transferred to the driver up to 2 dB.
In addition, Ford says that soundproofing within the underbody shields, wheel arch liners and front and rear doors block tire noise, and the new integral link rear suspension also contributes to a reduction in road noise experienced up to 3 dB.
Aside from an extensive sound proof system, the carmaker is also quite proud of its collaboration with Sony and the audio system the Vignale comes with. “Comprising 12 high-quality speakers and a sophisticated DSP (digital signal processing) amplifier, the audio system from Sony transforms the in-car listening experience. The Class D amplifier, with ten independent channels, is built for efficiency. This amplifier is smaller and requires less power from the car's electrical system than conventional amplifiers. Additionally, it offers features such as stereo and surround DSP modes, and speed sensitive volume control.”
Moreover, both the driver’s and the vehicle’s behaviors are recorded and anticipated, such as when the owner of the car is accelerating in a lower gear. However, the American carmaker has more in mind when it comes to fighting against unwanted sounds. Ford Vignale also uses acoustic glass that can improve the sound-proofing qualities of the windscreen and front windows.
Now, about that glass. Apparently, it contains a layer of acoustic film thinner than a human hair. Its innovative construction helps reduce the intrusion of wind noise caused by airflow around the window pillars. To these, Ford also adds extensive testing to help minimize noise, vibration and harshness.
To make sure the Vignale has what it takes, the cabin has been designed to offer the optimum sound experience. How? Engineers have used foam rather than fiberglass for engine bay insulation, a material that allegedly reduces powertrain noise transferred to the driver up to 2 dB.
In addition, Ford says that soundproofing within the underbody shields, wheel arch liners and front and rear doors block tire noise, and the new integral link rear suspension also contributes to a reduction in road noise experienced up to 3 dB.
Aside from an extensive sound proof system, the carmaker is also quite proud of its collaboration with Sony and the audio system the Vignale comes with. “Comprising 12 high-quality speakers and a sophisticated DSP (digital signal processing) amplifier, the audio system from Sony transforms the in-car listening experience. The Class D amplifier, with ten independent channels, is built for efficiency. This amplifier is smaller and requires less power from the car's electrical system than conventional amplifiers. Additionally, it offers features such as stereo and surround DSP modes, and speed sensitive volume control.”
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