The result of the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the French PSA Group in 2021, Stellantis is now among the world’s leading automakers. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company recently opened a Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 qualified immersive audio lab in Bengaluru, India, to provide ‘audio reference, production and quality assurance’ to support its unique audio strategies.
Equipped with Genelec Smart Active Monitors, the new lab will be used to create roadmaps for each of the company’s brands, through automotive acoustic R&D and support for its Dare Forward plan to achieve carbon net zero by 2038.
‘Audio plays a vital role in our customers’ satisfaction and enjoyment of their vehicles, as well as alerting them to key functions and driving situations,’ says Stellantis Chief Software Officer, Yves Bonnefont. ‘This brand-new lab demonstrates our commitment to class-leading automotive acoustics. and highlights India’s pivotal role in Stellantis’ global strategy.’
Spearheaded by Akshay Khanna, Director and Space Leader in Acoustics Engineering, the lab aims to refine Stellantis’ in-car audio systems: ‘The lab was created to help develop our in-house audio signature for cars,’ Khanna explains. ‘It ultimately aids in fostering programmes, affording Features Over the Air and faster time to market.’
The lab claims remarkable control over reverberation time, achieving 0.5s at low frequencies and maintaining a linear 0.2s from mid to high frequencies. It also aligns with stringent IEC and Dolby acoustical standards, earning a 100 per cent score in several criteria, complemented by a Noise Criteria value of less than 20.
The room’s acoustics were established using computational simulation modelling, including Finite Element Analysis, Boundary Element Method and ray tracing for a conducive time-domain response. The lab also sets new standards in air and structure-borne insulation, achieving a Sound Transmission Class score of 68. These methods enabled an accelerated 53-day project turnaround and the optimal use of materials, resulting in an space that showcases the progress of automotive and mobility solutions.
The audio technology for the project was crucial, with Genelec emerging as the monitor of choice. Local Genelec partner Sound Team was involved with supplying the system, and provided both pre-sales and post-sales support, ensuring a smooth and successful implementation of the project.
The system relies entirely on Genelec Smart Active Monitors, with 8361s for LCR, 8351s taking care of the surround and height channels, and a 7382 subwoofer handling the low frequencies. A 9301 AES/EBU interface provides multichannel digital audio connectivity, integrating the 7382 subwoofer into the immersive audio system. GLM software enabled precise calibration of frequency response, playback level and distance delay, ensuring that the Genelec solution seamlessly met Stellantis’ technical and aesthetic demands.
‘Genelec is an industry benchmark, and ticked all the boxes for sonic quality, envelopment, timbre, and SPL,’ Khanna says.
Meeting Dolby’s standards for reverberation time, sound transmission class and noise reduction coefficient proved to be quite challenging. However, the team’s approach, combining detailed evaluations, careful planning and sophisticated simulations, ensured its success.
‘It was a demanding process, but our team’s expertise and commitment were key to achieving these standards,’ Khanna says. ‘Genelec’s technology is playing a vital role in meeting our requirements. It offers us an unobtrusive footprint without compromising on bandwidth, tonality or SPL. It’s one of the few monitors that provides AES digital inputs, reducing cabling needs and enabling digital up-sampling. This alignment with our needs was essential for the project.’
The collaboration with Genelec has proved highly successful and, after meeting all Dolby Atmos 9.1.6 requirements, Khanna concludes: ‘We share our joy and excitement with our partner Genelec, who has helped tremendously in securing this great feat.’
Looking ahead, Stellantis plans to continue developing the audio reference lab, leveraging it as a core component of its audio innovation strategy and driving forward the company’s vision of sound quality, sustainability, and an enhanced driving experience.
More: www.genelec.com
