As the automotive industry faces increasing demands for innovation, sustainability, and customer comfort, the need for efficient and accurate testing has never been more critical. Today's automotive manufacturing engineers face significant challenges navigating evolving noise and emissions regulations alongside the rapid development of electric vehicles. Simultaneously, they must ensure optimal in-cabin acoustics while striving for faster, more cost-efficient, and high-quality results.
Traditional measurement setups often come with long setup times, repetitive test cycles, and inconsistent data. These robust, 6-microphone arrays are engineered for precise and repeatable in-cabin acoustic measurements. The PR0003 utilizes a "Cross" configuration based on established test methodologies used by connected car system companies such as Harman. Alternatively, the PR0004 adopts an "AES" configuration aligned with the AES TC-AA (Audio Engineering Society Technical Committee on Automotive Audio) guidelines. These arrays enable high-resolution spatial characterization of vehicle interiors, empowering automotive OEMs and audio engineers to quantify and optimize cabin soundscapes accurately.
For complete convenience, all six microphone signals are wired internally and channelled through a 7-pin LEMO connector in one single cable, simplifying setup and reducing clutter. The array angle can be fixed at 30° or adjusted freely to accommodate other angles. An inclinometer is included and can be magnetically attached to the array to measure the exact pitch angle. The array can also be slid up and down with a ruler to recall the exact position. The height of the seat mount can be adjusted. Bull’s eye spirit levels and a ball-joint at the base will allow the user to place the array in exactly the desired position.
GRAS Sound & Vibration is now part of Axiometrix Solutions, which allows it to offer a full in-cabin acoustic measurements solution with the use of the AutoArrays, GRAS 1/4" microphones, and Audio Precision APx audio analyzers and software. The GRAS PR0003 and PR0004 AutoArrays can be paired with any 1/4" measurement microphone with a microdot connector, but work best with GRAS high-sensitivity 1/4" microphones like the GRAS 46BL-1 pressure microphone or the 46BC multifield microphone that has an optimized frequency response for non-ideal sound fields, like the car cabin (both pictured below).
"Acoustic measurement inside a car cabin has long challenged engineers. Our six-microphone AutoArrays provide fast, repeatable results and can be used alongside single microphones and artificial heads to meet the diverse needs of modern in-cabin acoustic testing, including new technologies such as advanced audio systems, active noise cancellation, voice assistants, and rising consumer expectations for premium sound experiences," says Santiago Rayes, Product Manager, GRAS Sound & Vibration.
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