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Conference Paper

Punch and rumble: does musical genre shape preferred transient-steady-state balance in audio-tactile systems?

Authors: Hobden, Laurence; Todd, Fraser; Smith, Samuel; Oxnard, Stephen; Diggle, Lucy; Hubbard, Callum; Munday, Benjamin; Stanhope, Ethan; Bowers, Dominic

2026 AES 6th International Automotive Audio Conference · Paper 15 · July 2026

Abstract

Tactile transducers, or shakers, are increasingly being included within automotive seats, both as a safety feature for driver alerts, and as part of the in-vehicle sound system. High sound pressure level auditory experiences such
as live sound events are often accompanied by tactile sensations, and so the inclusion of tactile excitation alongside the audio rendered by the vehicles loudspeakers can enhance the listening experience. In audio-tactile systems,
the micro-dynamic properties of the driving signals can be manipulated in order to enhance either transient or steady-state elements. This can be carried out both as part of the tuning of the system, or in order to cater to different user preferences. This study reports a subjective test where 50 subjects rated audio-tactile experiences with differing balance of transient and steady-state elements, in order to determine whether there is a relationship between user preference for transient-steady-state balance and musical genre. The results of this study suggest that there are no discernible trends for user preference versus genre.

Details

Published in
2026 AES 6th International Automotive Audio Conference
Paper number
15
Publication date
July 29, 2026
Session subject
New Technologies for Automotive Audio, Sound Reproduction in Cars
Affiliation
Meridian Audio Ltd.; Meridian Audio Ltd.; Meridian Audio Ltd.; Meridian Audio Ltd. (See document for exact affiliation information.)
Type
Conference Paper