Hybrid Automotive Sound Systems: Implementation and Tuning of Actuators with Conventional Loudspeakers

St-Denis A. Hybrid Automotive Sound Systems: Implementation and Tuning of Actuators with Conventional Loudspeakers. In: 2026 AES 6th International Automotive Audio Conference. Audio Engineering Society; 2026.pp. 19:1-7. Available from: https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23412

@inproceedings{StDenis2026_23412,
  author = {St-Denis, Andre},
  title = {{Hybrid Automotive Sound Systems: Implementation and Tuning of Actuators with Conventional Loudspeakers}},
  booktitle = {2026 AES 6th International Automotive Audio Conference},
  pages = {19:1-7},
  year = {2026},
  month = jul,
  publisher = {Audio Engineering Society},
  url = {}
}

TY  - CPAPER
TI  - Hybrid Automotive Sound Systems: Implementation and Tuning of Actuators with Conventional Loudspeakers
AU  - St-Denis, Andre
T2  - 2026 AES 6th International Automotive Audio Conference
SP  - 1
EP  - 7
M1  - Paper 19
PY  - 2026
DA  - 2026/07/29
UR  - https://aes.org/publications/elibrary-page/?id=23412
PB  - Audio Engineering Society
LA  - en
AB  - Actuator-based sound reproduction offers advantages in automotive audio systems where packaging space, mass, and visual integration are constrained. This paper presents the implementation and tuning of a hybrid automotive sound system combining distributed mode loudspeakers (DMLs) with conventional dynamic drivers in a two-seat open-cockpit vehicle platform developed by Morgan Motor Company. The system uses full-range actuator technology provided by AUMOVIO Engineering Solutions, with two actuators integrated into a 2 mm aluminum dashboard panel for mid- and high-frequency reproduction, supported by conventional woofers, a subwoofer, and low-frequency actuators. Measurements included spatially averaged frequency response, impulse response capture, road-noise evaluation, maximum-output testing, and distortion analysis under representative operating conditions. Algorithms developed by Sennheiser Mobility were used for frequency-response linearization, time alignment, crossover integration, level optimization, and final perceptual tuning. Results indicate that the hybrid architecture provided sufficient output capability, relatively low mid- and high-frequency distortion, and improved spatial impression compared with conventional low-mounted loudspeaker configurations. The findings demonstrate the viability of hybrid actuator-conventional systems in constrained automotive environments.
ER  -