Audison Audio upgrade Solutions for BMW and BMW Mini
We are big fans of BMW cars at Driving Sounds. We have had many on our demo fleet and enjoy driving them. However, there is a flaw. The standard audio system does not sound very good. We look at an easy-to-install solution that will immeasurably increase sound quality.
BMW’s audio strategy involves a somewhat disjointed 3-way speaker installation. A pair of tweeters mounted up high is a good start, the 4” midrange speakers in the doors are a little distant from the tweeter positions, but it is the position of the woofers that is particularly problematic. These are mounted under the front seats in plastic enclosures. Contrary to popular belief, these are not subwoofers; they play audio that contains directional information. They tend to bring the soundstage down towards the floor due to their mounting position.
The standard speakers throughout are not necessarily of good quality. BMW's buying priority is low cost rather than good performance. This is not peculiar to BMW; all car manufacturers are cost-conscious when it comes to speakers. Audio systems are way down on their priority list.
Over many years of evolution, BMW has worked with partners such as Harmon Kardon to develop methods to bring this hotchpotch together at the lowest possible cost. This work has resulted in adding electronics to try to bring the sound together.
When stationary in the dealer showroom, the overall sound is bass-heavy. This is an easy way to trick customers into thinking the system is good quality. In practice, this is achieved in part by reducing the amount of mid-bass to isolate low frequencies and boost low bass frequencies. However, to prevent bass content from distorting the speakers at speed when wind and road noise lead drivers to reach for the volume control, the bass fed to the woofers is actively reduced.
To achieve Hi-fi sound in any car, we first need to consider the mounting positions. Door panels are made of thin metal, which vibrates in sympathy with speaker movement, reducing the speaker output. Furthermore, the resonance of materials around the speakers will adversely affect sonic performance.
A healthy application of sound-deadening material is required to stiffen and quieten these panels, reducing wind and road noise. This results in more output from the speakers being forced into the interior of the car rather than being lost behind the panels.
Once done, appropriate high-quality speakers can be selected. Italian specialist car audio manufacturer Audison produces a selection of mount-ready speakers precisely matched to the mounting positions in any BMW.
These renowned speakers are highly regarded for their clarity and precision in producing all kinds of music. They have also been explicitly designed to have a more expansive dispersion characteristic. This means that wherever you sit in a car, you will get optimum performance from the speakers.
Audison also manufactures a range of DSP-equipped power amplifiers. These are the perfect accompaniment to Audison Prima BMW speakers, ensuring a perfect match between the speaker and amplifier and, again, optimising the performance of both.
The DSP in an Audison Forza amplifier is a potent and useful tool. Firstly, it helps neutralise any equalisation and phase discrepancies from the head unit, giving us a clean audio stage.
A sophisticated software package built into the DSP electronics has revolutionised the system setup. Called Accordo, this software uses an external microphone to analyse the sound within a vehicle and adjust the DSP to optimise the sound stage. Accordo will also automatically adjust equalisation and time alignment to provide perfect sound from the system.
This can save a lot of installation time and reduce the chances of human error. When used in conjunction with an optional remote controller, different settings can be stored to reflect genre preferences or centre the sound stage for multi-occupant or driver-only listening for instance.
Audison Prima products and associated amplifiers have been specifically designed to deliver exceptional sonic performance with the minimum time and skill required.
We have heard many BMWs with Audison Prima speakers and Forza amplifiers and can testify that they combine to deliver near-flawless audio that is many times better than standard audio, or car manufacturer upgrades represent amazing value for money.
Contact FOUR MASTERs Car Audio for further information.
www.fourmasterscaraudio.co.uk
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