The luxury automotive industry has reached a new frontier: premium sound systems. From Gen Z to CEOs being chauffeured around, everyone now expects concert hall acoustics in their vehicles, the place where they most frequently listen to music.
At 8 p.m. on a Monday, I found myself in a dark recording studio at Dolby Laboratories Inc. in San Francisco with Nick Rives, listening to SZA’s soulful soprano blend with Kendrick Lamar’s urgent lyrics during a playback of their song ‘All the Stars,’ which was featured during the halftime show of Super Bowl LIX.
Rives, the Grammy-nominated director of audio engineering for Universal Music Group NV, was responsible for mixing the original studio track. Surrounded by a dozen soundboards studded with hundreds of knobs, Rives’s precision in perfecting the work of artists like Bob Dylan and Billie Eilish is evident, despite his casual appearance with a scruffy beard and flannel shirt.
The Evolution of Automotive Audio
The demand for high-quality sound in luxury vehicles reflects a broader trend where consumers increasingly value exceptional audio experiences. This shift is driven by the convergence of technological advancements and changing consumer expectations.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, manufacturers are investing heavily in developing premium sound systems that can replicate the acoustic quality of concert halls. This involves not just the speakers themselves but also the acoustic design of the vehicle’s interior.
The Role of Audio Engineers
Audio engineers like Rives play a crucial role in this ecosystem. With their expertise in mixing and mastering tracks, they set the benchmark for what high-quality sound should be. Their work in recording studios, ensuring that every detail in a track is perfected, directly influences the standards that luxury car manufacturers aim to meet.
The collaboration between audio engineers and car manufacturers is becoming increasingly important. By working together, they can develop sound systems that not only meet but exceed consumer expectations, creating an immersive listening experience that rivals concert hall acoustics.
Conclusion
The pursuit of perfect sound in luxury vehicles is more than just a trend; it’s a reflection of how consumer expectations are driving innovation in the automotive industry. As technology continues to advance, we can expect the boundaries of what is possible in automotive audio to be pushed even further, redefining the luxury car experience for generations to come.
