Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) and Swedish digital audio company Dirac have announced a collaboration to integrate Dirac’s suite of software-defined smart acoustics solutions, AudioIQ, into AKM’s line of automotive audio digital signal processors (DSPs), including the flagship AK7709, to significantly reduce tuning time while improving sound quality within vehicle interiors.
This partnership adds a new level of audio precision to car amplifier systems, giving drivers a more natural, immersive sound experience while significantly eliminating the need for intricate manual tuning.
The cooperation also allows AKM to include Dirac’s patented algorithms into its next-generation audio DSPs. According to Asahi Kasei’s 2023 automotive poll, as driverless vehicles become more ubiquitous, consumers place a greater emphasis on in-cabin experiences.
Together, the two businesses hope to answer the growing demand for immersive in-car entertainment while also resolving OEMs’ concerns about onerous tuning processes.
The partnership improves the performance of AKM’s proprietary software solutions, such as Dynamic Sound Control (DSC), which automatically optimizes music balance in response to changing road and driving conditions, and Karaoke Mode, which enhances in-cabin entertainment with low-latency echo cancellation and howling suppression.
Dirac AudioIQ is a completely scalable audio optimization technology for vehicles. It combines measurement-based tuning and innovative signal processing to provide consistent, high-quality sound in all seats.
AudioIQ reduces manual calibration and supports all levels of system complexity, allowing manufacturers to improve audio performance while drastically lowering tuning time and overall time-to-market.
Looking ahead, Dirac and AKM intend to broaden their collaboration to support future generations of AKM audio DSPs, thereby establishing a scalable platform for automotive audio innovation.
Over the last 20 years, AKM has supplied more than 200 million audio DSPs, which have been widely used in automobile infotainment systems and other audio and speech applications.
By incorporating Dirac’s smart acoustics software directly into its established DSP portfolio, AKM improves its capacity to create lifelike audio in the face of difficult cabin acoustics and speaker locations.
Leadership Comments
“With the electrification of vehicles and growing demand for premium passenger experiences, high-quality in-cabin sound has never been more critical,” said Takeshi Fujita, General Manager for ES Project at AKM. “Our partnership with Dirac allows us to pair our industry-proven DSPs and proprietary audio technologies with Dirac’s cutting-edge smart acoustics software to create a more natural and immersive acoustic environment for every seat in the vehicle.”
“Our partnership with AKM reflects our shared commitment to making premium in-car audio more accessible and efficient to implement,” said Ramzi Khalaf, Director, Strategic Partnerships at Dirac. “By embedding Dirac AudioIQ solution into AKM’s leading DSPs, we’re empowering automakers to deliver best-in-class sound performance that adapts to any cabin configuration – without the cost and complexity of traditional tuning methods.”
Further Info About AKM’s Audio DSPs here & Dirac’s Automotive Audio Technologies here.
