Driving Sounds

[Chaparral]

Since an EV is almost silent the driving experience can be enhanced with artificial driving sounds. Such sounds are designed to make driving feel fun and make the driver feel connected to what the machine is doing.

I recently watched an Audio Engineering Society event from earlier this year in which Sound Design Engineers explain how to create EV driving sounds. These sounds can be change dynamically with vehicle metrics such as motor torque, acceleration, regeneration etc. I’m not sure if the video can be watched by non-members of AES but it seems to be playing with me being signed in so it might work for everyone. The first 30-40 minutes are rather boring, but the second presenter has some interesting demos. If Scout’s design team have not watched it yet I urge them to do so because the approach and techniques are interesting.

https://aes.digitellinc.com/p/s/dissecting-advanced-driving-sounds-for-evs-webinar-3415

Interestingly, EV driving sounds can benefit from an audio illusion known as the Shepard Effect (or Shepard Tone). This gives the impression that notes are continually rising even though they are not and this effect can continue indefinitely. If a driving sound gets too high in tone it becomes very annoying. With a gas engine this isn’t a problem because the tone drops low with every gear change before climbing back with acceleration before dropping again. But EV’s have no gears so and accelerating tone can continue increasing for a longer period. The Shepherd effect makes it possible to have the illusion of a seemingly increasing tone while keeping much of the sound at a relatively low frequency that is enjoyable to hear.

What does everyone think they might want from driving sounds?

If you were able to watch the linked video, what did you think of some of the sounds and effects in the latter part of the presentation?

Is this how an EV should sound or is it too sci-fi?

 

[Scoutsie]

What does everyone think they might want from driving sounds?

If you were able to watch the linked video, what did you think of some of the sounds and effects in the latter part of the presentation?

Is this how an EV should sound or is it too sci-fi?

I skipped around a bit (the science behind sound was going to be lost on me) so I could hear the sounds. I am 1000% behind the sounds that are reminiscent of Bladerunner and Tron. That's what I think of when I think "electric car." Those sounds by themselves don't match the look of the Terra and Traveler, though. When he layered those with the metallic sounds, that seemed more like something I could imagine coming from an electric truck.

 

[J Alynn]

Since an EV is almost silent the driving experience can be enhanced with artificial driving sounds. Such sounds are designed to make driving feel fun and make the driver feel connected to what the machine is doing.

I recently watched an Audio Engineering Society event from earlier this year in which Sound Design Engineers explain how to create EV driving sounds. These sounds can be change dynamically with vehicle metrics such as motor torque, acceleration, regeneration etc. I’m not sure if the video can be watched by non-members of AES but it seems to be playing with me being signed in so it might work for everyone. The first 30-40 minutes are rather boring, but the second presenter has some interesting demos. If Scout’s design team have not watched it yet I urge them to do so because the approach and techniques are interesting.

https://aes.digitellinc.com/p/s/dissecting-advanced-driving-sounds-for-evs-webinar-3415

Interestingly, EV driving sounds can benefit from an audio illusion known as the Shepard Effect (or Shepard Tone). This gives the impression that notes are continually rising even though they are not and this effect can continue indefinitely. If a driving sound gets too high in tone it becomes very annoying. With a gas engine this isn’t a problem because the tone drops low with every gear change before climbing back with acceleration before dropping again. But EV’s have no gears so and accelerating tone can continue increasing for a longer period. The Shepherd effect makes it possible to have the illusion of a seemingly increasing tone while keeping much of the sound at a relatively low frequency that is enjoyable to hear.

What does everyone think they might want from driving sounds?

If you were able to watch the linked video, what did you think of some of the sounds and effects in the latter part of the presentation?

Is this how an EV should sound or is it too sci-fi?

Respectfully this has been discussed multiple times. Maybe Jamie can consolidate to this upvote thread but curious what new info will arise with this

 

[J Alynn]

I hate the futuristic sound my Accord makes. I’d like a soft rumbling sound. Futurist s annoying when windows are down. Something engine-y sounding or natural sounding. I seem to recall this being the primary consensus but won’t speak for others

 

[Scoutsie]

I did go back to check if there was something comprehensive about engine sounds: I found this discussion about pedestrian warning noises. I don't know that this is the same discussion per se? I thought this is more of a comprehensive "what should the fake engine sound/s be like and also here is a scientific presentation with logic and precision to guide this" discussion (which I mostly bypassed in the video because I'm all about taking colloidal silver to counteract the effects of chemtrails instead of learning about sine waves, maaaan).

tl;dr I say it's justified

https://scoutmotors.community.forum/threads/audible-pedestrian-warning-noise.463/

If there's something older than this, I might not have used the right terminology. It's 2:32am and I am actually sort of sleepy for a change. ?

 

[Chaparral]

Respectfully this has been discussed multiple times. Maybe Jamie can consolidate to this upvote thread but curious what new info will arise with this

Respectfully, I’m not making any suggestion for an upvote (this isn’t an upvote thread).

While I recall a lot of discussion about pedestrian warning sounds, I don’t recall much about driving sounds.

I did a search before I posted a new thread to be certain there is no other thread on this topic. (I post threads rarely, and I’m not interested in climbing the thread posting leaderboard)

The technical approach discussed in the video is new, and the sounds far more complex than I’ve heard before and I wanted to bring it to the attention of Scout.

The video contains a lot of substance with the potential to stimulate interesting discussion.

 

[OIBScout]

Since an EV is almost silent the driving experience can be enhanced with artificial driving sounds. Such sounds are designed to make driving feel fun and make the driver feel connected to what the machine is doing.

I recently watched an Audio Engineering Society event from earlier this year in which Sound Design Engineers explain how to create EV driving sounds. These sounds can be change dynamically with vehicle metrics such as motor torque, acceleration, regeneration etc. I’m not sure if the video can be watched by non-members of AES but it seems to be playing with me being signed in so it might work for everyone. The first 30-40 minutes are rather boring, but the second presenter has some interesting demos. If Scout’s design team have not watched it yet I urge them to do so because the approach and techniques are interesting.

https://aes.digitellinc.com/p/s/dissecting-advanced-driving-sounds-for-evs-webinar-3415

Interestingly, EV driving sounds can benefit from an audio illusion known as the Shepard Effect (or Shepard Tone). This gives the impression that notes are continually rising even though they are not and this effect can continue indefinitely. If a driving sound gets too high in tone it becomes very annoying. With a gas engine this isn’t a problem because the tone drops low with every gear change before climbing back with acceleration before dropping again. But EV’s have no gears so and accelerating tone can continue increasing for a longer period. The Shepherd effect makes it possible to have the illusion of a seemingly increasing tone while keeping much of the sound at a relatively low frequency that is enjoyable to hear.

What does everyone think they might want from driving sounds?

If you were able to watch the linked video, what did you think of some of the sounds and effects in the latter part of the presentation?

Is this how an EV should sound or is it too sci-fi?

As long as I can TURN THESE OFF. Tire tread noise, a bit of wind through the open top, and my music are the sounds I need.

 

[Chaparral]

I hate the futuristic sound my Accord makes. I’d like a soft rumbling sound. Futurist s annoying when windows are down. Something engine-y sounding or natural sounding. I seem to recall this being the primary consensus but won’t speak for others

I don’t believe the vehicles should be silent. I believe they should engage all the senses and that sound should reinforce the connection between the driver and the machine.

Copying a combustion engine is a bad idea, but it should share certain qualities.

If you hate the sounds, there could be an option turn them off. Or dial them back, or choose from a couple of options.

 

[J Alynn]

Respectfully, I’m not making any suggestion for an upvote (this isn’t an upvote thread).

While I recall a lot of discussion about pedestrian warning sounds, I don’t recall much about driving sounds.

I did a search before I posted a new thread to be certain there is no other thread on this topic. (I post threads rarely, and I’m not interested in climbing the thread posting leaderboard)

The technical approach discussed in the video is new, and the sounds far more complex than I’ve heard before and I wanted to bring it to the attention of Scout.

The video contains a lot of substance with the potential to stimulate interesting discussion.

@Chaparral just wanted to say I legitimately meant what I said. I think there are a lot of comments on this subject and would just like to see consolidated so we can follow along. Wasn’t taking a shot about the new thread. I thought this was under the suggestion box heading so my bad on the up vote comment. The sound of my Accord is probably one of my biggest pet peeves (and no available heated steering or homelink- even in the top of line model) so SM getting this right is really important from both driving sound and the under 15 mph speed noise. If the vehicles sound like my Accord it would really bother me to the point of just looking at Toyota landcruiser or something similar. Those sounds should make us smile, not look up to see the alien probing flying saucer ?

 

[Chaparral]

I did go back to check if there was something comprehensive about engine sounds: I found this discussion about pedestrian warning noises. I don't know that this is the same discussion per se? I thought this is more of a comprehensive "what should the fake engine sound/s be like and also here is a scientific presentation with logic and precision to guide this" discussion (which I mostly bypassed in the video because I'm all about taking colloidal silver to counteract the effects of chemtrails instead of learning about sine waves, maaaan).

tl;dr I say it's justified

https://scoutmotors.community.forum/threads/audible-pedestrian-warning-noise.463/

If there's something older than this, I might not have used the right terminology. It's 2:32am and I am actually sort of sleepy for a change. ?

Just to be clear, by “driving sounds” in this thread, I’m referring to the sounds heard inside the vehicle, not sounds for pedestrians.

 

[J Alynn]

I don’t believe the vehicles should be silent. I believe they should engage all the senses and that sound should reinforce the connection between the driver and the machine.

Copying a combustion engine is a bad idea, but it should share certain qualities.

If you hate the sounds, there could be an option turn them off. Or dial them back, or choose from a couple of options.

Agree. Unfortunately I believe I’ve read the sounds are safety so short of a forescan approach I think sounds have to be on as a safety regulation. And that sucks

 

[J Alynn]

Just to be clear, by “driving sounds” in this thread, I’m referring to the sounds heard inside the vehicle, not sounds for pedestrians.

Maybe I’m unclear on what sounds you mean by inside. Just basic ambient noise? Or the replacement of a rumbling engine or lack of road noise?

 

[Scoutsie]

Maybe I’m unclear on what sounds you mean by inside. Just basic ambient noise? Or the replacement of a rumbling engine or lack of road noise?

The presentation that Chaparral linked to was research done over a 10-year period by German scientists by what people expect to hear in a car because apparently it isn’t total silence while they’re driving. Their research revealed that people found it to be weird. There was more technical stuff done about sine waves and tones, but they had two things to demonstrate: one was AI generated sounds from a neutral to a dynamic range of sounds, and one was stuff they made on a synthesizer of looped/layered sounds, kind of like what you’d find for video game audio. It was really interesting and cool! It’s not like the beep-beep-beep noises you make for pedestrians when backing up or stopped at a crosswalk or what have you. So yeah, like ambient engine noises and to replace the experience of hearing your engine. Apparently, the sound of total silence turns out to be unsettling. I’m going to listen to the whole thing now, including the stuff I skipped over.

 

[J Alynn]

The presentation that Chaparral linked to was research done over a 10-year period by German scientists by what people expect to hear in a car because apparently it isn’t total silence while they’re driving. Their research revealed that people found it to be weird. There was more technical stuff done about sine waves and tones, but they had two things to demonstrate: one was AI generated sounds from a neutral to a dynamic range of sounds, and one was stuff they made on a synthesizer of looped/layered sounds, kind of like what you’d find for video game audio. It was really interesting and cool! It’s not like the beep-beep-beep noises you make for pedestrians when backing up or stopped at a crosswalk or what have you. So yeah, like ambient engine noises and to replace the experience of hearing your engine. Apparently, the sound of total silence turns out to be unsettling. I’m going to listen to the whole thing now, including the stuff I skipped over.

Thanks. Admittedly I responded without viewing that video-my bad, I usually do. I get the premise. That said, complete silence would certainly making musical experiences much better. Funny all the years of active noise cancellation control implementation to learn people don’t really want that.

 

[Scoutsie]

Thanks. Admittedly I responded without viewing that video-my bad, I usually do. I get the premise. That said, complete silence would certainly making musical experiences much better. Funny all the years of active noise cancellation control implementation to learn people don’t really want that.

Snow problems! I also would think silence is great, but maybe it’s something where once it’s actually happening, you realize how strange it is. I get weirded out when I’m staying someplace that doesn’t have city noises and have to throw on ambient sounds so I stop being disturbed by the uninterrupted and peaceful silence. ? That said, I don’t get on a plane without my noise canceling ear buds or cans.

 

[LastDayScout]

Since an EV is almost silent the driving experience can be enhanced with artificial driving sounds. Such sounds are designed to make driving feel fun and make the driver feel connected to what the machine is doing.

I recently watched an Audio Engineering Society event from earlier this year in which Sound Design Engineers explain how to create EV driving sounds. These sounds can be change dynamically with vehicle metrics such as motor torque, acceleration, regeneration etc. I’m not sure if the video can be watched by non-members of AES but it seems to be playing with me being signed in so it might work for everyone. The first 30-40 minutes are rather boring, but the second presenter has some interesting demos. If Scout’s design team have not watched it yet I urge them to do so because the approach and techniques are interesting.

https://aes.digitellinc.com/p/s/dissecting-advanced-driving-sounds-for-evs-webinar-3415

Interestingly, EV driving sounds can benefit from an audio illusion known as the Shepard Effect (or Shepard Tone). This gives the impression that notes are continually rising even though they are not and this effect can continue indefinitely. If a driving sound gets too high in tone it becomes very annoying. With a gas engine this isn’t a problem because the tone drops low with every gear change before climbing back with acceleration before dropping again. But EV’s have no gears so and accelerating tone can continue increasing for a longer period. The Shepherd effect makes it possible to have the illusion of a seemingly increasing tone while keeping much of the sound at a relatively low frequency that is enjoyable to hear.

What does everyone think they might want from driving sounds?

If you were able to watch the linked video, what did you think of some of the sounds and effects in the latter part of the presentation?

Is this how an EV should sound or is it too sci-fi?

My BMW has what they call Iconic Sounds that the composer Hans Zimmer came up with. There are several variations and it can also be turned off. This is the ///M sport version

BMW M IconicSounds Electric.

The official press portal of the BMW Group in 19 languages. We provide you with the latest press releases of the BMW Group free of charge and at first hand. The material comprises text, photos, audio, video and TV footage.

www.press.bmwgroup.com

 

[J Alynn]

My BMW has what they call Iconic Sounds that the composer Hans Zimmer came up with. There are several variations and it can also be turned off. This is the ///M sport version

BMW M IconicSounds Electric.

The official press portal of the BMW Group in 19 languages. We provide you with the latest press releases of the BMW Group free of charge and at first hand. The material comprises text, photos, audio, video and TV footage.

www.press.bmwgroup.com

That’s FREAKIN’ awesome. Thats a great noise and nothing close to alien or angelic like! And fitting for an M

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

We turned off the artificial sound in the Mustang. There's enough road noise that we don't find it necessary to add more.

 

[R1TVT]

The quieter the cabin, the more goosebumps I can get from Enter Sandman

 

[J Alynn]

The quieter the cabin, the more goosebumps I can get from Enter Sandman

Amen!!! That or Vagabond