Car Purists vs. Active Sound
Earlier last week, [Washington Post](http://www.washingtonpost.com) journalist Drew Harwell wrote a [detailed post](http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/americas-best-selling-cars-and-trucks-are-built-on-lies-the-rise-of-fake-engine-noise/2015/01/21/6db09a10-a0ba-11e4-b146-577832eafcb4_story.html?tid=pm_pop) about the state of “fake” engine noise found in today’s new cars. There are a number of different acronyms for this technology across the industry, but the BMW Group calls it Active Sound. In fact, MotoringFile readers are quite familiar with its mechanism as we [covered the topic](https://www.motoringfile.com/2014/03/26/confirmed-f56-mini-cooper-s-uses-active-sound-to-enhance-engine-noise/#more-33776) about a year ago.
From what I understand, the existence of Active Sound is motivated by two main factors. The first one being progress in engine technology. Due to fuel efficiency goals, it’s just not possible to build motors that are both efficient and that provide a nice rumble noise through the cabin. The second factor is the customer’s desire to be more insulated from road noise. However in sporty cars there’s still a desire to be able to hear the engine thus automakers have created a way to take that sound and digitally amplify it.
Unfortunately, purists can complain all they want but this seems to be a necessary evil. To be honest, I’m not a fan Active Sound either but I’d rather have this than no engine sound at all. How do you feel about it?
Link via [Casey Liss](http://www.caseyliss.com/2015/1/22/exhaust-ethics)
<p>A lot of people with F56s don’t seem to know they have active sound so I guess it does it’s job well. A difficult one as many people want others to hear the sound of their cars, not just amplified on the inside. Saying that if I had a microphone by the exhaust attached to the stereo of my R58 I reckon I’d listen to it.</p>
<p>The R58 is such a great car that they stopped making them so everyone who has one now has a collectors item.</p>
<p>I’ve enjoyed the sound of phantom power for years. <a href="https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/01/08/the_jcw_cooper_sound_kit/" rel="ugc">https://www.motoringfile.com/2005/01/08/the_jcw_cooper_sound_kit/</a></p>
<p>I think like you say its an inevitability of technology but id rather have the option to control it that have it applied by stealth</p>
<p>The only reason it’s there is because it’s what the consumer wants (as indicated by sales figures).</p>
<p>My only concern is if the “active sound” gets in the way of being able to hear the subtle audio cues when something isn’t running quite right.</p>
<p>The only reason it’s there is because it’s what the consumer wants (as indicated by sales figures).</p>
<p>My only concern is if the “active sound” gets in the way of being able to hear the subtle audio cues when something isn’t running quite right.</p>
<p>It’d be hilarious if that were actually programmed in. Each engine fault gets its own noise, until the thing dies completely and then it’s just sad trombone through the stereo speakers.</p>
<p>Should have a toggle switch to turn it on or off. My hunch is that it sells because people don’t know they’re buying it. It’s really just another form of shiny packaging. Faux awesomeness.</p>