Professional Opinion: The Sound of the Audi e-tron GT
Here’s what a professional audio engineer said about the sound of the Audi e-tron GT.
The way a car sounds is an integral part of its character. Hell, it’s why people buy certain cars to begin with. For example, do you think anyone would put up with the arduous, engine-out intervals of the F355 if it didn’t wail like this? Seriously, even people rich enough to own Ferraris don’t want to shell out for the upkeep of that particular Cavallino. Similarly, the most damning criticism I’ve heard about Formula E — courtesy of a random commenter I wish I could credit — is “racing without the noise is like food without the smell.”
That said, electric drivetrains present automakers with an interesting problem — and a giant opportunity. With no noise from a traditional internal-combustion mill, they have to create artificial tones, not just to serve as a beacon to pedestrians, but to match the car’s character. Because as ideal as the concept of whisper-silent vehicles might sound? As Weeds showed us, their uses are mostly nefarious. So while there’s a ton of room to run regarding how a new electric car should sound, there’s also a lot of pressure to get it right.
On that note, last week Audi released a video showcasing the sound of the new e-tron GT. And while everyone is entitled to their opinion? Some opinions are obviously a little more interesting to read than others.
So I reached out to my friend Jamie Hunsdale, an audio engineer and sound designer, to get his thoughts on Audi’s handiwork here. With projects like Justin Bieber’s Intentions video, the massive hit Portal 2, and the indie sci-fi darling Prospect under his belt, Hunsdale has some strong opinions about how things should sound. And his initial impressions were positive.
It’s pretty cool, very video game-like, with a touch of German elegance. I think the designers landed pretty close to what will become the future standard for synthesized luxury automotive audio.
I’m a huge fan of the fact that they went far beyond legal requirements, and embraced the idea that cars should sound inspiring, and be loud enough for people to notice. Just think about it, how many amazing cars would you have missed seeing in the wild if the sound they made didn’t make you turn your head?
Also, Hunsdale was able to provide more insight as to how the engineers designed the “engine note,” which will be broadcast by as many as four speakers, depending on how buyers option the car.
The 32 sounds referenced in the press release are most likely discreet Shepard tones, all used create a tone that seems to continually ascend or descend. In the car, the acceleration is a digital variable connected to an audio engine in the “ship computer,” exactly like it works in Gran Turismo. Accelerating or decelerating triggers the Shepard tones, and it blends them all together to create an idle, an acceleration, etc..
His final comments were some complaints about the video itself, which will be familiar to loads of gearheads who regularly watch manufacturer-created content.
Whoever mixed and designed the audio for this video, which is all about audio, should be fired instantly. They wasted an incredible opportunity to showcase the hard work and ingenuity that went into designing the onboard sounds for the car. The e-tron’s sound designers likely puked when they heard the generic techno track.
So there you have it folks, a professional opinion that car companies need to stop bludgeoning fans with crappy techno in their clips. But hey, Audi shouldn’t feel too bad. Even Ferrari can’t manage to let a 12-cyliner symphony stand on its own. More on the new e-tron when we have it. Stay tuned!
Photos: Audi