Harman, an automotive electronics technology company and subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., has launched a new Car Acoustic Experience Lab in Pune, India. The lab aims to meet the diverse needs of car audio acoustics, engineering, and research, ensuring products reflect consumer expectations.
Located in Pune, this innovative 1,000 sq ft facility is designed based on the groundbreaking research of Harman’s experts, Dr. Sean Olive and Dr. Floyd Toole. The lab mimics a typical residential listening environment, enabling around 500 engineers and research teams in India to test, develop, and validate products. This facility is critical for Harman’s engineering and R&D teams, offering a space for acoustic engineers to fine-tune car audio systems to the highest standards and formats.
The lab is also used by Harman’s Experiential R&D team for consumer and internal sound quality testing. It supports product development, optimization, and competitive analysis for major Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) in India. Additionally, Harman conducts its Harman Qualified Listener Program in this lab, training employees and OEMs to become qualified listeners.
The Automotive Acoustic Experience Lab features hidden modular panels that allow engineers to adjust the reflective properties of the space. This adaptability helps tailor listening experiences for specific testing or demonstration needs, ensuring optimal results.
Harman collaborated with Modi Digital, a leading Pro Audio consultancy in India, to design and create this state-of-the-art lab. Modi Digital, which boasts an impressive client list including the legendary AR Rahman, used its expertise to ensure the lab meets the strict NC 20 room criteria as per ISO 9568 and aligns with ASHRAE guidelines for acoustically sensitive spaces. The lab’s adjustable treatment elements facilitate transitions between bright-sounding volumes and acoustically absorptive spaces.
The acoustic experience in the lab is particularly notable. Harman equipped it with nine main loudspeakers, four in-wall subwoofers, and seven height channels using Harman Luxury Audio and Professional products. BSS Audio manages the digital signal processing (DSP), and Crown amplification powers the system. The lab’s 9.1.6 Dolby ATMOS configuration, carefully calibrated by Dolby engineers, delivers an unparalleled immersive audio experience.
Jonathan Pierce, Director of Audio Benchmarking and Engineering at Harman Automotive, highlighted the importance of the lab, stating, “This lab adheres to our global standards for automotive research and evaluation. This is Harman’s sixth global testing environment, aimed at bringing critical tools and resources to our customers and engineering teams. We are optimistic that this lab will not only meet our customer expectations but also provide them a new perspective towards the car audio experience.”
Sanjeev Kulkarni, Vice President at Harman Automotive, expressed enthusiasm about the new lab, saying, “We are thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking Automotive Acoustic Experience Lab, which sets a new standard for automotive engineering and research. By replicating a typical residential listening environment, we can ensure that our products meet and exceed consumer expectations. This facility represents our commitment to delivering exceptional audio experiences and driving innovation in the automotive industry. We are delighted that the leading OEMs in India, who happen to be our esteemed customers visited and appreciated the lab.”
The launch of this lab marks a significant step for Harman in advancing car acoustic technology and enhancing consumer audio experiences.
