Techno's Influence On Car Sounds
Electric vehicles are revolutionizing the automotive industry, not only in terms of their environmental impact, but also in terms of sound. Car manufacturers are now looking for sound producers and designers to help them create unique and innovative sound panels for their electric vehicles.
Techno music has always been associated with automobiles, and artists such as Juan Atkins and Gary Numan have incorporated automotive themes into their music. Atkins, registered as the Model 500, is particularly associated with the automotive industry, man-machine integration, and engineering manufacturing.
One of the biggest challenges for electric cars is their silence. Without the noise of an internal combustion engine, electric cars are almost silent, which can be annoying for pedestrians. Car companies are free to promote electric cars, and some are getting creative. Instead of duplicating the sounds of traditional machines, they explored new possibilities, including the human voice and unconventional instruments like the didgeridoo. Electronic musicians are often at the forefront of redefining car sound.
Audio designers like Richard Devine have been instrumental in designing the acoustic environment of electric vehicles. Working with Jaguar, Devine used software such as Kyma, Max/MSP and Reactor to design the engine and interior sounds, which included real-time synthesis, recombination and additive synthesis. The aim was to create a harmonious fusion of the past and the future with a unique sound that retains the essence of older Jaguar models while incorporating futuristic touches.
Another example of a collaboration between music and automobiles is the collaboration between the Japanese manufacturers Green Lord Motors (GLM) and Roland. Roland has adapted the SuperNATURAL soundstage architecture used in its synthesizers for the GLM Electro Tommykaira ZZ. The challenge was matching volume changes to acceleration and speed, which required a complete overhaul of the existing tuning code to make it work on the car. The result is a traditional yet neo-futuristic soundscape inspired by sports cars and space movies.
Car manufacturers are moving away from recreating traditional engine sounds and instead focusing on creating new soundscapes. Musicians such as Jean-Michel Jarre have collaborated with Renault to develop a sound that has been described as "attractive" and "friendly". Automotive companies are also aware of the impact of vehicle noise in urban areas and are working to create a more inclusive environment for humanity.
As electric vehicles continue to evolve, customization becomes more common. Drivers can customize interior sounds, similar to creating a personal playlist. Richard Devine, for example, has begun using his Glydsphere speaker system to create the sound for his bespoke Tesla Model 3 performance.
Ultimately, the collaboration between man and machine in the automotive industry is a reflection of the spirit of technology. Instead of prioritizing machines over humans, humans are collaborating with technology to create a better world. This synergy between man and machine is evident in the musical production and acoustic design of electric vehicles.
