Friday, July 6, 2012

SoundRaycer Makes Any Car Sound Like an Exotic


Now we’ve heard everything…literally. The SoundRacer Car FM Transmitter by SoundRacer AB provides drivers the ability to enjoy Ferrari V-12, Lamborghini V-10, or big-block Shelby Mustang V-8 sound in their vehicles regardless of the powerplant residing beneath the hood.
Billed as ‘exciting interactive in-car entertainment,’ the company points out that famed conductor Herbert von Karajan once told Enzo Ferrari, “When I hear your 12 cylinders, I hear a burst of harmony no conductor could ever recreate.” Now everyone can enjoy the experience.
The SoundRaycer does its magic through a shift knob-like device that plugs in a vehicle’s auxiliary 12-volt power plug, transmitting the appropriate engine sounds through an FM transmitter to your audio system. You simply set it up to a free radio frequency. The SoundRaycer detects signal frequencies in real time from a car’s alternator electrical cables, transforming these into a simulated rpm according to the rev point of the car. Then, to make things more interesting, it multiplies these rpms by a factor of three to produce a more exciting acceleration impression.
But wait…there’s more. The SoundRacer also works as a standard car FM transmitter for MP3 players such as the iPod and iPhone, with a line in socket providing an input for playing music through your audio system. A cable with standard stereo plugs is supplied in the box.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about synthesizing engine sounds in a vehicle. In fact, there’s real concern that silent electric vehicles don’t provide the typical audio cues that alert pedestrians they’re nearby, placing pedestrians at greater risk.
Many automakers with electric cars are working on this. One that’s already addressed this is Lotus with its Evora 414E Hybrid. Not only does the Evora drive like a conventional sports car, it also sounds like one with driver selectable sounds that include those of V-6 to V-12 engines. Developed with Harman International, the Evora’s HALOsonic system produces engine sounds inside through the audio system and outside through speakers mounted at the front and rear. Besides being fun, these sounds enable electric cars to provide expected audible cues at slower speeds when it may be difficult for pedestrians to hear a vehicle running on electric motors.
The $49-$65 SoundRaycer is available through a variety of retailers including Car Guy Garage, at CarGuyGarage.com.

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