Techno's Influence On Car Sounds
Electric vehicles have revolutionized the automotive industry, not only in terms of environmental impact, but also in terms of noise. Automakers are turning to audio designers and manufacturers for help in creating innovative and unique sound palettes for their electric vehicles.
Techno music has long been associated with cars, and artists such as Juan Atkins and Gary Newman have incorporated automotive themes into their music. Billed as the Model 500, Atkins specifically linked the automotive industry, human-machine integration, and techno-manufacturing.
One of the main problems with electric vehicles is their silence. Without the noise of the internal combustion engine, electric vehicles are virtually silent, posing a safety hazard to pedestrians. Car companies have the freedom to create their own stands for electric vehicles, and some are getting creative. Instead of recording traditional engine sounds, they explore new options, including the use of human voices and unusual instruments such as the didgeridoo. Electronic musicians are often at the forefront of this car audio revival.
Sound designers like Richard Devine have played an important role in shaping the soundscape of electric vehicles. Divein worked with Jaguar to develop the engine and cabin sounds by combining synthesis, resynthesis and further synthesis using software such as Kyma, Max/MSP and Reaktor. Their aim is to create a seamless fusion of past and future, with a distinctive sound that incorporates the essence of Jaguar's older models and futuristic finishes.
Another example of a collaboration between music and cars is the collaboration between Japanese manufacturer Green Lord Motors (GLM) and Roland. Roland adapted the Supernatural sound synthesis used in the synthesizers for the GLM Tomikaira ZZ electric motor. The challenge was matching the pitch change with speed and acceleration, which required a complete overhaul of the Synsys code to make it work in the car. The result is a traditional yet neo-futuristic soundscape inspired by both sports cars and space movies.
Car companies are moving away from recording traditional engine sounds and focusing instead on creating new soundscapes. Musicians such as Jean-Michel Jarre have collaborated with Reno to create a sound that can be described as "careful" and "friendly". Car companies are aware of the impact of vehicle noise in urban areas and strive to create a human-friendly environment.
With the development of electric vehicles, customization is becoming more common. Similar to creating a personal playlist, drivers can customize the sounds in the cockpit. For example, Richard Devine began experimenting with creating his own sounds using the Glydsphere speaker system for his Tesla Model 3 display.
Finally, the collaboration between humans and machines in the automotive industry is a reflection of the techno concept. Instead of putting people before machines, they work with technology to create a better world. This synergy between man and machine is evident in music production and the sound design of electric vehicles.
