Radio, Stereo, and Compact Disc: Description and Operation
BOSE Surround Sound System (optional)
The BOSE Surround Sound system represents a completely new development which writes another page in the history of BOSE sound systems in Porsche vehicles. A surround sound system is available for the first time as an option in the Boxster. Eleven speakers and a 7-channel digital amplifier integrated in the digital MOST bus ensure a sound experience never before experienced in the Boxster segment.
The BOSE Surround Sound system, the second upgrade option for the Boxster, incorporates the following components:
The following speakers are used:
Speakers
Audio Electronics
- 7-channel MOST digital amplifier with 5x25 W linear amplifiers for tweeters and mid-frequency speakers and 1x100 W switching amplifiers for the low-frequency speakers.
- Additionally 1x100 W switching amplifier integrated in the active subwoofer.
- External microphone (housed in the steering column cover) for detecting background noise in the passenger compartment.
Signal Processing
- Center fill and surround stage
- Centerpoint signal processing technology
- Active electronic equalization
- Dynamic loudness function
- BOSE AudioPilot
Functionality
The following settings are to be carried out in the sound menu of the PCM:
- Adjustment of the sound using base and treble setting
- Adjustment of the sound focus using fader and balance
- Activation of AudioPilot
- Activation of Surround Sound (BOSE Centerpoint technology)
- Fine adjustment of 3-D impression when Surround Sound is active.
- Setting of the listening position in stereo mode (left, symmetrical, right)
Center Fill and Surround Stage
The additional center fill speaker in the center of the dashboard is activated using data from the left- and right-hand channel via a special signal processing system (surround stage). This ensures an optimum and balanced sound for all passengers.
Centerpoint Signal Processing Technology
The Centerpoint system is a surround decoder specially developed for the limited auditory environment in vehicles. The algorithm used by this proprietary BOSE technology delivers an exclusive sound experience with exhilarating Surround Sound pleasure. The technology also converts conventional audio sources such as CDs, or even stereo recordings, into five separate audio channels.
Active Electronic Equalization
In order to achieve a high fidelity sound experience, BOSE active electronic equalization exactly adapts acoustic reproduction to the specific acoustics of the vehicle interior. The reproduction of all frequencies is adapted so as to ensure that all passengers enjoy the same superior sound quality, regardless of where they are sitting.
Dynamic Loudness Function
The dynamic loudness function enables the bass tones to be amplified at low volume levels. This compensates for the reduced sensitivity of the human sense of hearing in the bass range. This process functions much more precisely than conventional loudness control systems. The base tones are amplified in such a way that there is no audible change.
BOSE AudioPilot
NOTE: The AudioPilot function controls the sound and the volume according to various factors, including speed and top position. The system switches to a different map during operation of the top. This is noticeable by a brief interruption (in the milliseconds range) in audio output. The switch to a different map (top open or closed) ensures that the audio experience remains unchanged when the top is open, too.
The AudioPilot automatically controls the sound and volume as a function of background noises in the passenger compartment such as wind, tire noise and conversation. This function thus ensures a constant sound experience in all driving conditions, which means that the driver does not have to continuously readjust the sound. The background noises are picked up by a special microphone in the steering column cover and processed. A considerable improvement in comparison with the system in the previous model has been achieved through the use of additional information (speed, etc.) in the control algorithm. As a result, the volume control is now much more robust and almost all unwanted fluctuations in volume have been eliminated.
Surround Sound (BOSE Centerpoint Technology)
BOSE Automotive Surround Sound can be switched on at the touch of a button. This system uses additional independent audio channels in the front and rear of the vehicle to produce a lifelike and high-fidelity 360° sound experience. The BOSE patented signal processing system increases the stereo sound of stereo recordings. This results in a much more refined sound experience. The intensity of the surround effect can be precisely set in the Sound Set menu (from -12 to +9).