Understanding Ford’s Active Noise Control: A Quieter Ride

Image via Bob Maxey Ford (Howell).

When we think about making cars more comfortable, we usually think about things like soft seats, climate control, and the amount of available space. But Ford has gone a step further and tackled another common cause of driving discomfort: roadway noise. Ford Active Noise Control helps prevent that unholy racket from drowning out your conversations and music once you hit the highway.

Based on Sound Principles

The technology to block out unwanted background noise has existed for several decades. The first pair of commercially available headphones to use it appeared in 1989, but prototypes had existed long before then. The technology is used today by millions of people to enjoy quieter commutes, flights, and more. In 2015, Ford began applying the same time-tested techniques that power noise-cancelling headphones to their cars, so that drivers and passengers could all enjoy more peaceful journeys.

The way Active Noise Control works is by using strategically placed microphones to identify any unwanted background noise infiltrating the cabin from the car’s engine or exterior. It then responds by producing opposing soundwaves via the audio system. On paper, this sounds like it should add more noise, but it actually neutralizes the unwanted sounds. All this can be done without affecting the volume of any music playing through the speakers or requiring people to raise their voices.

Active and Anticipatory

Active Noise Control uses more than just cabin microphones to cancel out background noise. It is also able to predict the noises that it will need to counteract by recording the actions of the driver and vehicle. For example, if the driver is accelerating in a low gear, it may predict that louder, higher frequency sounds will come from the engine and adjust its soundwaves to counter them.

Less Stress, Greater Safety

Although we may stop noticing loud, intrusive sounds after a while, like we do on airplanes or while driving on the highway, we do actually still hear them. They also continue to have an effect on our brains even when we are not consciously paying attention to them. Worryingly, scientific research has shown that traffic noise slows down people’s reaction times.

Fortunately, Ford does not only rely on noise cancellation to dampen unwanted and unpleasant sounds. Where possible, the brand constructs its vehicles using materials and techniques which minimize noise, such as the SoundScreen acoustic windshield, or it makes them available to customers as an option. The Active Noise Control system complements these, and together they deliver a more serene, safer driving experience for their customers.

Quieter cabins are just one of the innovative ways Ford is making its cars more comfortable. Visit Bob Maxey Ford of Howell in Howell, MI to learn more about their thoughtful features from our experts.

Posted in Ford Dealership in Howell, MI | No Comments »