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Model specific boards => Golf mk6 => Topic started by: FroGTI on 07 June 2009, 11:44

Title: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: FroGTI on 07 June 2009, 11:44
Having read through the Pistonheads' testdrive report on the GTI again, I can't help wondering exactly what I will be getting with my MkVI GTI:

"VW has developed what it calls a ‘sound generator’, which is a device situated on the engine side of the bulkhead that receives signals from the engine management system to produce an ‘authentic’ sound track during spirited driving."

It sounds a lot like the Fisher Price toys my 2 year-old plays with!

Can those who have been lucky enough to actually drive the GTI confirm what this box of tricks actually sounds like? I thought the great exhaust note that I have read about in the various tests was real (i.e. exhaust gasses actually flowing through the pipes). Now it would appear that it's nothing more than an MP3-generation electronic simulation..?!

Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: neilgcal on 07 June 2009, 12:13
If you are outside you can hear it all ok.

I think the problem is that they have built the new one so well and insultated it so well to stop road noise coming into the cabin that you can't hear it very well hence they basically pump the sounds from outside to inside when you really put your foot down. If you are just driving around slowly or not accelerating much you can't hear the engine and it does not pump any sound in.
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: Chins on 07 June 2009, 13:34

From my test drive this new device doesnt do a lot. I would like more engine and exhaust noise. Maybe someone will have a mod before long to the sound generator :shocked:
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: FroGTI on 07 June 2009, 13:45
Thanks for your replies. What I would really like to know is whether it sounds 'real', i.e. like a sports exhaust, or whether it just sounds like the fake, electronic engine noises you get with Gran Turismo on the PlayStation, for example.
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: jdjd on 07 June 2009, 15:01
Nahh it doesn't sound fake. its not some little box with a speaker attached to it putting out noise. Its a device that electronically amplifies the noise, Prolly by openeing and shutting different valves in the exhaust.
 I think u guys are thinking of people with those fake dump valves which were popular a few years back lol. And no its nothing like that :shocked:
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: carl1 on 07 June 2009, 15:24
ive just taken mine for a blast with window down and it doesn't sound too bad at all (for a 4 pot). Im no expert but it sounds a bit like a supercharger after 3000rpm.
Its nothing to worry about anyway imo ive never heard a modern day 4pot go past me or revved and ive said "that sounds nice" even with aftermarket exhausts. R32 is king for sound per pound in a nearly new car
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: TeddyKGB on 07 June 2009, 15:32
I believe they have strapped these to the rear of the bulkhead:

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VGCmV9HFoc8/SECDUrw2_KI/AAAAAAAABEA/TvHA6rJuV1E/s400/old%2520record%2520player.gif)

:lipsrsealed:
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: simonpolly on 07 June 2009, 19:55
wondered what that was for :grin:
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: Rolfe on 06 July 2009, 14:24
This sounds absolutely insane to me.  OK, all you victims of terminal testosterone poisoning might like to sound as if you're driving Formula 1, but me, the quieter the better.

Can you turn this silly toy OFF?

Rolfe.
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: gossa on 06 July 2009, 16:09
Rolfe, it doesn't do a lot so don't worry, I've just booted mine with the windows down and really, this car doesn't sound as sporty as it looks or goes.  It's a proper 'grown up' GTI this, I wouldn't even use the term Hot Hatch, it's just a quality compact family car. God that description sounds sh1t though doesn't it? But that's what it is, just what I wanted.......
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: topher on 06 July 2009, 16:10
If its anything like the noise generator pipe they put on the american R32's.. you can just blank it off.
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: Rolfe on 06 July 2009, 16:16
OK, I just want it to do NOTHING.

Rolfe.
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: gossa on 06 July 2009, 16:32
OK, I just want it to do NOTHING.

Rolfe.

Really, it doesn't so don't worry.  Sounds more like smoke and mirrors........
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: FroGTI on 06 July 2009, 19:07
I suppose the reason I'm worried is that I used to have a 'sound generator' on my ZX81* and it sounded terrible :)

* that's a 1980's computer for you whippersnappers.
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: simonpolly on 06 July 2009, 19:09
commodore 64 man me,your showing your age,suppose you had horace goes skiing ? :laugh:i did have a zx spectrum aswell i think :undecided:,the one with the built in cassette player to load the games.
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: R32UK on 06 July 2009, 19:37
i read that the "sound generator" as they have labelled it is actually nothing new and similar to a system used in porka boxters and a few other high end sports cars to ensure the true sound of the engine actually filters through to the cabin over a certain level of rpm.
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: gossa on 06 July 2009, 19:43
Well either they failed or mine aint working, i can't hear jack!
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: simonpolly on 06 July 2009, 19:51
 :laugh:just make the brum noise yourself brum brum brum :laugh:
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: gossa on 06 July 2009, 20:27
I'm 40 in a couple of weeks, got two kids and another on the way, I think I can live without it! :grin:

Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: R32UK on 07 July 2009, 08:16
I'm 40 in a couple of weeks, got two kids and another on the way, I think I can live without it! :grin:



thats no excuse!! Just ask RedRobin :grin:
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: gossa on 07 July 2009, 08:31
I'm 40 in a couple of weeks, got two kids and another on the way, I think I can live without it! :grin:



thats no excuse!! Just ask RedRobin :grin:

Don't get me wrong, i'm a snowboarding, mountain biking, bmx'ing, Ducati riding rad dad, but really, If it ant a gurgling V6 what are you gonna hear? Actually I do miss the 'pop' of the DSG on the Scirocco!

Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: R32UK on 07 July 2009, 09:00
I'm 40 in a couple of weeks, got two kids and another on the way, I think I can live without it! :grin:



thats no excuse!! Just ask RedRobin :grin:

Don't get me wrong, i'm a snowboarding, mountain biking, bmx'ing, Ducati riding rad dad, but really, If it ant a gurgling V6 what are you gonna hear? Actually I do miss the 'pop' of the DSG on the Scirocco!



Very true... although the grunt is only at higher revs and is subtle its an improvement over the std MK5.. which can only be a good thing overall.
Title: Re: What exactly is this 'sound generator' thing?
Post by: simonpolly on 07 July 2009, 18:48
brum brum :laugh: