In 1991 a technology partnership began that has so far spanned three decades and numerous car models. Since Mazda and Bose first started working together on the third-generation Mazda RX-7 thirty years ago, the two companies have continued to collaborate on innovative premium sound solutions that contribute to a superior driving experience. Put together, the power of sound and the joy of driving deliver an outstanding and engaging customer experience that lets passengers feel all the acoustic detail and emotional impact of a live concert inside their own car.
Since Mazda and Bose first collaborated thirty years ago, the two companies have continued to engineer innovative premium sound solutions that contribute to a superior driving experience. Through this partnership, Mazda vehicles continue to push the boundaries of audio technology to deliver a thrilling driving experience enhanced by the power of sound.
A superior sound quality for a superior driving experience – that has been the driving force behind the 30-year-long collaboration between Mazda and Bose from the start. One notable challenge on the road toward realizing this ambition was Mazda’s iconic model: the Mazda MX-5. When it was first introduced in 1989, this straightforward, sporty roadster took the world by storm, and decades later, the fourth iteration of the racy convertible is as popular as ever.
From the get-go, Mazda engineers were bent on integrating the latest advanced technologies without sacrificing the sun-on-your-face, wind-in-your-hair fun of a simple roadster. Sound design was no exception. However, providing great sound quality for convertible cars with the top down proved to be a difficult task. In convertibles, the acoustic characteristics of the cabin change depending on the roof position, and with the top completely open, voices and instruments can get lost in the battle against wind and outside noises.
To avoid this problem, the Bose and Mazda sound engineering team came up with two innovative solutions. First, they implemented an EQ Equalizer switch to automatically adjust the sound setting when the top is down. Second, UltraNearfield speakers were embedded directly into the seat headrests. Using TrueSpace signal processing, these speakers provide a clear, powerful and spacious surround sound, allowing for an immersive listening experience – even when the roof is open.
Furthermore, Bose’s AudioPilot noise compensation technology was used to compensate for increased road and wind noises in different driving scenarios. This innovative system continuously monitors the environment inside the cabin and automatically adjusts the audio playback to the changed circumstances. As a result, drivers can focus their attention on the music and driving experience without the need to manually readjust as conditions change.
The MX-5 is built for the joy of driving – and the premium Bose sound system just adds to the fun.
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