Semiconductor manufacturer Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM) and Swedish digital audio company Dirac have partnered to integrate Dirac’s suite of software-defined smart acoustics solutions, AudioIQ, into AKM’s line of automotive audio digital signal processors (DSPs), including its flagship AK7709, to significantly reduce tuning time while enhancing sound quality within vehicle interiors.
This collaboration aims to bring a new level of audio precision to automotive amplifier systems, delivering a more natural, immersive sound experience for drivers while dramatically reducing the need for complex manual tuning. The partnership also enables AKM to embed Dirac’s proprietary algorithms into its next generation of audio DSPs.
Together, the two companies aim to meet the rising demand for immersive in-car entertainment while addressing OEMs’ pain points in tuning processes.
By integrating Dirac’s smart acoustics software directly into its proven DSP portfolio, AKM hopes to enhance its ability to deliver lifelike audio in the face of challenging cabin acoustics and speaker placements.
“With the electrification of vehicles and growing demand for premium passenger experiences, high-quality in-cabin sound has never been more critical,” said Takeshi Fujita, general manager for ES projects at AKM. “Our partnership with Dirac allows us to pair our industry-proven DSPs and proprietary audio technologies with Dirac’s cutting-edge smart acoustics software to create a more natural and immersive acoustic environment for every seat in the vehicle.”
The partnership uses AKM’s proprietary software solutions, including Dynamic Sound Control (DSC), which automatically optimizes music balance in response to changing road and driving conditions, and karaoke mode, which delivers enhanced in-cabin entertainment through low-latency echo cancellation and howling suppression.
Dirac AudioIQ is a fully scalable audio optimization platform that combines measurement-based tuning with advanced signal processing to deliver consistent, high-quality sound across every seat.
“Our partnership with AKM reflects our shared commitment to making premium in-car audio more accessible and efficient to implement,” said Ramzi Khalaf, director of strategic partnerships at Dirac. “By embedding the Dirac AudioIQ solution into AKM’s leading DSPs, we’re empowering auto makers to deliver best-in-class sound performance that adapts to any cabin configuration – without the cost and complexity of traditional tuning methods.”
Dirac and AKM plan to expand their collaboration to support future generations of AKM audio DSPs, creating a scalable platform for automotive audio innovation.
In related news, Dirac and MediaTek, a semiconductor company, have collaborated to enhance in-car audio performance through the integration of Dirac’s digital audio software into MediaTek’s automotive-grade systems-on-chips (SoCs). Click here to read the full story.
