The thing is though that in that case you wouldn't need an actuator at all - you'd just have the car pipe sound through the speakers... that's why I'm a bit curious about it
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Soundaktor
- Thread starter Michael1a1
- Start date
Deleted member 131219
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The synthetic noise produced by the Soundaktor in Cupra mode is an attempt to sound like the rumble of a cross-planed crank V8.
You're right. At first I was almost sure it is done this way. But then, it could be harder to implement - from tuning different audio configurations, aftermarket upgrades which could put it out of balance, being sure it doesn't clip and the volume act constant throughout different load on the speakers (unlike on satnav which simply mutes other sounds) to simple user things like disconnected subwoofer after taking spare wheel out etc. In this case puting an extra 5 Euro device solves all the hassle in whole VAG line-up. Just my imagination
Cunning bonnet up on all to post 2020 models. Must be a security measure to insure you have the right to lift the bonnet
. All my Ateca stuff was done on a London public road... I think the locals might have objected to bonnet up 
. Was using their BT Fon WiFi as well 
.
It is obviously present in the Sport as well, only turned down to 15% or something.
My bad. It’s there, but to my ear, it’s very much background rumble. But yes it is there.
I actually like the Sport settings out of the box. Can get away with it when my wife is in the car. Cupra mode, she just laughs.
Deleted member 131219
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Out of interest, those who have unplugged the Soundaktor, have you covered up the exposed terminals to protect them from moisture and/or dirt ingress?
Deleted member 131219
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Might be worth thinking about. I've just come to the Formentor after selling a six-year old Audi S4 that was perfect in every way but for a randomly-occurring and untraceable communication breakdown between engine and gearbox that my garage (indepedent specialist - not a dealer) said was most likely caused by moisture or contaminant ingress into a connection somewhere.
It's possible the name is wrong.The thing is though that in that case you wouldn't need an actuator at all - you'd just have the car pipe sound through the speakers... that's why I'm a bit curious about it
There is an flap/actuator on the exhaust, but the fake sound is probably just piped through the speakers.
That's the root of my query though. Why the extra box etc... all that info can be gotten from the ECU regarding what the engine is doing to play sound through the speakers... unless that box is the go-between from ECU - Infotainment.
Deleted member 131219
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I think sound actuators are ghastly. I had one on my Audi S4, and I always had it turned down as far as it will go. The noises that cars fitted with this and other fake exhaust sound generating systems are just plain silly, plus you know that almost every one has theirs on "wake the neighbours" setting. The pops and bangs are absurdly over-done, and in any event, why have them in the first place? For some reason they're associated with "sportiness" when in reality they're actually the result of poor engine tuning.
Those popping noises are the legacy of badly-tuned engines in the days when fuel supply and metering were mechanical (i. .e carburettors). Multiple carburettors in particular were notorously difficult to set up and balance correctly, plus combustion was far less accurately controlled than it is now with the result that unburnt petrol would escape into the exhaust manifold and catch fire briefly. That doesn't happen now that we have accurate management of everything. So why have a fake reminder of the days when we didn't?
Those popping noises are the legacy of badly-tuned engines in the days when fuel supply and metering were mechanical (i. .e carburettors). Multiple carburettors in particular were notorously difficult to set up and balance correctly, plus combustion was far less accurately controlled than it is now with the result that unburnt petrol would escape into the exhaust manifold and catch fire briefly. That doesn't happen now that we have accurate management of everything. So why have a fake reminder of the days when we didn't?
Because it’s something a lot of people enjoy, hence it’s continued existence.
One day people will say why the hell did anyone enjoy the sound of an engine exhaust at all when you have the beautiful whine of an electric motor (I’m sure some people already do think that).
It's all a bit of pointless fun. At first I wasn't that impressed with the fake sound but now I am driving around in individual mode with sport sound which I think is spot on and then when you are feeling like a knob, Cupra mode. It's utterly over the top but all a bit of fun ahead of the electrical revolution.
I salute a bit of character through the exhaust.
I salute a bit of character through the exhaust.
Partially true.
It is part of anti-lag setup used to keep the turbo spinning on high revs in the motorsport. All those WRC's didn't run on carburetors
Maybe you will be more into it after hearing this sample of modern R5 cars:
It makes me wonder though, how it's done in the road-legal VAGs. I cannot believe they let some unspent fuel into exhaust just for some noise. Not with the emission madness all around
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