Hyundai tech reduces cabin noise by three decibels

Known as RANC (Road-noise Active Noise Control), it uses velocity sensors, amplifiers and microphones to calculate vibration and noise from the road, then uses a digital signal processor (DSP) to produce an inverted soundwave to mitigate that noise. According to the Korean car giant this process takes just 0.002 seconds. By contrast, it takes around 0.009 seconds for road or engine noise to reach the passenger.

The system delivers tailored noise cancellation for the driver, front passenger and rear seats. Based on tests evaluating road surface, vehicle speed, and different seating positions, RANC was able to reduce in-cabin noise by 3dB - roughly half the noise level compared to vehicles where the technology was not activated.

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Though active noise cancellation is commonly used by headphone manufacturers, the proximity of the speaker to the eardrum makes this a relatively straightforward task. Applying the same technology in the more dynamic and complex environment of a moving vehicle is considerably more difficult.