[Summest]

After reading an article on ANC or Active Noise Control and the problems it may cause with the bass on the ELS, I tried to see if I could get into diagnostic mode to turn off ANC.

To my surprise as I sat in the car in Accessory Mode, the radio sounds fantastic. The bass and treble sound great. I guess I have only listened to the stereo/XM with the engine on. In any case, I would like to see if disabling ANC will result in a better sounding stereo.

I have read that the ANC reduces low frequency sounds in the car to reduce engine noise.

Granted ANC makes the car sound quieter and I can understand and appreciate that but I wonder without it, will the ELS sound better? I thought people that were complaining might be too much of an audio nut, but I did feel that the bass was weak, till tonight in Accessory Mode.

Here is the technical information provided by Honda.

Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC)

Key contributors to the TLX's quiet, refined interior are Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). The two systems are comprised of dual overhead microphones, an ANC/ASC electronic processor, and the audio system's speakers. ASC/ANC operates whenever the engine is running, even if the audio system is turned off.

ANC is designed to reduce low frequency sound in the cabin caused mainly by the roughness of the road surface. The overhead microphones pick up sound waves and send them to the ANC/ASC processor, which creates and sends a precisely timed "reverse phase" audio signal to a special amplifier. In turn, the amplifier drives the door speakers to cancel the original noise signal.

ASC is a related technology designed to improve the engine sound quality by making the sound pressure level more linear as the engine revs increase. Typically, engine noise doesn't increase in a linear way with rising revs; instead there can be many resonances that create peaks and valleys in the sound pressure level and an uneven sound. ASC helps smooth out the engine sound by creating a same-phase or reverse-phase sound signal as needed and sending it to the speakers.

Though the system offers benefits from idle to redline, it makes the largest difference in the range between 1400 and 2400 rpm (V6) and 1000 and 1800 rpm (4-cyl.), where it lowers the sound pressure level with a reverse-phase audio signal.

ASC is part of the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS). When the IDS is in ECON or Normal mode, the ASC system is tuned for a smooth, unobtrusive engine sound. When the IDS is switched to Sport or Sport+, the TLX's interior engine sound takes on a more aggressive note.

---End---

Some believe that ANC is cancelling out the bass. I am beginning to agree with them. What do you think? Does anyone know how to access the Diagnostic Mode? Seems this issue was reported in the ILX. Some have said to remove the glove box and disconnect the ANC, but I would rather take the easy way to disable it. If I decide I like the ANC better, I can re-enable.

There is a whole lot of technology in this car!

Here is the link. Go to almost to the bottom of the page and look for ANC.
2015 Acura TLX: Interior - Honda.com

 

[Summest]

No Comments, yet?

No comments, yet?

I should have kept the message shorter. I know no one has time to read a book.

 

[Esrever]

I could see disabling the ANC improving sound quality. The speakers emit sound to cancel the engine noise so by turning it off there should be less interference with the pure sound of the music you are trying to listen to. It would be an interesting question to ask some of the lead engineers behind the technology.

 

[Summest]

I could see disabling the ANC improving sound quality. The speakers emit sound to cancel the engine noise so by turning it off there should be less interference with the pure sound of the music you are trying to listen to. It would be an interesting question to ask some of the lead engineers behind the technology.

When you get a chance, try listening to your radio in accessory mode and listen for the bass and treble. Then turn on the engine and listen again. The difference was amazing to my ears.

Is there a forum for lead engineers?

 

[Amnesia]

I noticed that bass isn't that strong on mine, I have it turned up to the max too.
I was impressed that there was no distortion but there isn't the base you would expect at that level.
It had crossed my mind but that was just about it, reading that it makes sense why.
This could very well be the case too.
Be interesting to ask someone at Acura about this, you would think that you could get the stereo and the ANC to work together so it knew what sounds or base were coming out and didn't dampen them?

 

[andre12dbsi]

I really need a TLX to play with. lol. I can get into the diagnostic mode in my '13 Honda by pressing Map/Guide, Dest, and Cancel all at the same time for about 5 seconds.

 

[Summest]

I noticed that bass isn't that strong on mine, I have it turned up to the max too.
I was impressed that there was no distortion but there isn't the base you would expect at that level.
It had crossed my mind but that was just about it, reading that it makes sense why.
This could very well be the case too.
Be interesting to ask someone at Acura about this, you would think that you could get the stereo and the ANC to work together so it knew what sounds or base were coming out and didn't dampen them?

@Amnesia, did you try with the engine turned off and in Accessory mode? I am curious to see if you noticed a difference.

I forwarded the link about ANC to my salesman and told him what I found. He will try it on the next TLX he demos to see if he can tell. He said he love bass and this would be an issue for him getting a TLX. I told him he could disable ANC, if you had to.

 

[Summest]

I really need a TLX to play with. lol. I can get into the diagnostic mode in my '13 Honda by pressing Map/Guide, Dest, and Cancel all at the same time for about 5 seconds.

haha. I hope your wish is granted soon.

I don't believe I have those buttons in the TLX. I sure would love to find out how to get into diagnostic mode.

 

[andre12dbsi]

Yes I hope so soon as well. Lol

I found this thread over in the MDX forums. Sounds as though they're looking for it as well.

http://www.mdxers.org/forums/94-new-2014-acura-mdx/61745-2014-mdx-self-diagnosis-hidden-menu-procedure.html

 

[Summest]

Excellent Find

Yes I hope so soon as well. Lol

I found this thread over in the MDX forums. Sounds as though they're looking for it as well.

2014 mdx self diagnosis and hidden menu procedure - Acura MDX Forum : Acura MDX SUV Forums

You're a genius! Thanks. I have been looking all over for that.

I found ANC and turned it off. I will see what it sounds like tomorrow on the way to work. It's scary to see what you can do and what you can mess up. When you turn off ANC it has a low hum for about 30 seconds. Talk about scary, but I heard about it before online.

Thanks @andre12dbsi!

 

[J233]

This is really cool, will try this hack tomorrow

 

[andre12dbsi]

Glad I could help.

I assume no responsibility for any upcoming trips to your local service depts lol

 

[Summest]

Glad I could help.

I assume no responsibility for any upcoming trips to your local service depts lol

I completely understand and disavow any knowledge of our communication. This thread will be purged at midnight.

(No, not really on the purge part.)

Here is the setting I found thanks to someone's help...

 

[Summest]

Happy Listener now without ANC.

The drive to work with ANC off brought out the stereo I hoped for.

The ELS was designed by a sound engineer. It is too bad ANC works too good and kills the sound. I guess music is noise to some, but I really enjoy the bass and treble components. The clarity has improved dramatically.

I did not notice the car noise with ANC off, if any, because I was enjoying the music. Maybe I will drive a bit with ANC off and the ELS off to see if there is any noticeable difference in road noise.

I wasn't looking forward to removing the glove box to disconnect the cable to ANC. I am glad someone pointed me in the direction of just turning off the feature.

So far I left the default for all settings centered. Plenty of treble and bass for me. I am not sure if I can make the rear view mirror vibrate.

 

[Summest]

Will submit my case to my dealer, item 2

I spoke with my salesman and service rep about this issue in detail over the phone. I provided all of the input I received online. I need to take my car in again for faulty indicators. At that time I will demo the problem in person. I will also print out as much information I can to show them I am not the only one affected. To explain this issue, I had a long conversation.

The service rep was really surprised I went into such detail in an effort to troubleshoot this problem. He wants a demo to see how to disable ANC and also wants to hear the difference in sound quality. I am hopeful.

I really find this to be an issue I want resolved. I want a quiet car but I also want a great sounding audio system. I shouldn't have to choose between the two. If I have to choose give me a toggle switch.:|

If nothing takes shape, maybe I can create a package and send it to Acura Customer Relations.

 

[andre12dbsi]

A toggle switch. Good idea.

 

[Gabbyman]

After reading an article on ANC or Active Noise Control and the problems it may cause with the bass on the ELS, I tried to see if I could get into diagnostic mode to turn off ANC.

To my surprise as I sat in the car in Accessory Mode, the radio sounds fantastic. The bass and treble sound great. I guess I have only listened to the stereo/XM with the engine on. In any case, I would like to see if disabling ANC will result in a better sounding stereo.

I have read that the ANC reduces low frequency sounds in the car to reduce engine noise.

Granted ANC makes the car sound quieter and I can understand and appreciate that but I wonder without it, will the ELS sound better? I thought people that were complaining might be too much of an audio nut, but I did feel that the bass was weak, till tonight in Accessory Mode.

Here is the technical information provided by Honda.

Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC)

Key contributors to the TLX's quiet, refined interior are Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). The two systems are comprised of dual overhead microphones, an ANC/ASC electronic processor, and the audio system's speakers. ASC/ANC operates whenever the engine is running, even if the audio system is turned off.

ANC is designed to reduce low frequency sound in the cabin caused mainly by the roughness of the road surface. The overhead microphones pick up sound waves and send them to the ANC/ASC processor, which creates and sends a precisely timed "reverse phase" audio signal to a special amplifier. In turn, the amplifier drives the door speakers to cancel the original noise signal.

ASC is a related technology designed to improve the engine sound quality by making the sound pressure level more linear as the engine revs increase. Typically, engine noise doesn't increase in a linear way with rising revs; instead there can be many resonances that create peaks and valleys in the sound pressure level and an uneven sound. ASC helps smooth out the engine sound by creating a same-phase or reverse-phase sound signal as needed and sending it to the speakers.

Though the system offers benefits from idle to redline, it makes the largest difference in the range between 1400 and 2400 rpm (V6) and 1000 and 1800 rpm (4-cyl.), where it lowers the sound pressure level with a reverse-phase audio signal.

ASC is part of the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS). When the IDS is in ECON or Normal mode, the ASC system is tuned for a smooth, unobtrusive engine sound. When the IDS is switched to Sport or Sport+, the TLX's interior engine sound takes on a more aggressive note.

---End---

Some believe that ANC is cancelling out the bass. I am beginning to agree with them. What do you think? Does anyone know how to access the Diagnostic Mode? Seems this issue was reported in the ILX. Some have said to remove the glove box and disconnect the ANC, but I would rather take the easy way to disable it. If I decide I like the ANC better, I can re-enable.

There is a whole lot of technology in this car!

Here is the link. Go to almost to the bottom of the page and look for ANC.
2015 Acura TLX: Interior - Honda.com

I agree - I am not pleased with this ELS on my 2015 TLX. I will raise the ANC with the dealer and hopefully there will be a fix because I do not want to rip apart my car to disable ANC. I have bass on +6 and same with the subwoofer. Treble on -2. Something is amiss here as this sounds worse than my 2004 TL. My wife pointed out that a song that should have thunderous bass was paltry. Is mediocre with CDs but horrible with XM. Also disappointing that they did away with DVD-Audio.

 

[Gabbyman]

I agree - I am not pleased with this ELS on my 2015 TLX. I will raise the ANC with the dealer and hopefully there will be a fix because I do not want to rip apart my car to disable ANC. I have bass on +6 and same with the subwoofer. Treble on -2. Something is amiss here as this sounds worse than my 2004 TL. My wife pointed out that a song that should have thunderous bass was paltry. Is mediocre with CDs but horrible with XM. Also disappointing that they did away with DVD-Audio.

Ah ha! I read further and I guess that I can disable ANC somewhere in the maze of system menus. I will try it!

 

[Summest]

Sound vs. Anti-Sound

Ah ha! I read further and I guess that I can disable ANC somewhere in the maze of system menus. I will try it!

Glad you answered your own question.

To confirm, yes you can.

When you do change it from OFF to ON, you will hear a low frequency buzz. Do not panic. It will last for 30 seconds. To exit developer mode, select return and then to exit diag mode select return again.

Don't go back into diag mode/developer mode because at that point ANC resets to default.

I know it doesn't reset when you exit the secret modes because the great sound quality remained for a couple days after till I changed it back.

Last night I switched mine back to ON to prepare for my demo at the dealer on Saturday. When I entered, I saw ANC was ON and the sound definitely degraded.

 

[Gabbyman]

After reading an article on ANC or Active Noise Control and the problems it may cause with the bass on the ELS, I tried to see if I could get into diagnostic mode to turn off ANC.

To my surprise as I sat in the car in Accessory Mode, the radio sounds fantastic. The bass and treble sound great. I guess I have only listened to the stereo/XM with the engine on. In any case, I would like to see if disabling ANC will result in a better sounding stereo.

I have read that the ANC reduces low frequency sounds in the car to reduce engine noise.

Granted ANC makes the car sound quieter and I can understand and appreciate that but I wonder without it, will the ELS sound better? I thought people that were complaining might be too much of an audio nut, but I did feel that the bass was weak, till tonight in Accessory Mode.

Here is the technical information provided by Honda.

Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC)

Key contributors to the TLX's quiet, refined interior are Active Noise Control (ANC) and Active Sound Control (ASC). The two systems are comprised of dual overhead microphones, an ANC/ASC electronic processor, and the audio system's speakers. ASC/ANC operates whenever the engine is running, even if the audio system is turned off.

ANC is designed to reduce low frequency sound in the cabin caused mainly by the roughness of the road surface. The overhead microphones pick up sound waves and send them to the ANC/ASC processor, which creates and sends a precisely timed "reverse phase" audio signal to a special amplifier. In turn, the amplifier drives the door speakers to cancel the original noise signal.

ASC is a related technology designed to improve the engine sound quality by making the sound pressure level more linear as the engine revs increase. Typically, engine noise doesn't increase in a linear way with rising revs; instead there can be many resonances that create peaks and valleys in the sound pressure level and an uneven sound. ASC helps smooth out the engine sound by creating a same-phase or reverse-phase sound signal as needed and sending it to the speakers.

Though the system offers benefits from idle to redline, it makes the largest difference in the range between 1400 and 2400 rpm (V6) and 1000 and 1800 rpm (4-cyl.), where it lowers the sound pressure level with a reverse-phase audio signal.

ASC is part of the Integrated Dynamics System (IDS). When the IDS is in ECON or Normal mode, the ASC system is tuned for a smooth, unobtrusive engine sound. When the IDS is switched to Sport or Sport+, the TLX's interior engine sound takes on a more aggressive note.

---End---

Some believe that ANC is cancelling out the bass. I am beginning to agree with them. What do you think? Does anyone know how to access the Diagnostic Mode? Seems this issue was reported in the ILX. Some have said to remove the glove box and disconnect the ANC, but I would rather take the easy way to disable it. If I decide I like the ANC better, I can re-enable.

There is a whole lot of technology in this car!

Here is the link. Go to almost to the bottom of the page and look for ANC.
2015 Acura TLX: Interior - Honda.com

Damned if I can find the ANC setting. Need a phd to figure this car out. Had such good luck with my first model year 2004 that I trusted Acura this time to deliver flawlessly. Well, lesson learned. Next time I'll wait until year 2 into a new model.