Soundaktor/Sound Generator on 718

[Motorhead]

The Soundaktor is an electronically controlled speaker-like mechanical device attached to the rear bulkhead designed to ‘enhance’ cabin noise. VAG have been using it for some time on VWs, etc., but Porsche have adopted it for use on the 718-series cars.

There’s quite a lot of chatter online about the merits of disconnecting the device on Golfs and 718s and I’m wondering if anyone here has taken the plunge and can provide any input to the discussion? Activation will be RPM dependent at least, and the unit will be on the CAN bus so I’m not sure about the advisability of disconnection, although it doesn’t appear to throw up any warning messages. Maybe the safest thing to do would be physical disconnection of the unit(s) from the bulkhead?

Here’s a relevant link:

https://www.718forum.com/threads/soundaktor-sound-generator.7698/

Jeff

 

[Scrounger]

I've done it on mine Jeff, but rather than disconnecting it at the module I've taken the fuse out. Engine is now more 'mechanical' and the base sound system seems better.

No more false boomy noise for me and I've had no warnings.

Dan

 

[jimbo761]

Hi Jeff

I have removed it on mine in the past at different times using both methods. Although either works well I found directly unplugging the unit a little fiddly, removing the fuse is quicker, and is also easier to reconnect subsequently if you need to take it back into your OPC.

It will throw a (temporary) error code until reconnected.

To me the effect of disconnection removes the low and intrusive bass sound that is most noticeable in the cabin on hard acceleration in sport mode, with the added benefit you can also hear the real engine sound much more clearly. I find this, despite unfavourable reviews of the F4 sound, to be quite pleasant.

I believe this configuration is preferable particularly on very long drives where I find it far less fatiguing. That said I haven't disconnected it again since my last OPC visit back in September, as during the Covid period I'm not using the car as often. I fully expect to remove the fuse again in the future when my mileage increases.

James

 

[PHB1969]

From what I’ve read, the soundaktor isn’t present on the 2.5 GTS.

 

[mikeg]

Removed the fuse (2 minute job - info on 718 Forum) and found I could actually have a conversation in the car without a loud drone in the background.

No warnings or error codes.

 

[octupe]

Thanks for that link, I didnt know that was a thing in the 718. Recently I was wondering why my manual 718 has a change in exhaust tone at idle when sport mode is active, even though revs are slightly elevated. Matching the same revs without sprort mode doesnt produce the same sound inside the cabin.

 

[Motorhead]

Thanks for your feedback chaps. It seems that many Golf and Porsche owners prefer the sound when the device is disconnected, and good to hear that it’s not causing any warning messages.

I’m from a sound and vibration consulting background - much of it vehicle refinement related - and I’m not overly keen on these electromechanical devices [soundpipes are another] to enhance interior sound quality. Better in my experience to augment the sound via the speaker system assuming it’s of good quality, although manufacturers have met with variable success. Renault made a mess of it and BMW’s approach is somewhat lacklustre. Jaguar on the other hand have used this method for quite a while, very successfully in my opinion, engineering the sound carefully for different driving conditions [WOT, constant speed cruising, etc.] and different vehicles in their range.

Full EVs aside, like it or not the introduction of sound-attenuating GPFs in exhaust systems and ever more stringent EU exterior noise regulations are going to make manufactures look even more to the use of artificial sound enhancement in the cabin.

Just my personal opinion of course.

Jeff

 

[Scrounger]

Give it a go Jeff. If you don't like it just put the fuse back in.

 

[Motorhead]

Ha, Ha! I see you haven’t noticed that I run a 987.2 CS Dan, so it’s not applicable, and my ancient Mk5 Golf GTi is very much pre-Soundaktor. I don’t think the 981-series cars had it either and it was only introduced on the turbo cars, although Paul reckons that it’s only featured on the 2.0L and not the GTS [and presumably the S].

As per my Post#7 above I’m just an interested party.

Jeff