MINI and Harman Kardon®: A Unique Car Meets a Unique Sound System
KARLSBAD, Germany--Fun, lifestyle, quality and innovation: these are attributes both MINI and Harman Kardon� stand for. These two iconic brands strike a balance between style and emotion coupled with a desire for technical perfection and genuine passion. The result is an outstanding listening and driving experience that stimulates all the senses.
This exclusive new partnership was celebrated at an official launch during the MINI United Festival in Silverstone on May 22 - 24, 2009. The partnership has already got off to a great start, with MINI presenting the limited edition ‘MINI 50 Camden’, which features the new sound system from Harman Kardon as standard, as well as the limited edition ‘MINI 50 Mayfair’, which features the Harman Kardon sound system as an option. The audio system has been tailored to the specific acoustic requirements of each MINI model and includes the powerful Harman Kardon DSP amplifier with an output of 480 watts as well as ten speakers positioned around the car for optimum effect.
“MINI and Harman Kardon complement one another perfectly”, says Dr. Klaus Blickle, CEO and President of Harman International Automotive Division. “When you choose MINI you know you are getting a car that is the best in its class with a strong reputation for individuality, a fantastic experience, and a top quality finish. The Harman Kardon sound system that MINI is now offering as a factory-installed option for all models features high quality components and promises MINI drivers superior performance without compromise and impressive sound quality”, continues Dr. Blickle.
Harman Kardon is a world leader in the development and production of high quality audio systems and has worked with the engineers from MINI to design the perfect solution for the entire MINI model range. It was clear from the very start that this was not going to be a standard solution, as each model version has its own unique set of requirements. For example, the MINI convertible needs a system that can offer the same outstanding sound experience whether the top is up or down. This requires close cooperation between the engineers from both brands during the initial design phase. For a faithful, three-dimensional sound, aspects such as the number, size, and position of the loudspeakers must be defined and the individual components have to be matched and acoustically tuned to optimum effect. Once the simulation tests on the virtual model have been successfully completed, the top acoustic experts employ direct audio comparisons in a final critical step to determine whether the results meet the brand’s high standards. Fine nuances are of course allowed where the sound has been tailored to the specific requirements of the model and target group.
