As the automotive industry shifts toward electrification and autonomous driving, the demand for exceptional in-cabin experiences is skyrocketing. To address this trend, Asahi Kasei Microdevices (AKM), a leading semiconductor manufacturer, has partnered with Swedish audio pioneer Dirac to integrate Diracโs AudioIQ smart acoustics platform into AKMโs automotive digital signal processors (DSPs), including the flagship AK7709. Announced on May 19, 2025, this collaboration promises to deliver high-fidelity, immersive in-car audio while significantly reducing the time and complexity of audio tuning for automakers.
Meeting the Demand for High-Fidelity In-Car Audio
The rise of electric and driverless vehicles has transformed the in-cabin experience into a critical differentiator for automakers. According to Asahi Kaseiโs 2023 automotive survey, passengers increasingly prioritize premium in-car entertainment, with high-quality audio at the forefront. The AKM-Dirac partnership addresses this demand by combining AKMโs proven audio DSP technology with Diracโs advanced AudioIQ platform, creating a scalable solution that delivers lifelike sound across every seat in the vehicle.
Diracโs AudioIQ is a fully scalable audio optimization platform that leverages measurement-based tuning and advanced signal processing to ensure consistent, high-quality sound, regardless of cabin acoustics or speaker placement. By embedding AudioIQ into AKMโs DSPs, this partnership eliminates the need for labor-intensive manual tuning, enabling automakers to achieve best-in-class audio performance with reduced time-to-market.
Elevating Automotive Audio with Cutting-Edge Technology
AKM has a storied history in automotive audio, having shipped over 200 million audio DSPs over the past two decades. These DSPs are widely used in vehicle infotainment systems, voice solutions, and other audio applications. The integration of Diracโs smart acoustics software enhances AKMโs existing portfolio, including proprietary features like Dynamic Sound Control (DSC), which adapts music balance to changing road conditions, and Karaoke Mode, which offers low-latency echo cancellation and howling suppression for enhanced in-cabin entertainment.
Takeshi Fujita, General Manager for ES Project at AKM, emphasized the significance of the partnership: โWith the electrification of vehicles and growing demand for premium passenger experiences, high-quality in-cabin sound has never been more critical. Our collaboration with Dirac allows us to pair our industry-proven DSPs with cutting-edge smart acoustics software to create a more natural and immersive acoustic environment for every seat in the vehicle.โ
Diracโs AudioIQ: A Game-Changer for Automotive Audio
Diracโs AudioIQ platform is designed to simplify and enhance audio system implementation. By combining measurement-based tuning with advanced signal processing, AudioIQ minimizes manual calibration while supporting a wide range of system complexities. This ensures that automakers can deliver high-fidelity audio tailored to any vehicleโs cabin configuration, from compact sedans to luxury SUVs.
Ramzi Khalaf, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Dirac, highlighted the shared vision behind the collaboration: โOur partnership with AKM reflects our commitment to making premium in-car audio more accessible and efficient to implement. By embedding Dirac AudioIQ into AKMโs leading DSPs, weโre empowering automakers to deliver best-in-class sound performance without the cost and complexity of traditional tuning methods.โ
A Future-Ready Partnership for Automotive Audio Innovation
The AKM-Dirac partnership is poised to shape the future of automotive audio. Looking ahead, the two companies plan to expand their collaboration to support next-generation AKM audio DSPs, creating a scalable platform for ongoing innovation. This will enable automakers to stay ahead of evolving consumer expectations for immersive, high-fidelity in-car entertainment.
As vehicles become more autonomous, the in-cabin experience will continue to play a pivotal role in defining brand value. With AKMโs robust DSP technology and Diracโs smart acoustics expertise, this partnership is well-positioned to deliver the ultimate audio experience for drivers and passengers alike.
