Those rear center console speakers

**bclark** · 08-01-2006

In the past, much debate has occurred in these R171 forums about those
rear center console speakers. Tonight, on the commute home in
global warming temps, the iPOD a'blazing on shuffle served up some
Flaming Lips "Do You Realize?" As you may recall, it begins with a funky
"O..n..e, T..w..o, T..h..r..e..e, F..o..u..r" that in this venue (an SLK)
issued forth entirely from those rear center console speaker. Yes,
LYRICS, not simply ambience piped into the cockpit from the
rear. Whoa!

*easty* · 08-02-2006

Congrats cannot really say i've noticed them much. Maybe I should play a little classical and listen real careful

**reallife** · 08-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by bclark

In the past, much debate has occurred in these R171 forums about those
rear center console speakers. Tonight, on the commute home in
global warming temps, the iPOD a'blazing on shuffle served up some
Flaming Lips "Do You Realize?" As you may recall, it begins with a funky
"O..n..e, T..w..o, T..h..r..e..e, F..o..u..r" that in this venue (an SLK)
issued forth entirely from those rear center console speaker. Yes,
LYRICS, not simply ambience piped into the cockpit from the
rear. Whoa!

Yes, I have noticed vocals and real music from these speakers as well. If you put your ear up to them you can hear it distinctly. Ordinarily, the sound level is reduced so as to be just below your hearing threshold but great enough to add some ambience or fullness to the overall effect. I have always enjoyed the system and often listen in the car while sitting in the garage with the top up. The quality is amazing, notwithstanding all the complaints from people who haven't bothered to give the system an objective listening.

Zut · 08-02-2006

Lyrics probably can be heard from the rear but I don't think this is the main purpose of the rear speakers. I believe these speakers mainly help create an ambience within the cabin. Although it seems like the main audio source remains in the front, the rear speakers make it possible to keep the sound levels balanced. It is a thankless job but without these speakers, the overall sound would probably not be so smooth. I have friends who are very picky when it comes to audio and they were rather impressed by the quality of the SLK sound system. So far, my only disappointment as far as sound is concerned is the automatic sound-level control. I think mine doesn't work.

Dinoman · 08-02-2006

Zut, I've tried to listen closely for evidence that the volume does adjust automatically based on ambient noise levels. If in fact it does so, it is beyond the capability of my poor ears to hear. Maybe you have to have a dog in the car to confirm that it's working?

Dinoman

DansSlk · 08-02-2006

I also find it easy to hear the rear speakers in ones in the console a little better than the ones each side of the car.

Zut the auto levelling consists of a microphone in the overhead console and some software in the gateway that enables it above a certain speed the Mic listens for the sound the speakers are producing and can then work out the background noise.

It goes wrong a lot sometimes the Mic goes pop as its only a tiny little thing and cant really handle the output of the system but more often the cause if SW there are many new releases of it have the dealer update to the latest one when you are next there it might help fix it.

*easty* · 08-02-2006

I played with this a little on the way to work and considering there are 7 speakers its strange theres only a left right balance. Be cool to play with the speakers individual and see the effecting result.

noregret4life · 08-02-2006

I think the positioning of the speakers on the car in the rear (not the center ones) is below ear level for most of us. And the the bucket seat design, most of the sound ends up getting diverted behind the seat.

A while ago i used to have an little device that came with a set of computer speakers that allowed you to control the amount or rear speaker output by downfeeding specifically to the rear channels.

I wonder if it would work the same on the SLK. Since it uses simply RCA connectors and 3.5mm headphone jack, i think i can give it a try with the Aux port and an MP3 player.

Will dig it up and let you know.

Zut · 08-02-2006

When I drive with the top down at speeds exceeding 100kmh on a noisy motorway, I have to turn up the volume manually and when I stop the volume is excessively high and I must turn it down manually again. I thought the auto levelling system was supposed to take care of that.

DansSlk · 08-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zut

When I drive with the top down at speeds exceeding 100kmh on a noisy motorway, I have to turn up the volume manually and when I stop the volume is excessively high and I must turn it down manually again. I thought the auto levelling system was supposed to take care of that.

Ah right mine does not work in those situations either the system is not really well designed the Mic is in a place where wind noise does affect it badly and if it can't hear the sound system running then it will think it is on quiet and wont function.

It works OK with the roof closed does it?

Zut · 08-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

It works OK with the roof closed does it?

I honestly don't know!!! The closed cabin remains surprisingly quiet even at very high speeds. So, I am not even sure the auto levelling device is needed. Or perhaps it is so efficient I am not aware of the work it does!

DansSlk · 08-02-2006

You should notice it working at higher volumes the way i test it is to slow to a crawl turn the volume up then accelerate and listen to the increases they are noticeable if you listen close.

It might be worth checking yours as they are prone to failure the option some people go for it to have the Mic disconnected and another installed in the foot-well the auto-increase still works but there is less wind-noise so it is more efficient at speed

RacerCub68 · 08-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zut

I honestly don't know!!! The closed cabin remains surprisingly quiet even at very high speeds. So, I am not even sure the auto levelling device is needed. Or perhaps it is so efficient I am not aware of the work it does!

I struggle to hear the tiny little speakers behind the seat belts or the ones really far up in the footwell that I just found. However, I do remember seeing you can fade the music in my Command, but you first have to turn the Surround Sound off, and it is in a weird place.

Yes, I can hear my leveling easily. The causeway to the beach ends abruptly from 55 MPH (74 is my usual) to a 30 MPH zone and a stop light. When slowing down rapidly, I can hear the music level go down a little more then it should when the top is up.

The feature first premiered on my '94 S500, and it was tied only to speed, so it only was useful when the windows were down. However, I think the SLK's listening version is much better. I can tell it works more accurately then the Mark Levinson in my Lexus LS430.

The Mark Levinson, BTW, can be optimized based on the listen stage. You can set it for driver only, driver & front seat passanger, and all 4 seats. It changes the processing and is an intersting effect. Who the hell is Mark Levinson, anyway?

BTW, if you ever get a chance to hear the BOSE stereo in a '94 S500, it is the best sound system I have ever heard in a car OR a house! Four 10" subwoofers, each handling a different frequency range, 15 total speakers. Stereo in all 5 seating positions. Of course that car had dual glass windows.

Zut · 08-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

You should notice it working at higher volumes the way i test it is to slow to a crawl turn the volume up then accelerate and listen to the increases they are noticeable if you listen close.

It might be worth checking yours as they are prone to failure the option some people go for it to have the Mic disconnected and another installed in the foot-well the auto-increase still works but there is less wind-noise so it is more efficient at speed

Where exactly in the microphone installed?

DansSlk · 08-02-2006

If you look at your RVM you will see a small opening almost elliptical the Mic is hidden behind there or behind the middle of the 3 grills on the overhead console it depends on a few things but it will be one of those two places

Zut · 08-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by DansSlk

If you look at your RVM you will see a small opening almost elliptical the Mic is hidden behind there or behind the middle of the 3 grills on the overhead console it depends on a few things but it will be one of those two places

Thanks! I shall test it tonight.

DansSlk · 08-02-2006

Glad to help

**jbarnaby** · 08-02-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by reallife

Yes, I have noticed vocals and real music from these speakers as well. If you put your ear up to them you can hear it distinctly. Ordinarily, the sound level is reduced so as to be just below your hearing threshold but great enough to add some ambience or fullness to the overall effect. I have always enjoyed the system and often listen in the car while sitting in the garage with the top up. The quality is amazing, notwithstanding all the complaints from people who haven't bothered to give the system an objective listening.

I have to agree with Reallife, granted I have only had my dream car for a week, I have already spent much time sitting in and listening to the great sound system. That I have heard alot of concerns about no fade control, or that the rear speakers do not work or do not have adjustments. I like to think of this as a "feature" rather than and "issue". I have worked as a professional in the audiofile business for over 35 yrs, plus I am an avid Home Theater enthusiast, so I have a theory (no facts) as to why the center rear fireing speakers (surrounds) act the way they do.

First, the rear speakers are more simular to those rear channel speakers of a Home Theater system - purpose to fill the forward looking sound stage with realistic reflective yet subtle sound.

Second, car owners over the years have become accustom to the 2 channel stereo provided in older vechcles - where the "boom" and mid-range volume came from the rear. User then adjusted the fade control to bring in the front (typically) smaller speakers to develop an all encompassing sound.

Third, the Logic7 system is not stereo (L-R 2 channels) it is 7.1 processed surround sound creating a realistic forward facing aural environment. An evironment to replicate theater/concert environment. (i.e. just like Home Theater system) .

I am on the fence, however, on whether MB should provide controls for adjusting surround... not sure if it is necessary. I know us tweakers can't stand not having control or adjustment options.

But unlike the Home Theater system where you have control to make adjustment, the automoblie does not have the same aural design issues.

The home theater listening environment is unique in every home. (Not the case in my SLK.) For example, a home theater has to be set up and customized to match the location of "centers stage" to the location of the primary listening/seating position. Adjustment varies, of course, based on the size of the room, height of the ceiling, windows, type furniture, floor covering,, wall acoustics, etc. So, you can agree that this is not case in the static SLK seating arrangement. (Not much room for you to move furniture arround.

)

Well, that's my professional opinion, for what it is worth, without having any MB factual engineering data. So, i guess the bottom line is to enjoy your surround sound listening environment, without the painful lose of hearing in your right ear.

Just my thoughts.

noregret4life · 08-02-2006

Thanks for the great input...

I agree, i really love the sound in our SLK with 7.1 HK. Though us tweekers always want more buttons, i think the performace on the audio system for a car our size is above average...

if you just stop to think that in such a small space for 2 people there are 11 speakers (actually 12 if you count physical speakers as there are 2 in the center console-they must output the same so MB counted them as 1)

I love the system, before i got my SLK i was already planning on the Audio upgrade... Subs, amps... mids.. so on. But once i heard it with a high quality MP3, i was very pleased.

08-01-2006	#1 (permalink)
bclark Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Oak Park, Illinois, USA Vehicle: 2005 Black SLK Posts: 262 Country: Thanks: 5 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Those rear center console speakers In the past, much debate has occurred in these R171 forums about those rear center console speakers. Tonight, on the commute home in global warming temps, the iPOD a'blazing on shuffle served up some Flaming Lips "Do You Realize?" As you may recall, it begins with a funky "O..n..e, T..w..o, T..h..r..e..e, F..o..u..r" that in this venue (an SLK) issued forth entirely from those rear center console speaker. Yes, LYRICS, not simply ambience piped into the cockpit from the rear. Whoa!

08-02-2006	#2 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	Congrats cannot really say i've noticed them much. Maybe I should play a little classical and listen real careful __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-02-2006	#6 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I also find it easy to hear the rear speakers in ones in the console a little better than the ones each side of the car. Zut the auto levelling consists of a microphone in the overhead console and some software in the gateway that enables it above a certain speed the Mic listens for the sound the speakers are producing and can then work out the background noise. It goes wrong a lot sometimes the Mic goes pop as its only a tiny little thing and cant really handle the output of the system but more often the cause if SW there are many new releases of it have the dealer update to the latest one when you are next there it might help fix it. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-02-2006	#7 (permalink)
easty Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montreal Vehicle: ///AMG Posts: 2,075 Country: Thanks: 17 Thanked 19 Times in 9 Posts	I played with this a little on the way to work and considering there are 7 speakers its strange theres only a left right balance. Be cool to play with the speakers individual and see the effecting result. __________________ "I'm not a roman mum, I'm a kike, a yid, a heebie, a hook-nose, I'm kosher mum, I'm a Red Sea pedestrian, and proud of it!" Life of Brian To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

08-02-2006	#12 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	You should notice it working at higher volumes the way i test it is to slow to a crawl turn the volume up then accelerate and listen to the increases they are noticeable if you listen close. It might be worth checking yours as they are prone to failure the option some people go for it to have the Mic disconnected and another installed in the foot-well the auto-increase still works but there is less wind-noise so it is more efficient at speed __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-02-2006	#4 (permalink)
Zut Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montréal QC Vehicle: 2006 SLK350 Posts: 805 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Lyrics probably can be heard from the rear but I don't think this is the main purpose of the rear speakers. I believe these speakers mainly help create an ambience within the cabin. Although it seems like the main audio source remains in the front, the rear speakers make it possible to keep the sound levels balanced. It is a thankless job but without these speakers, the overall sound would probably not be so smooth. I have friends who are very picky when it comes to audio and they were rather impressed by the quality of the SLK sound system. So far, my only disappointment as far as sound is concerned is the automatic sound-level control. I think mine doesn't work.

08-02-2006	#5 (permalink)
Dinoman Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Rochester, NY Vehicle: 2004 SL 500, Firemist Red/Charcoal, Panorama Roof; 2006 SLK 350, Firemist Red/Red Posts: 240 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Zut, I've tried to listen closely for evidence that the volume does adjust automatically based on ambient noise levels. If in fact it does so, it is beyond the capability of my poor ears to hear. Maybe you have to have a dog in the car to confirm that it's working? Dinoman

08-02-2006	#8 (permalink)
noregret4life Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Vehicle: '05 SLK350 Posts: 1,092 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	I think the positioning of the speakers on the car in the rear (not the center ones) is below ear level for most of us. And the the bucket seat design, most of the sound ends up getting diverted behind the seat. A while ago i used to have an little device that came with a set of computer speakers that allowed you to control the amount or rear speaker output by downfeeding specifically to the rear channels. I wonder if it would work the same on the SLK. Since it uses simply RCA connectors and 3.5mm headphone jack, i think i can give it a try with the Aux port and an MP3 player. Will dig it up and let you know.

08-02-2006	#9 (permalink)
Zut Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Montréal QC Vehicle: 2006 SLK350 Posts: 805 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	When I drive with the top down at speeds exceeding 100kmh on a noisy motorway, I have to turn up the volume manually and when I stop the volume is excessively high and I must turn it down manually again. I thought the auto levelling system was supposed to take care of that.

08-02-2006	#15 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	If you look at your RVM you will see a small opening almost elliptical the Mic is hidden behind there or behind the middle of the 3 grills on the overhead console it depends on a few things but it will be one of those two places __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-02-2006	#17 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Glad to help __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

08-02-2006	#19 (permalink)
noregret4life Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: NJ Vehicle: '05 SLK350 Posts: 1,092 Country: Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 11 Posts	Thanks for the great input... I agree, i really love the sound in our SLK with 7.1 HK. Though us tweekers always want more buttons, i think the performace on the audio system for a car our size is above average... if you just stop to think that in such a small space for 2 people there are 11 speakers (actually 12 if you count physical speakers as there are 2 in the center console-they must output the same so MB counted them as 1) I love the system, before i got my SLK i was already planning on the Audio upgrade... Subs, amps... mids.. so on. But once i heard it with a high quality MP3, i was very pleased.