Ford Audio Engineers Create Concert-Hall Quality Sound In 2013 Escape Crossover

When it comes to the next generation of its popular Escape compact crossover, Ford is leaving nothing to chance, perfecting every aspect of the all-new 2013 model.

In order to make owning the all-new Escape as enjoyable as possible, a team of sound engineers was assembled to create a concert-hall quality audio experience in the cabin. The tuning process has two steps. The first stage is the objective portion, where the engineers monitor sound wave files on laptops hooked up to speakers within the vehicle. The second stage is the subjective portion, relying on a good set of human ears to find the most pleasing quality.

Carefully-selected song recordings were used to test and tune the Escape’s sound system. For example, Stevie Ray Vaughn’s cover of Jimi Hendrix classic “Little Wing” featured a distinct buzzing sound coming from single-coil pickup amplified by tubes. Ford’s audio specialists zeroed in on the song’s characteristics to evaluate tonal balance, ensure quality in the bass region, and to ensure a wide sound stage available in the system.

Next, Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” a cappella was used to evaluate center staging. Rihanna’s “S.O.S.” was used as well to tune clean bass when mixed with vocals and to make sure that the tweeters will not sound shrill. Other songs were used to ensure dynamics, imaging depth, spatial qualities, as well as bass extension to ensure strong bass won’t shake the doors.

According to audio engineer Christine Templin, “We tuned the audio system so that it sounds natural — as if you’re listening to music inside a theater rather than in your vehicle.”

Available this spring, the Escape will offer three audio options: the standard six-speaker system, a nine-speaker system, and finally a Sony 10-speaker system.