Genelec and Absen combine audio and Led screens in Cave Oy simulators

Installing the speakers Genelec in the Aston Martin and F1 simulators Cave Oy, at its headquarters in Finland, provide hyper-realistic sounds for an immersive driving experience, that synchronize perfectly on the LED screens of Roll call.

In the world of Formula 1, technology plays a fundamental role not only in performance on the track, but even before the drivers touch the wheel. Los racing simulators, equipped with next generation AV systems, are increasingly used to reflect the intense atmosphere of a race day.

Not Finland, the audiovisual engineer Andy Symonds, with your company Cave Oy, has gone further by using speaker systems from the manufacturer Genelec to create a unique simulation installation, aimed at nurturing the next generation of Finnish racing talent.

Symonds simulators, located at the Cave Oy headquarters, not Seinäjoki, They are designed with a clear purpose: Give young drivers the opportunity to train in an environment that closely replicates real racing conditions Formula and GT, for which it has counted as partners with Genelec and Roll call, Led screen manufacturer.

“The driver experience has to be exactly the same as on a physical track,” says Symonds.. Regarding visual elements, whether Led or projections are used, it is relatively easy to replicate the race environment. But audio is just as important and it is something that is often overlooked”.

To address this challenge, Symonds turned to Genelec technology, “a premium Finnish audio manufacturer, since I wanted to work with a local company that shared my vision. “I knew they could deliver the precise sound needed to make this simulator truly immersive.”.

The collaboration with Genelec led to the creation of a charitable foundation that enables young drivers in Finland, with ages between 12 y 18 years, access the simulators for free. In addition to this advanced technology, the installation provides access to data engineers and a Formula coach 1 experienced, which offers participants a full training experience.

“The idea was to create a development tool specifically for drivers, not only for automotive engineering, although we can also do it -Symonds emphasizes-. We have had the system in place for over a year and we have already helped several young drivers in their racing careers.”.

The audiovisual system is essential to provide realism to the simulators. Symonds decided to equip the Aston Martin with ten Genelec studio speakers 8340 and two subwoofers 7360, while the Formula Chassis Simulator system 1 It consists of five speakers 8351 and a subwoofer 7380 from this manufacturer.

The driver is sitting in front of a Curved Absen LED panel of 180 degrees and 7 meters in diameter, with Genetec speakers arranged in layers 5.1 (top and bottom) to create a surround sound environment.

“We needed the audio to be loud enough to feel like you're in a real racing car,” Symonds points out.. “It has to be powerful enough to penetrate the helmet and padding worn by the driver., but remain balanced and clear. That's where Genelec's expertise really came into play.”.

The sound system plays a wide range of racing noises, from the low, rumbling roar of the engine to the high-pitched squeal of the tires gripping the tarmac. Each one is perfectly tuned to create the feeling of being on a real racing circuit. “Some drivers have told me that they forgot that they were not on a real track during the session”, points out.

Although the Formula teams 1 have used simulators for years as engineering tools, Symonds facility stands out for focusing on driver development rather than just car optimization.

“F1 teams use simulators mainly to test, designing and refining the performance of cars - explains this engineer -, but here we have created a tool that helps young drivers improve their knowledge of physical tracks, to learn to deal with the challenges they may face during races and to improve their Driving skills in real-time situations”.

An important element of both audio systems is the GLM calibration software de Genelec, which allowed Symonds to adjust the sound with remarkable precision. “With just one click, we achieve the perfect balance, as it ensures that all acoustic problems are minimized and that the sound remains constant. This technology added another layer of realism to the experience. “Drivers feel like they are really on the track and the response has been overwhelmingly positive.”, concludes.