Kia EV9 to get EV-optimised Meridian sound system

Kia has revealed more of the Meridian sound system set to feature in the EV9 SUV.

The system is said to be one of the first to be designed and tuned specifically for the audio characteristics of an electric vehicle, and utilises a total of 14 speakers equipped with a suite of proprietary Digital Signal Processing technologies optimised for this specific acoustic environment.

The premium Meridian sound system in the Kia EV9 gets proprietary Digital Signal Processing algorithms to optimise its 14 speakers to the  precise acoustics of its cabin

Meridian states that the difficulty with delivering a premium audio experience comes less from the total level of the background noise but rather the complexity of noise sources and their varying frequency profiles, which is more difficult to manage with active noise cancelation. Meridian manages this acoustic environment, thanks to the use of proprietary Digital Signal Processing algorithms such as the Meridian RE-Q, while its Meridian Digital Precision technology allows a maximising of the signal-to-noise ratio, said to preserve the natural rhythm of the performance.

The car also gets Meridian Horizon, an upmixing technology that is said to provide multi-channel audio from both two-channel stereo and native 5.1 content to seamlessly deliver a surround sound experience complete with centre image and ambience level controls for the user.

The Kia EV9 also utilises an open-air connected subwoofer, removing the need for a large box enclosure that occupies precious cabin space and is susceptible to creating resonances and rattles.

The EV9 SUV is the third Kia vehicle to feature Meridian technology, following the K8 luxury sports sedan and the EV6 premium electric crossover.