When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hi,
I'm having an aftermarket stereo installed in the vehicle and I don't have to hear the fake engine noise that's pumped in through the speakers. Anyone know how to disable the module that's responsible for this?
Quite a number of us would like this as well. I've never understood the point of making a substantial effort to build a tight, solid SUV and then pump in fake engine sounds through the speakers.
I find the idea of piping in fake engine noise appalling! If I want to hear the engine roar, I will change the exhaust. Give me a quiet cabin with sounds I select to fill it with!
There's fake engine noise through the speakers? I hear the rumble on acceleration but it's quiet once it reaches cruising speed.
Yes, that is how it works. For the Advance, they pipe that in during acceleration then it gets quieter at cruising speed. I understand the A-Spec has even louder engine sound.
It's not too bad and I guess I have gotten used to it.. I do often wonder that the true engine/exhaust sound is!
I read in another thread that the ANC module is behind a panel near the gas pedal but I didn’t find where exactly. I think in the ILX model, the ANC and the Active Sound Control are one unit. Could it be the same for the RDX?
Yes, that is how it works. For the Advance, they pipe that in during acceleration then it gets quieter at cruising speed. I understand the A-Spec has even louder engine sound.
It's not too bad and I guess I have gotten used to it.. I do often wonder that the true engine/exhaust sound is!
All RDX trims have Active Sound Control (which includes Active Noise Cancellation) - not just the Advance trim. I've never read anything published by Honda (press releases, owner's manuals, service information) that suggests the ASC in the A-Spec trim is tuned differently.
Originally Posted by specie
I read in another thread that the ANC module is behind a panel near the gas pedal but I didn’t find where exactly. I think in the ILX model, the ANC and the Active Sound Control are one unit. Could it be the same for the RDX?
It's one module that handles both functions - reducing "unwanted" noise while "enhancing" other sounds.
I am a lurker in this forum for a while until today I decided to subscribe. Looking forward to be an active member.
IsthereanyilleffectbypullingtheANCmodule?
I don’t like the fake engine noise. I have a white diamond pearl 19’ RDX A-spec with red interior.
The ill effect would be more noise, from multiple sources. In the interest of shaving weight, physical sound insulation and dampening materials are being reduced and active noise cancellation is taking its place.
But AFAIK the car will run fine and otherwise operate normally. In other Honda/Acura vehicles it's not uncommon for guys to disconnect the ANC if they install aftermarket audio systems.
Be advised that the engine noise and exhaust note may not be especially pleasing to the ear, without the "doctoring".
It is my understanding this module provides both noise cancellation and fake engine noise. I'd like the latter shut off completely but I would like to retain the former. IMO this could only be done through programming, i.e. an internal system adjustment. Perhaps Hondata offers something besides just more turbo boost? Wouldn't it be epic to tick off a box that says FAKE ENGINE NOISE and be done with it?
On a fifty thousand dollar ride, the last damn thing I want to hear is piped in engine roar. Beyond stupidity
I completely agree. I had the RDX at the dealer for 4 days fixing a myriad of quality issues and had a 2018 MDX Technology Package as a loaner. I like the quiet ride of the MDX and quiet engine. Wish the fake engine noise can be turn off. Considering the care is heavily customizable vi software I wish Acura come up with an update to disable it.
Aftet a week with the MDX I am glad I picked the RDX.
I had the RDX at the dealer for 4 days fixing a myriad of quality issues and had a 2018 MDX Technology Package as a loaner. I like the quiet ride of the MDX and quiet engine. [...]
Aftet a week with the MDX I am glad I picked the RDX.
I like my RDX, and our MDXs, but I think I missed something here.
The TLX forum has a lot on disabling the ANC module. Supposedly unplugging it does not cause any problems.
For the RDX I have not unplugged my ANC as yet but I did try turning it off by putting the entertainment unit in diagnosis mode.
I can turn it off in the software but it does not stay off.
Anyone here that can figure this out??
I like my RDX, and our MDXs, but I think I missed something here.
The MDX drive like a sedan and the aging infortainment is why I didn’t like it. The two screen system and interior is dated. Even the 2019 with A-spec didn’t change much.
I might change my mind in 2020ish when it get a new redesign. The MDX was on our shopping list but we backed out after we saw the RDX.
This is the module. Just tug on the plastic side panel next to the gas pedal and it’ll eventually come off and you’ll see it. Easy to plug/unplug. I’ve been having some issues with my aftermarket stereo but as far as I can tell, it doesn’t affect anything else. No more fake engine noise, no more subwoofer hum, but it feels like there’s some element of ANC (this could just be issues from my stereo that still needs to be resolved).
This is the module. Just tug on the plastic side panel next to the gas pedal and it’ll eventually come off and you’ll see it. Easy to plug/unplug. I’ve been having some issues with my aftermarket stereo but as far as I can tell, it doesn’t affect anything else. No more fake engine noise, no more subwoofer hum, but it feels like there’s some element of ANC (this could just be issues from my stereo that still needs to be resolved).
do you notice how quieter it is with that unplugged, what is the difference for you
I’m having issues with an aftermarket stereo so I can’t give an objective assessment. It takes 5-10 minutes, requires no tools, and it’s completely reversible.
The MDX drive like a sedan and the aging infortainment is why I didn’t like it. The two screen system and interior is dated. Even the 2019 with A-spec didn’t change much.
I might change my mind in 2020ish when it get a new redesign. The MDX was on our shopping list but we backed out after we saw the RDX.
We have a 2014 MDX Tech SH-AWD ( hers ) in addition to my 2019 RDX Advance SH-AWD, and I agree on all counts. But I'll have to pry the physical shift lever out of my wife's cold, dead fingers.
Supposedly there is "enhancement" of the engine sound in 3rd-gen MDX, but it's much more subtle than 2019 RDX.
I’m having issues with an aftermarket stereo so I can’t give an objective assessment. It takes 5-10 minutes, requires no tools, and it’s completely reversible.
I personally don’t mind the piped in noise, I told my buddy the noise was actually piped in and they had no clue and then said that was stupid, but if we were never told we would have no clue, although from the looks of it the entertainment system could EASILY have an option to turn it off if Honda allowed it, as from the diag screen it proves they can talk to each other
I personally don’t mind the piped in noise, I told my buddy the noise was actually piped in and they had no clue and then said that was stupid, but if we were never told we would have no clue, although from the looks of it the entertainment system could EASILY have an option to turn it off if Honda allowed it, as from the diag screen it proves they can talk to each other
So my RDX is broken in (1000 miles) and today I selected Sport mode on the highway. The manual said first 600 miles to take it easy but I want to do the extra mile. My wife notice the engine is noisier compared to comfort mode. I will try Sport + mode next time to see how loud. The piped in engine noise is definitely more pronounce.
Im wondering if turning it off will sound worse. Large displacement 4 bangers are hardly the best sounding engines. I dont mind the sound at all and I wondetr if Acura didnt advertise it if anyone would even notice or care.
That is a fair comment, but IMO allowing some user configurability (including a full "OFF") would have been best. Watching online reviews since this technology first appeared, it has been met with a tepid response at best. From that the corporate planners should have surmised some greater control over the sound would be ideal.
So my RDX is broken in (1000 miles) and today I selected Sport mode on the highway. The manual said first 600 miles to take it easy but I want to do the extra mile. My wife notice the engine is noisier compared to comfort mode. I will try Sport + mode next time to see how loud. The piped in engine noise is definitely more pronounce.
Yes, somewhere hidden in the Owner's Manual is a comment that the piped-in engine/exhaust sound is more pronounced in Sport and Sport+ modes. It's not your imagination.
So is the piped in engine noise what cancels out unwanted noise? Or is there additional white noise that cancels out unwanted noise? I've been into this area since installing my radar detector, takes about 5 seconds to pull that side panel off so I will give this a try sometime this week.
So is the piped in engine noise what cancels out unwanted noise? Or is there additional white noise that cancels out unwanted noise? I've been into this area since installing my radar detector, takes about 5 seconds to pull that side panel off so I will give this a try sometime this week.
Piped in 'enhanced engine sound' and 'noise cancellation' are two different functions.
Before I bought my RDX, and reading about this "feature" here, I was concerned about this enhanced engine sound. After owning it almost 2 weeks, It is not an issue at all. I drive mostly in Comfort mode, but have tried out Sport and Sport+. I made "much ado about nothing"
So is the piped in engine noise what cancels out unwanted noise? Or is there additional white noise that cancels out unwanted noise? I've been into this area since installing my radar detector, takes about 5 seconds to pull that side panel off so I will give this a try sometime this week.
No and no.
The piped in engine noise is intended to make the engine and exhaust noise more pleasant to hear. One might imagine the little high-strung 4-banger is rather harsh sounding otherwise. Presumably the piped-in engine noise is predominantly low-frequency, to emulate the throaty rumble of an old-school V8 muscle car. But it is timed to coincide with and modify existing noise.
ANC does NOT emit white noise. Ever. It emits targeted sound that is out-of-phase with the dominant background noise in an attempt to decrease the overall sound level by cancellation. "Masking" white noise would increase the overall sound level. White noise, by definition, is randomly distributed over a frequency range; it is not targeted.
Agreed, however, correct me if I'm wrong, is it not the same system which does both in the RDX?
Depends on what you mean by 'system'. The consensus is it's the same physical piece of equipment that houses the electronics for both functions. It's possible that the one physical 'box' contains multiple separate electronic systems (computers if you will) - or both functions could be integrated into one. Since the two functions produce opposite results, one adding noise and the other cancelling it, my money is it's separate electronic systems.
Depends on what you mean by 'system'. The consensus is it's the same physical piece of equipment that houses the electronics for both functions. It's possible that the one physical 'box' contains multiple separate electronic systems (computers if you will) - or both functions could be integrated into one. Since the two functions produce opposite results, one adding noise and the other cancelling it, my money is it's separate electronic systems.
Next level sleuthing: crack open the black box.
But as I discovered many years ago, the real trick is getting it back together again.
01-15-2019, 05:43 PM
