Good Morning! I downloaded a db measuring app on my phone this morning and tested it to see what I showed. Here is what I saw:

• 11db - @ 0 mph, Engine off
• 24db - @ 0 mph, EV mode engaged, no ICE engine, no AC
• 33db - @ 0 mph, EV mode engaged, no ICE engine, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 41db - @ 0 mph, ICE engine engaged, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 44db - @ 40 mph on asphalt pavement, EV mode engaged, no ICE engine, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 52db - @ 40 mph on asphalt pavement, ICE engine engaged, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 58db - @ 60 mph on asphalt pavement, EV mode engaged, no ICE engine, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 61db - @ 60 mph on asphalt pavement, ICE engine engaged, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed

*** There was no measurable difference when driving with the AC on or off which surprised me. I would have expected a few db drop but it did not show that on the app.

 

I'd be really curious to know what numbers the app gets in your MDX Sport Hybrid for comparison (or even other brands luxury sedans you may be getting a ride in).
Thanks for all of the great information you provide.

 

Does the RLX have Active Noise Control?

 

^^I'm pretty sure the RLX does have active noise cancellation, but I don't know where the mics are. In my old RL, I remember holding my finger over the mic in the overhead console and being able to hear the "growl" of the exhaust very prominently.

 

I did not think about the noise cancelling device, but it is for sure very quiet. I will do the same with the MDX Sport Hybrid and report back. I did the same thing with a professional noise measuring device soon after I purchased the Blackbird, and I don't know how these app measurements compare, but I am just reporting what I saw off of my phone. Just so you know I placed the phone screen up in the center console where the cup holders for the test.

 

I'm betting MDX is quieter

 

Here are the data points for the MDX Sport Hybrid:

• 13db - @ 0 mph, Engine off
• 29db - @ 0 mph, EV mode engaged, no ICE engine, no AC
• 40db - @ 0 mph, EV mode engaged, no ICE engine, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 55db - @ 0 mph, ICE engine engaged, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 58db - @ 40 mph on asphalt pavement, EV mode engaged, no ICE engine, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 64db - @ 40 mph on asphalt pavement, ICE engine engaged, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 66db - @ 57 mph on asphalt pavement, EV mode engaged, no ICE engine, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed (coasting downhill)
• 63db - @ 57 mph on asphalt pavement, EV mode engaged, no ICE engine, AC off (coasting downhill)
• 66db - @ 57 mph on asphalt pavement, ICE engine engaged, AC operating with two bars on the fan speed
• 65db - @ 57 mph on asphalt pavement, ICE engine engaged, AC off

I was thinking just before I turned on the app that I expected the MDX to be slightly noisier, but was shocked that it was as much as what I saw. Another thing, in my RLX data noted above, 60mph readings were actually at 57 mph and I just now realized I typed it in wrong on my post. My apologies for the inaccuracy. Also with the MDX, the fan speed noise at every level is much more than in the RLX as I suspected.

 

AC Fan is definitely louder in MDX - more powerful I suspect.
I'm surprised at the AC off compared to RLX. My MDX seems much quieter than my PAWS RLX

 

^^MDX = More windows, more space, more powerful (thus louder) fan needed? Just a hunch. Good info.

 

I can't explain for the differences. I thought the MDX was not as quiet as the RLX, but the measured differences surprised me. To my ear the lowest setting for the fan speed in the MDX is louder than the 2nd step up fan speed in the RLX. I wonder if the shapes of the tubing behind the dash are the cause? The interesting point of interest was how little change there was in measured noise between 40 and 57 mph in the MDX. By no means would I characterize it as "noisy" as the frequency is not objectionable. However the RLX Sport Hybrid does sound particularly quiet at the same speeds.

One funny note, when I was doing my tests I was coming back from the store and the sound of the plastic bags moving around was making enough of a racket that it inflated the numbers, so I stowed them in the back and then got the numbers I reported. It was about a 10db difference. I guess the microphone on the phone is really sensitive.

 

Ha . . . . that also helps to validate the readings. Mix in an outside source of noise to muck with the readings. Brilliant!

 

plastic bags!! where is your environmental sense of duty

 

Don't I get an environmental credit for using two hybrids? Awww Geez. If it makes up for anything, I do recycle the bags along with all of my plastic containers and paper/cardboard.

 

What is interesting is how much outside noise of other cars or trucks passing by made the db reading jump up. What I was reporting was what the settled numbers without any outside extra noises, OR noise from plastic bags from the grocery store to foul up the readings.

 

You're forgiven
Every hybrid should come with at least one multiple use grocery bag. Remember I'm from CA. We don't even allow plastic in most places and you have to pay .25 for a paper bag.

 

Sir thank you sir!

 

Did you try turning off the rear AC completely? I know the whole HVAC system in the MDX gets quieter, when you switch the rear AC off........

Just a suggestion.....

 

Never thought of it. I'll see if it makes any difference.