Photo: Electric Moose
Tesla’s Model S refresh owners recently gained an Active Road Noise Reduction feature via software update, similar to how active noise cancellation works on headphones. The feature aims to counteract road noise while driving for a quieter experience. Just how well does it work?
A new video depicting the empirical data on a Tesla Model S Plaid’s Active Road Noise Reduction feature was shared on Tuesday by Electric Moose, showing how the feature dampens outside noise at a variety of different frequencies (via Reddit).
The Model S Plaid Active Road Noise Reduction feature can be turned on or off, and this video shows an equalizer depicting the actual differences between noise levels with the feature engaged or disengaged.
An iPhone 13 Pro was mounted next to the headrest and measured decibels with the road noise reduction feature on and off, to see the differences.
The video points out that the noise reduction feature offers a decrease in the overall sound of about three decibels, with the biggest improvement happening below 125 Hz.
Still, wind noise above 50 mph is the largest source of noise, and the data shows that highway noise at that speed isn’t all that much of a difference between having the feature turned on or off.
Others over the summer also performed a decibel meter sound test in a Tesla Model S Plaid cabin, also showing the high levels of volume generated by outside noise at high speeds.
