Quick Takeaways
- Dirac proved that software, not speakers, now defines premium in-car sound quality.
- CES 2026 showed how a fully software-driven audio stack can standardize immersive sound across vehicle models.
On January 9, Dirac in-vehicle sound took center stage at CES 2026 as the Swedish digital audio specialist revealed its latest generation of software-defined automotive audio. The showcase demonstrated how scalable, immersive sound experiences can be delivered consistently across complete vehicle lineups through intelligent software rather than hardware-heavy architectures.
Dirac presented its technology live at both the Audio Foundry booth and the Pioneer booth, where visitors were able to hear the newest capabilities of the AudioIQ optimization suite and the Dirac Dimensions spatial audio platform in real automotive environments.
Dirac in-Vehicle Sound Reimagined With Software-Defined Audio
At the Audio Foundry booth, Dirac in-vehicle sound was demonstrated in a customized Karma Revero created with Tymphany and technology partners. The concept vehicle challenged conventional speaker layouts by integrating headrest-mounted speakers and a specially designed woofer to improve spatial accuracy and clarity.
Using AudioIQ together with Dirac Dimensions Infinity, every speaker was digitally synchronized to function as a unified acoustic system. This approach preserved the integrity of the original audio signal while producing a balanced, high-resolution listening experience for every occupant, regardless of seating position.
Key innovations presented in this setup included:
Dirac in-Vehicle Sound Integrated Into the Volvo XC90
At the Pioneer booth, Dirac in-vehicle sound was featured inside a Volvo XC90 as part of a deep integration with Pioneer’s Integrated Sound Platform. The vehicle combined Dirac’s complete automotive audio software stack with Pioneer’s hardware ecosystem to demonstrate how next-generation vehicles can benefit from software-defined sound architectures.
The system used a subwoofer-free design while still delivering strong, full-range output, reducing overall system size and vehicle weight. This highlighted how digital signal processing and spatial optimization can replace traditional bulky components without sacrificing performance.
Highlights of the Pioneer and Dirac demonstration included:
Through these real-world vehicle demonstrations, Dirac showed how software-driven audio platforms can give automakers more freedom in vehicle design while providing drivers and passengers with a richer, more consistent sound experience across different models.
Dirac presented its technology live at both the Audio Foundry booth and the Pioneer booth, where visitors were able to hear the newest capabilities of the AudioIQ optimization suite and the Dirac Dimensions spatial audio platform in real automotive environments.
Dirac in-Vehicle Sound Reimagined With Software-Defined Audio
At the Audio Foundry booth, Dirac in-vehicle sound was demonstrated in a customized Karma Revero created with Tymphany and technology partners. The concept vehicle challenged conventional speaker layouts by integrating headrest-mounted speakers and a specially designed woofer to improve spatial accuracy and clarity.
Using AudioIQ together with Dirac Dimensions Infinity, every speaker was digitally synchronized to function as a unified acoustic system. This approach preserved the integrity of the original audio signal while producing a balanced, high-resolution listening experience for every occupant, regardless of seating position.
Key innovations presented in this setup included:
- Headrest-based speakers for precise sound localization
- Advanced digital tuning using AudioIQ
- Spatial audio control through Dirac Dimensions Infinity
- A system design that avoids altering original audio content
Dirac in-Vehicle Sound Integrated Into the Volvo XC90
At the Pioneer booth, Dirac in-vehicle sound was featured inside a Volvo XC90 as part of a deep integration with Pioneer’s Integrated Sound Platform. The vehicle combined Dirac’s complete automotive audio software stack with Pioneer’s hardware ecosystem to demonstrate how next-generation vehicles can benefit from software-defined sound architectures.
The system used a subwoofer-free design while still delivering strong, full-range output, reducing overall system size and vehicle weight. This highlighted how digital signal processing and spatial optimization can replace traditional bulky components without sacrificing performance.
Highlights of the Pioneer and Dirac demonstration included:
- Full-range audio without a dedicated subwoofer
- Lower system mass and reduced packaging space
- Immersive spatial audio enabled by Dirac Dimensions
- Scalable software-defined sound for future vehicles
Through these real-world vehicle demonstrations, Dirac showed how software-driven audio platforms can give automakers more freedom in vehicle design while providing drivers and passengers with a richer, more consistent sound experience across different models.
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