Samsung's Sound Laboratory Keeps Hitting the Right Notes | Be Korea-savvy

Samsung’s Sound Laboratory Keeps Hitting the Right Notes


On the outskirts of Los Angeles sits a white, rather nondescript building that is Samsung Electronics' Audio Lab, an R&D center dedicated to fine-tuning the South Korean tech giant's speakers into the world's best. (Image: Samsung Electronics)

On the outskirts of Los Angeles sits a white, rather nondescript building that is Samsung Electronics’ Audio Lab, an R&D center dedicated to fine-tuning the South Korean tech giant’s speakers into the world’s best. (Image: Samsung Electronics)

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 15 (Korea Bizwire)On the outskirts of Los Angeles sits a white, rather nondescript building that is Samsung Electronics’ Audio Lab, an R&D center dedicated to fine-tuning the South Korean tech giant’s speakers into the world’s best.

Though on January 12, there were a mere 23 employees found working in the Audio Lab, their collective pool of expertise spans centuries, over 300 years to be relatively precise. Among these veterans of sound and music are holders of master’s and doctorate degrees, as well as musicians.

Constructed in 2013, the 873-square-meter building holds listening rooms and anechoic chambers, and for decoration, reminders of musical genius embodied in posters of the Beatles, Queen and other legends line the walls.

A former longtime employee at Harman International Industries, managing director of Audio Lab Allan Devantier says, “I can say with confidence that this place is the number one sound R&D lab in the world.” 

The individuals that work at Samsung’s Audio Lab agree with Devantier's assessment, thanks to the cutting-edge computers and assorted equipment, the blind testing rooms that eliminate all personal biases during experimentation, anechoic chambers that fully absorb all sounds and a dedicated listening room where the slightest nuance in sound can be heard. (Image: Samsung Electronics)

The individuals that work at Samsung’s Audio Lab agree with Devantier’s assessment, thanks to the cutting-edge computers and assorted equipment, the blind testing rooms that eliminate all personal biases during experimentation, anechoic chambers that fully absorb all sounds and a dedicated listening room where the slightest nuance in sound can be heard. (Image: Samsung Electronics)

The individuals that work at Samsung’s Audio Lab agree with Devantier’s assessment, thanks to the cutting-edge computers and assorted equipment, the blind testing rooms that eliminate all personal biases during experimentation, anechoic chambers that fully absorb all sounds and a dedicated listening room where the slightest nuance in sound can be heard. 

Thanks to these tools and the hands and minds of the individuals using them, Samsung has made wondrous strides in a short period of time.

At the International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in 2015, Samsung unveiled 360 degree wireless speakers that became the talk of the town.

At this year's CES 2018, Samsung introduced the NW700 Soundbar Sound+, a rectangular speaker that can be placed on the wall. Boasting outstanding capabilities and features, the key detail is that its world class performing abilities are all attributed to the groundbreaking work done at the Los Angeles Audio Lab. (Image: Samsung Newsroom)

At this year’s CES 2018, Samsung introduced the NW700 Soundbar Sound+, a rectangular speaker that can be placed on the wall. Boasting outstanding capabilities and features, the key detail is that its world class performing abilities are all attributed to the groundbreaking work done at the Los Angeles Audio Lab. (Image: Samsung Newsroom)

At this year’s CES 2018, Samsung introduced the NW700 Soundbar Sound+, a rectangular speaker that can be placed on the wall. Boasting outstanding capabilities and features, the key detail is that its world class performing abilities are all attributed to the groundbreaking work done at the Los Angeles Audio Lab.

With Samsung’s improved reputation has come plaudits, as American publication “Consumer Reports” bestowed its highest form of recognition, “Excellent”, on a dozen of the company’s products.

In addition, at 23 percent, Samsung held the largest share of the $3.19 billion sound bar market last year.

A former longtime employee at Harman International Industries, managing director of Audio Lab Alan Devantier says, “I can say with confidence that this place is the number one sound R&D lab in the world.” (Image: Samsung Electronics)

A former longtime employee at Harman International Industries, managing director of Audio Lab Alan Devantier says, “I can say with confidence that this place is the number one sound R&D lab in the world.” (Image: Samsung Electronics)

The market is expected to grow to $3.51 billion this year, but Samsung anticipates another strong year boosted by its acquisition of Harman International Industries.

 

Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)

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