automatic sound level

captnslur · 07-14-2006, 09:38 AM

We have an '06 with the standard audio system which has the automatic sound leveling system. I have played with the adjustments it has, the low, mid and high settings and even off, and have not been able to notice any sound increase from the system. With the windows open at speed, windows shut, air on high etc., and hear apparently no change in sound levels. Wondering if it it actually does anything. It must be very subtle....

Has any one found a way to verify it's effectiveness?

unruhly · 07-14-2006, 10:06 AM

There have been a couple of other threads on this subject. The ASL works on speed, not on ambient sound levels. I personally don't think mine works at all, while others here on PC report that they do notice a difference although only slight.

SomervillePrius · 07-14-2006, 10:17 AM

The ASL works, if barley. It will increase the sound (with speed it seems) but it's barley noticable. I would prefer to have a stronger ASL but I also find it nice that I don't (often) notice the increase.

/Robert

eagle33199 · 07-14-2006, 10:17 AM

I haven't really tried to see what the ASL does for me in terms of increasing the volume as i go faster... however, i did toggle it on and off a few times when i first got the car, and didn't so much like what it did to the sound. It may have been my imagination, but it seemed to flatten everything a bit, which for an audiophile like myself is simply unacceptable :-p. besides, the car is quite enough that it doesn't need too much adjustment for different speeds/driving conditions, and with the controls on the wheel where they are, it's not really a hassle to change them when merging on the highway

SomervillePrius · 07-14-2006, 10:43 AM

Interesting. I haven't tried without ASL for sound quality. Don't really see how it should/could affect the quality as it should only a signal to the amplifier but I will have to test this now.

**TonyPSchaefer** · 07-14-2006, 12:47 PM

I didn't even realize that the '06 had ASL. I thought the '04s have auto-volume for the Navigation Voice but haven't noticed anything for the regular stereo.

Hmm, gonna have to poke around some more...

SomervillePrius · 07-14-2006, 12:53 PM

On the audio page on the MFD there is a ASL symbol that you can turn on/off. I think it's new for 06 (but not 100% sure)

ErikU · 07-14-2006, 12:53 PM

I use the ASL all the time. I have noticed the changes it makes to the level of the sound to the point that I don't use anything but the low setting because I don't want to blow the speakers. However, I have not noticed any change in quality. I really have not even tried not having it on but I think I will be playing with that the next couple of days.

savaged · 07-14-2006, 01:44 PM

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Jul 14 2006, 12:47 PM) [snapback]286248[/snapback]</div>

Quote:

I didn't even realize that the '06 had ASL. I thought the '04s have auto-volume for the Navigation Voice but haven't noticed anything for the regular stereo.

Hmm, gonna have to poke around some more...
[/b]

Don't bother. In my opinion the volumne change is so slight that it has little if any utility on the 06.

Three60guy · 07-14-2006, 01:58 PM

The way ASL is designed to work is so you don't know when it is working. There are (I think) 3 stages of ASL. Each a little higher than the last depending on the speed your traveling.

If you want to see if it is working go on the freeway at 65mph and then hit the ASL to off. Suddenly you will hear the difference. Because the amount of background noise increases without any notice to you the amount of increase in radio volume is compensated for without much notice at all. In fact, if you are not moving and you click the ASL button you will hear absolutely no change in audio level. But on the freeway you will hear a difference. Another clue is to carefully watch (best from the passenger seat) the little guage next to the ASL button. As the speed increases the guage will show ever increasing levels of ASL. Neat eh?

Oh, it is my understanding this is only on the 06 Prius.

07-14-2006, 10:17 AM	#4
eagle33199 Platinum Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,648 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #7 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I haven't really tried to see what the ASL does for me in terms of increasing the volume as i go faster... however, i did toggle it on and off a few times when i first got the car, and didn't so much like what it did to the sound. It may have been my imagination, but it seemed to flatten everything a bit, which for an audiophile like myself is simply unacceptable :-p. besides, the car is quite enough that it doesn't need too much adjustment for different speeds/driving conditions, and with the controls on the wheel where they are, it's not really a hassle to change them when merging on the highway __________________

07-14-2006, 01:58 PM	#10
Three60guy Senior Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Racine, Wisconsin Posts: 765 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #8 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 1	The way ASL is designed to work is so you don't know when it is working. There are (I think) 3 stages of ASL. Each a little higher than the last depending on the speed your traveling. If you want to see if it is working go on the freeway at 65mph and then hit the ASL to off. Suddenly you will hear the difference. Because the amount of background noise increases without any notice to you the amount of increase in radio volume is compensated for without much notice at all. In fact, if you are not moving and you click the ASL button you will hear absolutely no change in audio level. But on the freeway you will hear a difference. Another clue is to carefully watch (best from the passenger seat) the little guage next to the ASL button. As the speed increases the guage will show ever increasing levels of ASL. Neat eh? Oh, it is my understanding this is only on the 06 Prius. __________________ 2006 Package #8 Barcelona Red beauty with Gray Leather Interior w/automatic door lock, side molding, EV Mode & Nav/Bluetooth override modifications. Part II of Modifications. Rear bumper protector. Scangauge II. OEM 2006 XM Satellite Radio & OEM black all weather floor mats. Also, LockPick basic. (360guy <--- An all around guy (get it? round = 360) yada yada) Click links below for Gasoline Prices. United States Color Temperature Map \| Local gas prices (enter your own zip code) \| Oil Prices \| City & State Average Prices While giving equal coverage to two opposing sides may seem appropriate in political discourse, it is manifestly inappropriate in discussions of science, where objective truths exist. Media, are you listening? Global warming is real and mankind is causing it. It is not open to political debate. The sooner we recognize this the sooner we can repair the damage already made.

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07-14-2006, 09:38 AM	#1
captnslur Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Lake Crystal, Minn Posts: 43 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #3 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	We have an '06 with the standard audio system which has the automatic sound leveling system. I have played with the adjustments it has, the low, mid and high settings and even off, and have not been able to notice any sound increase from the system. With the windows open at speed, windows shut, air on high etc., and hear apparently no change in sound levels. Wondering if it it actually does anything. It must be very subtle.... Has any one found a way to verify it's effectiveness?

07-14-2006, 10:06 AM	#2
unruhly Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 205 My Car: Package: Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	There have been a couple of other threads on this subject. The ASL works on speed, not on ambient sound levels. I personally don't think mine works at all, while others here on PC report that they do notice a difference although only slight.

07-14-2006, 10:17 AM	#3
SomervillePrius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 946 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	The ASL works, if barley. It will increase the sound (with speed it seems) but it's barley noticable. I would prefer to have a stronger ASL but I also find it nice that I don't (often) notice the increase. /Robert

07-14-2006, 10:43 AM	#5
SomervillePrius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 946 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	Interesting. I haven't tried without ASL for sound quality. Don't really see how it should/could affect the quality as it should only a signal to the amplifier but I will have to test this now.

07-14-2006, 12:47 PM	#6
TonyPSchaefer Ruler of Omicron Persei 8 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Far-North Chicagoland Posts: 8,439 My Car: 2004 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 4 Times in 2 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 16	I didn't even realize that the '06 had ASL. I thought the '04s have auto-volume for the Navigation Voice but haven't noticed anything for the regular stereo. Hmm, gonna have to poke around some more...

07-14-2006, 12:53 PM	#7
SomervillePrius Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Somerville, MA Posts: 946 My Car: 2006 Prius Package: #9 Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	On the audio page on the MFD there is a ASL symbol that you can turn on/off. I think it's new for 06 (but not 100% sure)

07-14-2006, 12:53 PM	#8
ErikU Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: DFW area Posts: 97 My Car: 2008 Prius Package: #5 Touring Nominated 0 Times in 0 Posts TOTM Awards: 0 Friends: 0	I use the ASL all the time. I have noticed the changes it makes to the level of the sound to the point that I don't use anything but the low setting because I don't want to blow the speakers. However, I have not noticed any change in quality. I really have not even tried not having it on but I think I will be playing with that the next couple of days.