The five papers selected for AES’ esteemed ‘Top 10’ list this year were submitted by the Samsung Research (SR) ¹ Visual Technology Team and Samsung Research America (SRA)’s Audio Lab.

Read on to learn more about the industry-leading papers submitted by Samsung to have received the Top 10 accolade this year.

① A Study in AI for Bass Extension and Distortion Reduction in Loudspeakers (SRA)

The most downloaded paper from this Fall’s AES conference, SRA’s paper entitled ‘Application of AI Techniques for Nonlinear Control of Loudspeakers’, continues the team’s work into bass extension and distortion reduction.

The paper posits that, in order to obtain high loudness that features good bass extension, low distortion and mechanical protection, the motion of the loudspeaker’s diaphragm needs to be accurately controlled.

SRA’s study presents a novel approach to solving these issues that harnesses a neural network to directly map the loudspeaker’s diaphragm displacement to the input voltage, allowing for the loudspeaker to be ‘inverted’. This technique not only allows control and linearization of the loudspeaker without theoretical assumptions, but it is also simpler to implement.

② Developing a Method To Measure Multiple Loudspeakers Simultaneously (SRA)

SRA’s second Top 10 paper, titled ‘Deconvolution of Room Impulse Responses From Simultaneous Excitation of Loudspeakers’, presents a method that allows for the measuring of several loudspeakers in a room simultaneously that reduces the measurement time, compared with typical immersive audio systems, by a factor of ten.

Traditional room-equalization involves exciting one loudspeaker at a time and then de-convolving the loudspeaker-room response from the recording. As the number of loudspeakers and positions within a room increases, the time required to measure loudspeaker-room responses therefore also increases. Therefore, SRA’s paper presents a technique to deconvolve impulse responses after exciting all loudspeakers at the same time.

③ Optimizing the Integration of Audio Systems Into Slim TVs (SRA)

Along with the development of new space-efficient display technologies in recent years has come the trend to decrease the overall size of consumer electronics, including televisions. In order to combat the physical limitations for audio technology development brought about by these designs, SRA has produced their AES Top 10-certified paper titled ‘Transducer Design Considerations for Slim TV Applications’.

The slim TV form factor brought about by industry trends creates a challenge for the design of integrated audio systems as it severely limits the physical performance possibilities of any acoustic transducer. For the most part, modern DSP (Digital Signal Processor) and amplifier technologies have been able to utilize the transducer up to its performance limits and thus maintain audio quality. However, if further thickness reduction of the TV is desired, these technologies will no longer be enough. SRA’s paper discusses the physical limits of current designs and suggests a new layout of a moving coil-transducer for ultra-slim device applications.

④ Discovering the Best Audio Codec for HDR10+ (SRA)

As we move into the HDR10+ era, SRA has been conducting research into the preferred audio codec for HDR10+, resulting in this accolade-winning paper, ‘Bitrate Requirements for an Audio Codec for Stereo, Surround and Immersive Formats’.

The paper shows that the Opus codec would be an excellent choice as the preferred audio codec for HDR10+. The team conducted three listening tests on Opus encoded stereo, 5.1 and 7.1.4 channel content taken from music, cinematic and EBU files encoded at bitrates of 32, 48 and 64 kbps per channel. Current Opus encapsulation in Ogg does not support 7.1.4 with stereo pairing. Therefore, the paper proposes a new stereo pairing schema to accommodate 7.1.4 content in Opus with joint stereo encoding. The results of the study conducted indicate that a bit rate of 64 kbps per channel or higher is required for transparency in stereo, but 48 kbps per channel may be sufficient for 5.1 and 7.1.4 audio formats.

⑤ Developing AI-Based 3D Audio Codec for High-Immersion in OTT Service Environment (SR)

As growing trends indicate that users’ preferred media consumption platform has shifted from cinema or broadcast channels to over-the-top (OTT) services, SR’s paper, titled ‘AI 3D Immersive Audio Codec Based on Content-Adaptive Dynamic Down-Mixing and Up-Mixing Framework’, proposes new 3D immersive audio codec that can support various spatial audio formats for multiple loudspeaker layouts accessible in OTT service environments.

Unlike conventional technologies that use a fixed mixing profile regardless of content type and characteristics, SR proposes a framework that variably applies the determined mixing/de-mixing profile by dynamically performing audio scene classification and spatial energy distribution characteristics analysis based on AI technology. It was also shown through a listening evaluation that the proposed one can provide a higher immersion than the conventional method even in a home entertainment OTT service environment.

¹ Samsung Electronics’ advanced R&D hub, which leads the development of future technologies for its Device eXperience division

Last year, Samsung’s audio UX team collaborated with a group of talented musicians to craft an exclusive set of S Pen-inspired ring- and notification tones for the Galaxy Note8. For the Galaxy Note9, the company asked Andrew Huang, a versatile and prolific musician, video producer and YouTube star, to compose a brand-new set of creative songs and sounds using ordinary pens and paper.

The Toronto-based artist was more than up to the challenge of crafting unique sounds with unconventional instruments. As any of his 1.4 million (and counting) YouTube subscribers will tell you, Huang has a reputation for working musical magic, and is particularly well known for his ability to produce dynamic beats using everyday objects.

The three ringtones and two notifications that Huang produced feature beats that incorporate a variety of pen and paper-created sounds, including light taps, tears and the crinkling of paper, accompanied by a keyboard, synths and guitar. Huang even added his ‘signature sound’ to the mix—i.e., he recorded the actual sound of signing his signature. The resulting set of ringtones and notifications is at once soothing, upbeat, and brimming with energy.

Check out the video below to watch Huang introduce the Galaxy Note9’s new sounds and walk us through his creative process.

Original Sounds of the Galaxy S9

From the short, simple tones of notifications and alerts to the lengthier compositions of ringtones, a whole range of notes, tones and melodies come together to form a unified smartphone sound experience.

In addition to a new arrangement of “Over the Horizon”, the Samsung Galaxy brand sound, ringtones and notifications were also reworked for the Galaxy S9. The sounds of the Galaxy phones were not created isolation, but were composed in harmony with the overall design of the device and its UX, leading to a cohesive experience, however you like to use your smartphone.

As well as the addition of 10 new ringtones and 10 fresh notification sounds for the Galaxy S9, the audio UX team reimagined legacy sounds, evoking the emotions ‘Joy’, ‘Serenity’, ‘Interest’ and ‘Optimism’ and widening the spectrum of the Galaxy sound.

Working in Harmony

To create the new ringtones and notification sounds, Samsung reached out to Suran, a K-pop artist and singer-songwriter known for her unique melodies and artistic worldview. The Galaxy audio UX team wished to capture the dreamlike quality of her music for the newest Galaxy smartphone.

Approaching the collaboration not as a designer, but as a musical artist, Suran was able to cast her enchanting sounds over the Galaxy S9. Inspired by the product’s design and images, she commented that she “wanted [her] sounds to be full of detail and imagination.” She also added: “I was attracted to the challenge of creating a totally new sound while also conveying a short yet precise message. It was not a simple task.”

Finishing Touches

Together the audio UX designers and Suran focused on composing even more mellow, minimalistic sounds that were easy on the ears, with dulcet tones designed to make the user feel relaxed. Sampling Suran’s voice on a couple of the ringtones added an original dimension to the sounds of the new smartphone.

After the sounds had been created, they were mixed to produce a richer tone when played through the Galaxy S9’s stereo speakers. During this optimization phase, every instrument used for editing was tested several times.

In a single day, we might receive several phone calls and hear numerous notifications on our smartphones. The sounds of the Galaxy S9 can be tailored to our moods, so that Galaxy S9 users can feel free to express a range of emotions.

UHQ Audio Playback

Recognizing the importance of audio technology, Samsung equipped the Galaxy S8 with Ultra High Quality (UHQ) Audio Playback capabilities with UHQ 32-bit and DSD support*.

This, along with support for digital recordings up to 32 bit/384kHz, ensures that the smartphone can reproduce the full range of sound from recordings that have been mastered from better than CD quality music sources. In other words, the Galaxy S8 does not downsample (or compress) audio files, so the user can experience music and sound much closer to the original recording. Recording quality, too, has also been improved thanks to the High Acoustic Overload Point (AOP) Mic that minimizes distortion in noisy environments.

Dual Audio

The all-new Dual Bluetooth Audio feature provides users with the facility to simultaneously stream audio to two sets of headphones or speakers, while also allowing them to control the volume of the outputs separately.

Settings > Connections > Bluetooth

Separate App Sound

The new Separate app sound function permits users to simultaneously broadcast sounds from two individual apps using their Galaxy S8 smartphone and a separate device. This means that, for instance, a user may listen to GPS navigation via their Galaxy S8’s speaker while streaming music to their car’s Bluetooth audio system at the same time. The volume of the audio, meanwhile, can also be controlled independently.

Settings > Sounds and vibration > Separate app sound

Adapt Sound 6.0

The Galaxy S8’s Adapt Sound 6.0 function has been improved with new Preset and Advanced modes to allow for enhanced audio personalization. Clinical research and statistical analysis of people’s hearing patterns were used to develop three preset sound profiles optimized for people by age: under 30 years, between 30 and 60 years, and over 60 years.

Users can select a preset profile according to their age, or opt to use the Advanced mode to test their hearing and find the best sound for them. The Galaxy S8 will then automatically adjust the audio output for calls, music and video based on their specific needs so they can enjoy a truly tailor-made audio experience.

Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects

SoundAlive 4.1

The latest Galaxy flagship is also backed by SoundAlive 4.1, a tool that gives the user the ultimate control over sound quality and effects.** The tool features an easy-to-use, 9-band Equalizer with six pre-set options to tweak the phone’s audio; a UHQ Upscaler to enhance sound resolution; and Surround, Tube Amp Pro and Concert hall effects.

Settings > Sounds and vibration > Sound quality and effects

Extra Volume

There’s nothing worse than having to make or take a call in a noisy environment, such as a crowded café or heavily-trafficked street. But the Galaxy S8’s Extra volume feature makes it possible to increase the call volume without sacrificing sound quality by simply tapping an icon, right from the call screen.

Interview Mode

To better capture an interview using the Galaxy S8’s Voice Recorder app, users can activate Interview mode. In this mode, sounds near the top and bottom of the phone are amplified, while those closer to the sides are suppressed to ensure the voices of both the interviewer and interviewee are crisp and clear.

UHQ Upscaler

To enhance the sound resolution of music and videos even further, users can activate the UHQ upscaler via the Entertainment Mode settings menu.

Settings >Device Maintenance >Performance Mode>Entertainment

Superior, In-Box Earphones

For the Galaxy S8, Samsung worked with HARMAN to create AKG-tuned earphones that deliver pure, superior sound. Included as an in-box accessory, the new high-performance earphones have dual drivers — 11 and 8 millimeters — to offer uncompromised audio for unbeatable sound quality. In addition, the earphones have a comfortable hybrid canal fit for improved noise cancellation and are made from anti-tangle, metal-fabric material.

*DSD64 and DSD128 playback may be limited depending on the file format.

**Some features are only available when the device is connected to a pair of earphones.

With over ten consecutive years of market leadership in home audio and video technology, and with active investments in R&D, Samsung’s new home audio and video product lineup for 2017 features innovative devices that reflect a total paradigm shift for both the company and the industry. In particular, the new lineup centers around sleek, simplistic designs and enhanced integration across multiple devices.

“Delivering clear, crisp, immersive sound is very important to Samsung, and we always strive to create new products that further complement the user experience,” said Jurak Choi, Senior Vice President of Samsung Electronics. “This year, we focused on the audiophile who wants a single, simple solution that not only fits their lifestyle, but that simultaneously delivers an unparalleled home audio experience.”

Samsung’s Proprietary UHQ 32bit Audio Technology Delivers Ultra-high Quality Sound

Highlighted across Samsung’s new lineup is UHQ (Ultra High Quality) audio – Samsung’s proprietary technology that enables 32bits of rich, detailed sound from any source that provides 8 to 24bit sound.

UHQ audio has the ability to upscale audio sources to a 32bit output, for both wired and wireless connections. 32bit sound creates audio which is much closer in quality to the original recording than existing HD audio, delivering rich sound that brings each note to life with incredible clarity.

Samsung has also developed its own audio algorithms to perfect ultra-high quality sound by leveraging the intelligence of existing proprietary technology, and tapping the expertise of its U.S.-based, state-of-the-art audio lab.

Samsung audio has applied ‘Distortion Cancelling’ technology which reduces sound alterations by predicting the movement of internal speaker units in advance, and controlling the units to deliver the perfect sound. This effect works well on a woofer, which tends to output a powerful low-pitched sound with a movement bigger and more unpredictable than other speaker units. The ‘Distortion Cancelling’ algorithm can intelligently predict a woofer’s movement, control it, and play more solid and stable sounds at a low pitch.

Samsung’s new sound profile also includes a ‘Wide-band Tweeter’, which expands and broadens the “sweet spot” in any room, widening the area where optimal sound can be heard. The new profile also includes a ‘Crystal Amplifier’ that removes noise so consumers can enjoy the most accurate and precise sound across the widest range.

H7 Wireless Speaker Delivers UHQ 32bit Audio Technology and Stylish Design

Samsung has also announced new standalone sound technology that reflects the needs of consumers who enjoy listening to hi-fi audio – an advancement that is already gaining recognition and winning accolades from the industry.

Thanks to its stunning sound quality, premium design and intuitive user experience, Samsung’s new H7 Wireless Speaker – which offers 32bit ultra-high quality sound performance – received a 2017 CES Innovation Award. This achievement further reinforces Samsung’s leadership in the category, and is emblematic of the future-forward products the company continues to develop.

This award-winning UHQ 32bit audio technology, combined with a bass response going down to 35Hz, delivers a wide sound range across the human auditory field – from high to low frequencies.

Samsung’s H7 Wireless Speaker also reflects superior innovation in design. With sleek, contemporary metal finishes that appeal to even the most discerning consumers, a compact size and a retro exterior, the H7 Wireless Speaker allows music to be a centerpiece of any room.

The design of the speaker also features a more intuitive user experience supported by wheel control. By turning the wheel, users can not only adjust the volume but also select their favorite playlist from their choice of streaming music services.

New Soundbar Delivers Incredible Sound with Less Room Clutter

The new MS750 Soundbar is Samsung’s first soundbar to embed subwoofer performance directly into the primary unit. This ensures that the bass is equalized and crystal clear, while simultaneously de-cluttering the home. With UHQ 32bit audio, the MS750 delivers powerful home cinema sound on premium TVs, without the need for a separate subwoofer.

Overall, the MS750 Soundbar provides a deeper sense of immersion. This is a result of superior up-firing capabilities and overhead sound that uses vertical tweeters with upmixing technology. When paired with the Samsung Smart Remote Control, the room’s home audio is powered by the same device as the TV unit, further simplifying the experience.

The MS750 Soundbar boasts a small but mighty “one body” design that can be mounted onto your TV with one simple connection, no complicated setup, and no extra space needed. This means that the soundbar and TV can be turned on at the same time, simply by connecting the two units with a designated power cable connection, eliminating the need for two separate power cables, and removing clutter around the TV. The wall-mount solution on Samsung’s newest home audio systems has also been improved, with an optional, user-friendly I-shaped bracket connecting the TV directly to the soundbar. This approach simplifies the mounting experience entirely; because it requires only one connection to install it to the TV and one hole in the wall.

A UHD Blu-ray Player That Completes the Ultimate Home Entertainment Experience

The ultimate content player comes to life with Samsung’s new M9500 UHD Blu-ray Player. With Bluetooth® Wireless Streaming Support and Samsung Smart Remote integration across the UHD Ecosystem, this HDR-optimized device creates the optimal UHD viewing experience. And, with the M9500’s new Private Cinema Mode, TV audio can be transferred to personal Bluetooth headphones, adding flexibility for viewing HDR content at any time, despite what else might be going on around you.

In addition, Samsung’s new UHD Blu-ray player automatically sets the TV screen and audio to the optimal level by analyzing the content source being played at the time, such as HDR, Atmos or DTS-X. This means consumers can now seamlessly enjoy the content they want without changing their TV or audio settings.

Further additions to the UHD Blu-ray player in 2017 include improved mobile integration, giving users the flexibility to enjoy their favorite Blu-ray titles on their mobile device. With a 360-degree feature on their mobile device, users can view the 360-degree photos and videos they’ve captured on any TV, right through their UHD Blu-ray player.