Back on December 14th, 2009 I had discovered files buried in the Nexus One ROM pointing to the audio controller that takes the input from the two on board microphones in the Nexus One and does it’s mojo to create that active noise canceling feature everyone had been talking about. That controller is the Audience A1026, which at the time didn’t even have a web link for it on Audience’s website. Well, that has now changed and you can even demo the features of the chip online if you don’t own an N1 yourself.If you don’t know, the voice call quality of the N1 is very good. One of the best out there, so I’ve read. This is mainly due to the this little noise canceling, echo canceling and dynamic voice equalization solution found in the A1026. Basically, it helps block out unwanted background noises, as well as any echoes that might occur. Finally, it enables dynamic voice equalization so that even if you are talking while a train passes by the user on the other end can still hear you. I think this alone is the hottest feature on the N1. It is, after all, a cell phone and it’s primary purpose to to make and receive high quality calls.
A1026 Processing
It’s not really magic, but the above diagram shows the features that happen while you are on a call with a Nexus One. I think this should become the standard, all cell phones should have dual mics for sound processing. Per Audience’s website some of the other features are:
| Feature | Benefit |
| Powerful processing | Based on the intelligence of the human hearing system, this advanced solution delivers industry-leading stationary and non-stationary noise suppression, acoustic echo cancellation (AEC), and programmable voice equalization (VEQ) algorithms. |
| Enhanced capabilities | To enhance performance, the A1026 processor features a post-equalization filter for voice color tuning, a receive multi-band compander (MBC) for speaker distortion compensation, and acoustic echo cancellation. |
| Easy design-in solution | Enabling easy design-in, the A1026 processor includes auto microphone calibration to eliminate costly testing and per-unit adjustments on the production line; and easily integrates with mobile phone architectures. |
| Efficient platform | Packaged in a highly compact 2.7mm x 3.5mm, 40-pin WLCSP (0.5mm pitch) that meets RoHS and Green requirements, the A1026 processor can fit any style or handset design and features a low-power, high performance custom DSP core. It also offers approximately 30% power reduction from previous generation products in standard talk mode. |
To listen for yourself via the web go to their DEMO site and listen to the four different demonstrations they have available.
Audience via Venturebeat
