The traditional design and placement of automotive audio knobs has been under assault for quite some time. We've now got everything from iDrive, that tries to perform every function with one knob, to various Scion faceplates with no knobs.
I'm a fuddy-duddy when it comes to faceplate knobs: give me power (push) and volume (twist) on the left side, bass/treble/balance control (push, then twist) along with manual frequency tuning or CD track advance (just twist) on the right side. The ultimate in "KISS" design -- meaning some engineering brainiac can't resist trying to improve on it.
Our long-term 2008 Mazda CX-9 is a perfect example. In this vehicle you have one large central knob for power (push) and volume (twist), plus a left-side knob for manual tuning/track advance (twist) and display change (push). You also have a right-side knob for bass/treble/balance control (push, then twist). I first saw this "big, central knob" design on our long-term Honda Pilot, and I eventually got used to it. I'm sure owners of the CX-9 will do the same, but I still find myself reaching for the left knob to adjust volume and the right knob to manually tune the radio. Don't get me started on the new Accord's center stack controls...
Obviously modern audio systems are more complex than they used to be, but adding knobs -- and putting them in strange locations, doesn't seem like the best solution. Certainly Toyota doesn't think so. Even with all the modern gadgetry packed into the Lexus line those models continue to use the old, fuddy-duddy knob placement.
Karl Brauer, Editor in Chief, Edmunds.com @ 8858 miles
7driver says:
11:30 AM, 03/ 3/08
The 2-knob model originated with AM radios. Back then knobs were the cheapest and simplest control inputs available able to perform those functions and there are only 2 things to control on an AM radio set. The fact that FM/CD/XM/MP3 fall under similar control sets (sort of, in some cases) is just a bit of luck. Multiplexing bass/treble/balance/fader/etc onto those 2 knobs is just a rude hack and we're at the limits of that control model as we add yet more functions (GPS, Bluetooth, video, etc) and more things to tweak (surround sound staging, automatic ambient audio adjust, EQ, menu customizations, etc). I do agree that some (most) of the new designs we've seen fail miserably (iDrive!!!), but continuing with a 2 knob model would be like trying to send email with an Etch-A-Sketch. The main problem is that we don't have the right people spending the proper amount of time trying to figure this problem out, in my opinion.
karjunkie says:
11:57 AM, 03/ 3/08
I'm with Karl on this one. As a fellow KISS proponent, leave the existing controls as is and add new ones for other functions. It's getting to be that you need an instruction manual when you rent a car these days.
editor_karl says:
12:25 PM, 03/ 3/08
Despite the additional functions we must deal with today, the ones covered by the original two-knob design (power/volume/tune/sound control) remain the primary items that we most often have to deal with. Having steering wheel controls makes for a great secondary area for things like present station switching, "mode" changing and phone/voice command initiation (controls the CX-9 carries out quite well on its steering wheel, btw).
Like I said, if an LS 460 can still use two primary, traditional knobs than so can any other 2008 vehicle.
skierx420 says:
12:43 PM, 03/ 3/08
I'm with Karl too. Even Chrysler (base) stereo is the two nob setup. ITS the only thing that they havn't screwed up yet!
7driver says:
12:47 PM, 03/ 3/08
And like I said, I think we're at the limit (or maybe I should've said "close to"). How much more do you add to an LS before it gets difficult? Do you let users whine and complain when you reach that point or do you try to transition them off now (and let the whine and complain now)?
2002blksle says:
12:57 PM, 03/ 3/08
I had an 08 CTS as a rental last week on vacation. I actually looked for the owners manual because I had a hard time understanding all of the buttons and "symols" that were used on the center stack. While I really enjoyed the CTS and feel like I'm in tune with technology, I really struggled with the complexity of the buttons... especially when XM is introduced to the mix. Oh, and as usual there was no owners manual to be found in the glove box.
louiswei says:
03:20 PM, 03/ 3/08
Wow, '08 CTS is already hitting the rental lots? That certainly isn't a good news what-so-ever for Caddy...
2002blksle says:
03:27 PM, 03/ 3/08
louiswei-
it was a premium rental so there wasn't rows of them. Just one. I think in moderation it could be a good thing.
tharentalguy says:
12:55 PM, 03/ 6/08
I always have hated the head unit both Mazda and Nissan. They are plain and cheap. To me that is where your attention is always drawn to. Blahhh!!!!