718 Sound Aktor Delete
Discussion
Found this in the rear boot (on the left side if you just unclip the trim, note that it easily clips back) :
Anyone tried disconnecting theirs ? You can just unplug it - if you gently push the grey locking clip down with a screwdriver it unlocks the connector and you can then unplug it completely. Seems to remove the extra "bass" from the cabin in sport mode. You still get the same glorious F4 engine sound,
and the overrun pops/crackles etc, but just not quite as intrusive.
Anyone tried disconnecting theirs ? You can just unplug it - if you gently push the grey locking clip down with a screwdriver it unlocks the connector and you can then unplug it completely. Seems to remove the extra "bass" from the cabin in sport mode. You still get the same glorious F4 engine sound,
and the overrun pops/crackles etc, but just not quite as intrusive. 
See: https://www.718forum.com/forum/electronics-audio-l...
You may have found the solution! Seems others were keeping it a secret.
WG said:
Just out of curiosity, how do these things work ? Is there some kind of microphone which picks up and amplifies sounds from engine via ICE loudspeakers or is sound totally synthesised ??
"Something you’ll find under the bonnet of a plethora of sporty Volkswagen group products is the ‘soundaktor’ (sound actuator). It’s a small electronic resonator about the size of a hockey puck. It emits a sort of buzzy, fizzy noise which is either turned up or down, depending on what driving mode you have the car in. On the VAG cars we’ve tested we’ve rather liked it, but opinion among owners is mixed; many either deactivate it by removing a fuse, or remove it entirely." - CarThrottleI guess it probably has an electrical feed from the ignition system which is used as a trigger to emit noise at the appropriate frequency for whatever rpm the engine is turning. In other words, it knows the frequency at which your spark plugs are firing and emits noise in time with that and at an appropriate volume.
Had a bit more time driving without the SoundAktor:
My initial finding is that the cabin is quieter. It's almost like the acceleration is more 'effortless' since the cabin is so much quieter, I find this less wearing on long drives.
I also noticed that you could hear the exhaust more clearly, especially the PDK shifts, which is nice.
On full acceleration, the car sounds completely different to what it did before, I would say it sounds more like a 'howl' and definitely rawer. The exhaust sounds clearer as well.
Most of the sport mode additional 'rumble' from the exhaust still exists, but is not so intrusive, it has presence but it is not overpowering. When cruising, the cabin is much quieter.
Very pleased with this - I'd say is worth a try if you can spare the 10 mins to disconnect it. And if you don't like the result ? Just plug it back in.
My initial finding is that the cabin is quieter. It's almost like the acceleration is more 'effortless' since the cabin is so much quieter, I find this less wearing on long drives.
I also noticed that you could hear the exhaust more clearly, especially the PDK shifts, which is nice.
On full acceleration, the car sounds completely different to what it did before, I would say it sounds more like a 'howl' and definitely rawer. The exhaust sounds clearer as well.
Most of the sport mode additional 'rumble' from the exhaust still exists, but is not so intrusive, it has presence but it is not overpowering. When cruising, the cabin is much quieter.
Very pleased with this - I'd say is worth a try if you can spare the 10 mins to disconnect it. And if you don't like the result ? Just plug it back in.
Edited by jimbo761 on Thursday 14th June 18:03
Tony 1234 said:
I wonder if this unit also has some other purpose which would be detrimental to the car?
Looks interesting though
From my brief Google of the subject it appears not. Looks interesting though
Could other 718 drivers give it a try? When I next get a service loaner 718 I may well do also to see what affect it has.
Sounds promising though.
I have just unplugged mine. Manual base Cayman. I Agree with Jimbo
I asked about it in the dealership. After a conversation with a mechanic they agreed it creates noise. Didnt like the idea of disconnecting. A warning light might come on. It doesn’t. It might have some other function. It seems not. It might invalidate your warranty. I don’t like being threatened.
I asked about it in the dealership. After a conversation with a mechanic they agreed it creates noise. Didnt like the idea of disconnecting. A warning light might come on. It doesn’t. It might have some other function. It seems not. It might invalidate your warranty. I don’t like being threatened.
I guess those really paranoid about any effects of electrical disconnection could always just unbolt it from the chassis and wrap it in cloth to stop any mechanical contact? Would be an idea to do similar to the removed plug for those going that route to stop nasty rattles!
Edited by rgj1964 on Saturday 16th June 15:14
wag2 said:
I think this is just a control box. The transducer which makes the noise, I understand, is on the bulkhead behind the seats and harder to get at.
Yes, sounds as though that's right. There are various videos on Youtube which talk about Soundaktor, mainly in VW installations. 
Now that we are moving into winter I have this afternoon pulled the 7.5 amp Soundaktor fuse as I guess I will be driving more top up than down for next few months. Will be interesting to see if there is any difference to cabin sound. The fuse only took a minute to remove. The carpet trim around the trunk fuse box pulled back easily to reveal the rear fuse box. There is a yellow coloured fuse puller in the front drivers side fuse box. Some folk on the US 718 forum have reported that it also improved the Bose sound by reducing the muffling sound.
Mark-ri571 said:
Now that we are moving into winter I have this afternoon pulled the 7.5 amp Soundaktor fuse as I guess I will be driving more top up than down for next few months. Will be interesting to see if there is any difference to cabin sound. The fuse only took a minute to remove. The carpet trim around the trunk fuse box pulled back easily to reveal the rear fuse box. There is a yellow coloured fuse puller in the front drivers side fuse box. Some folk on the US 718 forum have reported that it also improved the Bose sound by reducing the muffling sound.
Will now be looking for the fuse option on my 991.1 cab. I blocked the pipe into the cabin with foam which is easy on a cab but you still get the annoying drone at tickover In sport mode. Harry vids also mentioned it on his Boxster 4.0 review. Gassing Station | Boxster/Cayman | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff