In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny welcomes Lyle Smith, president of the Sound United Strategic Business Unit at HARMAN, for an in-depth conversation about HARMAN’s recent acquisition of Sound United and its ripple effects across the audio industry.
Lyle shares his personal journey into audio, from formative childhood experiences and a defining first concert at Red Rocks, to his passion for building relationships and elevating iconic brands.
The episode also examines the promise of future product innovations and commitment to the audiophile community. Lyle Smith highlights the emotional connection people have with music, the challenge of balancing technical specifications with emotional appeal, and the responsibility to preserve brand authenticity. The conversation is rich with anecdotes about legendary brands—Bowers & Wilkins, Denon, Marantz, Polk Audio, and more—and the importance of keeping their DNA intact within the HARMAN ecosystem.
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Has Music Become Too Perfect?
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Grammy-winning producer and engineer Frank Filipetti and Dr. Hauke Egermann, professor of systematic musicology at the University of Cologne. Together, they tackle one of the most provocative questions in modern music: Has music become too perfect?
Drawing on decades of experience and research, Frank and Hauke explore the evolution of music listening, from the days of active, immersive engagement to today’s era of passive, background soundtracks. The conversation dives into the impact of technology, from auto-tune and pitch correction to AI-generated music, and considers how these tools can both enhance and diminish the emotional depth and human connection in music. They share insights from the Art of Listening project, reflect on the importance of imperfection, and offer practical advice for reconnecting with the soul of music in a world of infinite digital possibilities.
This episode offers a compelling look at how humanity, emotion, and imperfection remain at the heart of truly memorable music, even as technology continues to reshape the art form.
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Cabin Fever: How Cars Became the Next Entertainment Frontier
In this special episode of Audio Talks, recorded live at IAA Mobility in Munich, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Andreas Ehret, Head of Automotive Business at Dolby, and Greg Sikora, Senior Director, Global Acoustic Systems Engineering at HARMAN. Together, they explore how the in-car experience is undergoing a sensory revolution, driven by innovation and collaboration between the two audio powerhouses.
From adaptive soundscapes and AI integration to real-time data personalization, the conversation reveals how HARMAN and Dolby are transforming car cabins into immersive entertainment hubs. The episode also delves into the emotional and artistic dimensions of automotive audio—highlighting how precision engineering and a deep understanding of the artist’s intent are shaping the future of sound on the road.
Through the personal journeys of audio engineers and the legacy of their craft, this episode offers a compelling look at how immersive audio and emotion converge to redefine the car experience.
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Did Video Kill the Radio Star?
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny sits down with Karen Pearson, an award-winning producer and the visionary founder of Folded Wing, to explore her remarkable journey through the world of audio.
From her early passion for music and radio to leading one of the UK’s most innovative audio production companies, Karen shares how creativity, resilience, and a deep belief in the power of sound have shaped her path. She reflects on the founding of Folded Wing and its mission to champion diversity and inclusion in audio storytelling.
Karen offers a heartfelt perspective on the enduring magic of live radio - its intimacy, authenticity, and the irreplaceable role of passionate presenters. She contrasts this with the rise of video and streaming, emphasizing why radio’s local connection and human touch still matter in a digital world. She also highlights the democratizing power of podcasts, celebrating how they’ve opened up the world of audio to new voices and fresh perspectives. As technology continues to reshape the audio landscape, Karen explains why these changes only enhance radio’s role as a source of comfort, community, and companionship.
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Unlocking the Secrets of Immersive Audio
In this episode of Audio Talks, host Oisin Lunny is joined by Marcela Rada, an award-winning researcher, educator, and founder of the Immersive Lounge. From discovering a field recorder at age six to winning Best Student Paper at the AES Convention in Warsaw, Marcela’s journey is a powerful blend of curiosity, academic rigor, and a passion for making immersive audio more accessible and artist-driven.
Marcela discusses the audio industry’s ongoing transformation driven by the rise of spatial and immersive audio formats such as binaural and ambisonics, and shares her thoughts on how these technologies are reshaping how sound is produced, experienced, and distributed, particularly in music, VR, and AR. As streaming platforms adopt immersive formats and offer new incentives, there’s growing demand for high-quality, spatially-aware music production. Through initiatives like The Immersive Lounge, Marcela explores how research, education, and collaborative production can help shape immersive audio as both a technological innovation and a creative discipline.
Audio Talks. A podcast on all things audio presented to you by HARMAN and our family of audio brands including JBL, Harman Kardon and AKG. Host Oisin Lunny, music journalist and audio enthusiast, will interview expert guests, legends of the music industry and audio scientists to discuss the power of music and audio in all its facets. New episode bi-weekly every Thursday.
Ireland