Audio system with modular transducer

Abstract

Various implementations include audio systems. Particular aspects include a vehicle audio system, including a housing pre-installed in a vehicle, the housing including: a slot sized to receive a transducer assembly, and an electrical connector for enabling an audio connection with the transducer assembly; and a removable cover on the housing.

Description

Audio System with Modular TransducerPRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 760,348 (filed February 19, 2025), the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to audio systems such as audio systems in vehicles or other installations. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a modular transducer assembly for an audio system.BACKGROUND

[0003] Certain conventional audio systems fail to provide desirable adaptability and / or modularity. This can be particularly true for post-installation or post-delivery (sometimes referred to as after-market) scenarios.SUMMARY

[0004] All examples and features mentioned below can be combined in any technically possible way.

[0005] Various implementations include audio systems configured to employ one or more modular transducers. Certain aspects include vehicle audio systems. Additional aspects include modular transducers for use in an audio system. Further aspects include controllers and related methods for adapting audio systems based on detecting modular transducers.

[0006] In particular aspects, a vehicle audio system includes: a housing pre-installed in a vehicle, the housing including: a slot sized to receive a transducer assembly, and an electrical connector for enabling an audio connection with the transducer assembly: and a removable cover on the housing.

[0007] Additional particular aspects include a set of transducer assemblies, each having: an acoustic transducer; and a carrier containing the acoustic transducer and sized to sit within a housing in a vehicle, the carrier including: an audio connector enabling audio connection with an audio system in the vehicle; and a coupler configured to interface with a complementary coupler on the housing in the vehicle.

[0008] Additional aspects include an audio system having: a housing pre-installed in a listening environment, the housing including: a slot sized to receive a transducer assembly, and an electrical connector for enabling an audio connection with the transducer assembly; and a removable cover on the housing.

[0009] Implementations may include one of the following features, or any combination thereof.AS-25-305-WOX Page 1 of 15

[0010] In some cases, the electrical connector includes one or more connectors or contacts, e.g., spring contacts.

[0011] In certain examples, the removable cover visually obstructs the housing. In certain examples, the removable cover is provided in an originally installed (e.g., factory installed or manufacturer installed) configuration.

[0012] In some cases, the listening environment includes a space with at least one surface or at least one wall, e.g., to receive the housing. In some examples the listening environment includes a vehicle (e.g., a car, sport utility vehicle (SUV), off-road vehicle, recreational vehicle, transport vehicle, public transit vehicle, etc.). In additional examples the listening environment includes a home, office, or venue such as a music venue, an entertainment venue, house of worship, etc.

[0013] In some cases, the slot is configured to receive a plurality of distinct types of transducer assembly.

[0014] In some cases, the housing includes a first coupler and the removable cover includes a second, complementary coupler. In some cases, the first coupler and the second coupler enable toolless disconnection of the removable cover from the housing. In some examples, the removable cover includes a grip feature such as a recess, a surface texture, and / or a detent sized to enable a user to grip the cover and remove (and / or install) the cover without a tool. In certain cases, coupling / decoupling the cover can include multi-step actuation, e.g., a push-and-rotate action, which can be beneficially enabled by the grip feature.

[0015] In some cases, the transducer assembly includes a third coupler that complements the first coupler.

[0016] In some cases, the housing is pre-installed in a recess in a surface in the vehicle, and the removable cover is approximately visually continuous with the surface.

[0017] In some cases, the removable cover and the transducer assembly each include a rotate-to-secure feature that is configured to engage with a complementary rotate-to-secure feature on the housing.

[0018] In some cases, the electrical connector enables a power connection between the housing and the transducer assembly.

[0019] In some cases, the vehicle audio system further includes a processor configured to control audio output in the vehicle.

[0020] In some cases, the processor is configured to adjust audio output settings to a set of transducers in response to detecting the audio connection with the transducer assembly.

[0021] In some cases, the processor is configured to detect connection of the transducer assembly.AS-25-305-WOX Page 2 of 15

[0022] In some cases, the vehicle audio system further includes a user interface, and the processor is configured to provide a notification at the user interface that the transducer assembly is connected.

[0023] In some cases, the transducer assembly includes an integral grille sized to approximately fill a gap created by removal of the removable cover.

[0024] In some cases, the cover is disposable.

[0025] In some cases, the vehicle audio system further includes at least one fastener coupling the housing to a wall in the vehicle.

[0026] In some cases, the electrical connector is configured to maintain the audio connection with the transducer assembly under rotation.

[0027] In some cases, at least two of the transducer assemblies in the set differ in size.

[0028] In some cases, each transducer assembly (e.g., in the set) is configured to be installed as an after-market component in the vehicle.

[0029] In some cases, each transducer assembly (e.g., in the set) includes a grille over the acoustic transducer, the grille sized to complement a gap in a vehicle surface defined by the housing.

[0030] In certain cases, the housing is pre-installed in a recess in a surface in the listening environment, and the removable cover is approximately visually continuous with the surface.

[0031] Two or more features described in this disclosure, including those described in this summary section, may be combined to form implementations not specifically described herein.

[0032] The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects and benefits will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a housing in an audio system according to various implementations.

[0034] FIG. 2 a perspective view of a speaker enclosure in an audio system according to various implementations.

[0035] FIG. 3 a perspective view illustrating assembly of the speaker enclosure and the housing of FIGS. 1 and 2 according to various implementations.

[0036] FIG. 4 shows top views illustrating orientations in coupling a speaker enclosure and housing according to various implementations.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a distinct perspective view of a housing according to various implementations.AS-25-305-WOX Page 3 of 15

[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating audio connectors on a speaker enclosure according to various implementations.

[0039] FIG. 7 shows a schematic plan view of a surface in a wall with a cover over a speaker housing according to various implementations.

[0040] FIG. 8 shows placement of a speaker enclosure including a grille according to various implementations.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a speaker enclosure engaged with a housing according to various implementations.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a schematic depiction of a vehicle cabin including mounting locations for speaker enclosures and related housings according to various implementations.

[0043] It is noted that the drawings of the various implementations are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the disclosure, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the implementations. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements between the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] This disclosure provides, at least in part, an audio system that enables modular connection with one or more transducer assemblies. In particular aspects, the audio system enables post-installation (or, after-market) modularity in transducer configuration, e.g., by adding or otherwise modifying a number and / or configuration of acoustic transducers in a listening environment. In certain aspects, the audio system includes a vehicle audio system. The disclosed systems, transducers, and approaches enable adaptable, customizable speaker configuration, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0045] Premium audio systems such as automotive audio systems are generally more expensive than base model systems. In some cases, it may be desirable to be able to upgrade a base model system to a factory equivalent premium system after the original point of sale, e.g., of a vehicle. As noted herein, particular implementations relate to a modular transducer configuration that is adaptable and customizable for user goals.

[0046] In some examples, such a modular transducer allows speakers to be seamlessly added to an audio system after sale and / or installation, e.g., after vehicle sale, and / or after installation of an audio system. These disclosed implementations can provide various benefits versus other aftermarket speaker installations that may be difficult, time consuming, and not yield performance results in keeping with certain premium audio systems (e.g., premium audio systems in vehicles). In certain aspects, the overall design and strategy may be executed withAS-25-305-WOX Page 4 of 15original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to enable ease of installation and desirable acoustic performance.

[0047] Commonly labeled components in the FIGURES are considered to be substantially equivalent components for the purposes of illustration, and redundant discussion of those components is omitted for clarity.

[0048] Turning to FIG. 1, a portion of an audio system 5 (FIG 10) is illustrated including a housing 10 configured to be pre-installed in an environment (e.g., vehicle 302, FIG. 10 or other environments described herein). In certain of these cases, as noted herein, the housing 10 is installed in the environment prior to installation of a transducer assembly 20, e.g., as shown in FIG. 2. The housing 10 can include a slot 30 sized to receive the transducer assembly 20. The slot 30 can be configured to receive a plurality of distinct types of transducer assembly 20 in various implementations, e.g., transducer assemblies 20A,B,C,D, etc. with distinctly sized acoustic drivers configured to provide distinct output. In some cases, the slot 30 is configured to receive at least two distinct types of transducer assembly, including one or more of high-frequency drivers, mid-range frequency drivers, and / or low-frequency drivers. The housing 10 can also include one or more tabs 32 for mounting in the environment, e.g., for overhanging a panel or mount and / or corresponding with a retention feature such as a fastener, screw, etc., to retain the housing 10 in a wall, panel, etc.

[0049] With continuing reference to FIG. 1, and also illustrated in the connection diagrams in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the housing 10 can further include an electrical connector 40 for enabling an audio connection with the transducer assembly 20 (e.g., connectors 50 shown in FIG. 6). In certain examples, the electrical connector 40 and / or connectors 50 include one or more connectors or contacts, such as pin-type contacts, and / or spring contacts. FIGS. 5 and 6 show examples of two of each connector 40, 50 for enabling audio connection with the transducer assembly 20. Additional connector configurations are also possible. As noted herein, connectors 40, 50 can enable rotational coupling of the housing 10 and transducer assembly 20.

[0050] As shown schematically in FIG. 7, in various installed implementations a removable cover 60 is positioned on the housing 10. In certain examples, the removable cover 60 visually obstructs the housing 10 (shown in phantom in FIG. 7) when mounted (e.g., in a wall, panel, or other mount 62). In these examples, when in an environment such as a vehicle cabin 300 (FIG.10) or other space, a user cannot see the housing 10 when the removable cover 60 is in place. In certain examples, the removable cover 60 is provided in an originally installed (e.g., factory installed or manufacturer installed) configuration.AS-25-305-WOX Page 5 of 15

[0051] As shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 6, each transducer assembly 20 can include an acoustic transducer 70 and a carrier 80 containing the acoustic transducer 70 and sized to sit within the housing 10, e.g., in some cases, within a vehicle 302 (FIG. 10). The carrier 80 can include one or more audio connector(s) 50 (which may have an integral power connection, or be one of multiple connectors 50) enabling audio connection with the audio system 5, e.g., the audio system 5 in vehicle 302 (FIG. 10). Further, the carrier 80 can include a coupler 90 that is configured to interface with a complementary coupler 100 on the housing 10. In certain implementations, the removable cover 60 includes a coupler (not shown) that is approximately identical to (or otherwise provides similar coupling mechanism as) the coupler 90 on carrier 80 to enable the cover 60 to interface with the coupler 100 on the housing 10. In some aspects, the couplers (e.g., couplers 90, 100, and similar coupler on cover 60) enable toolless disconnection (as well as connection) of the cover 60 from the housing 10, as well as toolless connection (and disconnection) of the carrier 80 with the housing 10. In some examples, the cover 60 includes a grip feature 110 such as a recess, a surface texture, and / or a detent sized to enable a user to grip the cover and remove (and / or install) the cover 60 without a tool. In certain cases, coupling / decoupling the cover 60 can include multi-step actuation, e.g., a push-and-rotate action, which can be beneficially enabled by the grip feature.

[0052] In some cases, the couplers 90, 100 (and similar coupler(s) on cover 60) can be referred to as rotate-to-secure features that are configured to engage in a complementary manner to couple / decouple the cover 60 from the housing 10 and / or the carrier 80 from the housing 10. In some examples, the coupling and / or decoupling can require multi-step actuation, e.g., to secure the cover 60 and / or transducer assembly 20 (via housing 10). The multi-step actuation may include a depress-and-rotate or rotate-and-depress action. In certain cases, multi-step actuation may aid in compliance with a transportation safety (e.g., automotive safety) standard. In further implementations, when effectively coupled or decoupled, the couplers 90, 100 (and similar coupler(s) on cover 60) can provide tactile and / or audible feedback to the user (e.g., a click sound or feel).

[0053] In certain implementations, couplers 90 on carrier 80 include a plurality of male couplers 120 such as protrusions or tabs. Further, couplers 100 on housing 10 can include a complementary coupler, e.g., a female coupler 130 such as a slot. It is understood that the male / female coupling relationship can be inverted in certain cases. In certain cases, the male coupler 120 includes a ledge or tab 140 that is configured to engage a corresponding lip 142 (FIG. 3, FIG. 5) in the female coupler 130 and limit rotation when engaged. In certain aspects, as shown in FIG. 4, the male coupler 120 (e.g., tab) is configured to be inserted into the femaleAS-25-305-WOX Page 6 of 15coupler 130 (e.g., slot) in a first orientation (A), and then rotated into a second orientation (B) to secure the transducer assembly 20 to the housing 10. As illustrated in the cross-sectional view in FIG. 9, the female coupler 130 can include an overhang 144 that is configured to axially retain the male coupler 120 in the second orientation (B). As noted herein, in some cases, audible and / or tactile feedback indicates that the coupling is secure. Additional forms of couplers (also referred to as mounting features) can be suitable for connecting the transducer assembly 20 to the housing 10, e.g., including complementary couplers such as force-fit and / or friction fit couplers, and / or slots for receiving a coupler such as a pin, bolt or threaded coupler (e.g., a screw).Mounting features can be threaded in some cases, e.g., for receiving a screw to connect with the vehicle panel.

[0054] In particular cases, the electrical connectors 40, 50 are configured to be connected when the carrier 80 is loaded into the slot 130 (e.g., in Orientation A), and maintain connection when the assembly 20 is rotated (e.g., in Orientation B). In certain of these cases, the rotationally adaptable connectors 40, 50 allow a user to couple (and secure) the assembly 20 to the housing 10 without direct access to the electrical connectors 40, 50. These pin-type and / or spring contacts can be configured to maintain electrical connection (including, or in addition to, audio connection) during and after rotation.

[0055] In additional implementations, the carrier 80 includes at least one grip feature 150 such as a recess or notch that enables a user to rotate the carrier 80 for loading and / or unloading the transducer assembly 20 from the slot 30.

[0056] In some cases, such as shown in FIG. 7, the housing 10 is pre-installed in a recess 160 in a surface 170 in the listening environment, e.g., in a vehicle 302 (FIG. 10). In certain examples, as shown in FIG. 7, the removable cover 60 is approximately visually continuous with the surface 170. In this sense, the removable cover 60 provides little or no indication of its presence and can be largely unnoticed during use of the space.

[0057] In certain examples, as illustrated in phantom in FIGS. 7 and 8, the transducer assembly 20 includes an integral grille 180 sized to approximately fill a gap 190 created by removal of the removable cover 60 (e.g., gap in surface 170, FIG. 7, which is approximately a same diameter as the slot 30 in housing 10). In the example vehicle 302 in FIG. 10, the grille 180 can complement a gap (e.g., similar to gap 190 in FIG. 7) in the vehicle surface 170 (e.g., surface of a door, pillar, console section, floor, overhead section, etc.) defined by the housing 80. In these cases, the grille 180 can provide a similar visual continuity as the cover 60 with respect to the surface 170. As noted herein, in some cases, the cover 60 is disposable, and can be discarded after installation of the transducer assembly 20. The cover 60 can also be reusable, e.g., able to be fastened againAS-25-305-WOX Page 7 of 15to the housing 10 via couplers 90, 100. In still further implementations, the housing 10 can be coupled to a wall in the space (e.g., a vehicle wall such as in a door location 320, pillar location 330, etc. in FIG. 10) using one or more fasteners (e.g., via slots 200 in the housing 10, such as slots in tab(s) 32).

[0058] In some cases, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the audio system 5 can further include a processor 210 (e.g., in a console, hardware stack, wall unit, etc.) configured to control audio output, e.g., in a vehicle 302. In certain cases, the processor 210 is configured to adjust audio output settings to a set of transducers 70 (e.g., in locations 310) in response to detecting the audio connection with the transducer assembly 20. In some cases, housing(s) 10 are already installed in the space (e.g., vehicle 302) prior to the installation of the transducer assembly 20, and the processor 210 is configured to adjust the audio output settings to those transducers based on the addition of the transducer assembly 20 (including transducer 70). In some cases, the processor 210 is configured to detect connection of the transducer assembly 20, e.g., via electrical contacts 40, 50. In certain cases, the audio system 5 further includes a user interface 220 (e.g., coupled with the processor 210). The user interface 220 can include a visual interface, auditory interface, tactile interface, etc. In certain aspects, the user interface (UI) 220 is part of the space (e.g., vehicle dashboard or other display), and / or is integrated in another device such as a smart device or audio device. In some cases, the processor 210 is configured to provide a notification at the user interface 220 that the transducer assembly 20 is connected. In further implementations, the processor 210 is configured to provide a notification at the user interface 220 regarding the connection status of the transducer assembly 20 (e.g.. that the connection is not yet established) and / or to identify a defect in the assembly 20 (e.g., a fault or other defect in the connection and / or transducer 70).

[0059] As noted herein, in some cases, each transducer assembly 20 (e.g., in a set) is configured to be installed as an after-market component in a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 302 in FIG. 10). In such cases, the transducer assembly 20 can enable a user to modify (e.g., enhance) an audio system in a vehicle after purchase of the vehicle.

[0060] While certain examples of listening environment such as a vehicle are described herein, it is understood that the listening environment can include a space with at least one surface or at least one wall, e.g., to receive the housing. In some examples the listening environment includes a vehicle (e.g., a car, sport utility vehicle (SUV), off-road vehicle, recreational vehicle, transport vehicle, public transit vehicle, etc.). In additional examples the listening environment includes a home, office, or venue such as a music venue, an entertainment venue, house of worship, etc.AS-25-305-WOX Page 8 of 15

[0061] In some examples, the transducer assemblies disclosed herein can include an electroacoustic transducer (or, driver) and a basket housing the electro-acoustic transducer. Various example driver assemblies are illustrated and described in US Patent Application Nos.19 / 295,039 (Fastener-Free Vehicle Speaker Assembly, filed August 8, 2025) and 19 / 316,151 (Hinge-Mounted Vehicle Speaker Assembly, filed September 2, 2025), each of which is entirely incorporated by reference herein. Additional driver assemblies including a transducer and basket are known in the art.

[0062] Example Vehicle Mounting

[0063] FIG. 10 shows a schematic depiction of a vehicle cabin 300 (e.g., part of vehicle 302 also including seats 304), with various speaker mounting locations 310, including but not limited to (side, or door) panel locations 320, pillar locations 330, instrument panel locations 340, headliner or floor pan locations 350, etc. It is understood that the assemblies and enclosures disclosed herein shown and described herein can be configured for placement in one or more of the speaker mounting locations 310, e.g., panel locations 320, pillar locations 330, instrument panel locations 340, and / or headliner / floor pan locations 350. These assemblies may also beneficially be placed in any additional locations 310 in the vehicle cabin 300. In certain cases, the locations 310 illustrated in vehicle 302 can include a housing 10, which can be configured to receive a transducer assembly 20 as described according to various implementations.

[0064] The systems including enclosures and assemblies in a vehicle disclosed according to various implementations provide numerous benefits relative to conventional devices. For example, in particular aspects, the audio system enables post-installation (or, after-market) modularity in transducer configuration, e.g., by adding or otherwise modifying a number and / or configuration of acoustic transducers in a listening environment. The disclosed systems, transducers, and approaches enable adaptable, customizable speaker configuration, thereby enhancing the user experience.

[0065] Additional example embodiments

[0066] In certain additional cases a modular transducer includes: a housing configured to be preinstalled in a listening environment, the housing including a receptacle configured to receive a transducer assembly and including an electrical connector to carry audio signals; and a transducer assembly comprising at least one acoustic transducer and configured to engage with the receptacle and align a mating connector with the electrical connector of the housing.

[0067] In certain additional cases an audio system includes: an audio signal controller configured to process at least one audio signal; a housing including a receptacle configured toAS-25-305-WOX Page 9 of 15receive a transducer assembly and including an electrical connector; and a sensing component configured to detect the presence of the transducer assembly.

[0068] It is understood that the relative proportions, sizes and shapes of the assemblies, vehicle panels, and mounting features thereof as shown in the FIGURES included herein can be merely illustrative of such physical attributes of these components. That is, these proportions, shapes and sizes can be modified according to various implementations to fit a variety of products, e.g., additional types of device connectors and / or interfaces that can benefit from sealing.

[0069] The term “approximately” as used with respect to values herein can allot for a nominal variation from absolute values, e.g., of several percent or less. Where the term “comprising” is used in the present description and claims, it does not exclude other elements or operations. The term “based on” (as in “A is based on B”) is used to indicate any of its ordinary meanings, including the cases (i) “based on at least” (e.g., “A is based on at least B”) and, if appropriate in the particular context, (ii) “equal to” (e.g., “A is equal to B”). Similarly, the term “in response to” is used to indicate any of its ordinary meanings, including “in response to at least.”

[0070] In various implementations, components described as being “coupled” to one another can be joined along one or more interfaces. In some implementations, these interfaces can include junctions between distinct components, and in other cases, these interfaces can include a solidly and / or integrally formed interconnection. That is, in some cases, components that are “coupled” to one another can be simultaneously formed to define a single continuous member. However, in other implementations, these coupled components can be formed as separate members and be subsequently joined through known processes (e.g., soldering, fastening, ultrasonic welding, bonding). In various implementations, electronic components described as being “coupled” can be linked via conventional hard-wired and / or wireless means such that these electronic components can communicate data with one another. Additionally, sub-components within a given component can be considered to be linked via conventional pathways, which may not necessarily be illustrated.

[0071] A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that additional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the inventive concepts described herein, and, accordingly, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.AS-25-305-WOX Page 10 of 15

Claims

CLAIMSWe claim:

1. A vehicle audio system, comprisinga housing pre-installed in a vehicle, the housing including:a slot sized to receive a transducer assembly, andan electrical connector for enabling an audio connection with the transducer assembly: anda removable cover on the housing.

2. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, wherein the slot is configured to receive a plurality of distinct types of transducer assembly.

3. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, wherein the housing includes a first coupler and the removable cover includes a second, complementary coupler.

4. The vehicle audio system of claim 3, wherein the first coupler and the second coupler enable toolless disconnection of the removable cover from the housing.

5. The vehicle audio system of claim 3, wherein the transducer assembly includes a third coupler that complements the first coupler.

6. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, wherein the housing is pre-installed in a recess in a surface in the vehicle, and wherein the removable cover is approximately visually continuous with the surface.

7. The vehicle audio system of claim 1 , wherein the removable cover and the transducer assembly each include a rotate -to-secure feature that is configured to engage with a complementary rotate-to-secure feature on the housing.

8. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector enables a power connection between the housing and the transducer assembly.AS-25-305-WOX Page 11 of 159. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, further comprising a processor configured to control audio output in the vehicle.

10. The vehicle audio system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to adjust audio output settings to a set of transducers in response to detecting the audio connection with the transducer assembly.

11. The vehicle audio system of claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to detect connection of the transducer assembly.

12. The vehicle audio system of claim 11, further comprising a user interface, wherein the processor is configured to provide a notification at the user interface that the transducer assembly is connected.

13. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, wherein the transducer assembly includes an integral grille sized to approximately fill a gap created by removal of the removable cover.

14. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, wherein the cover is disposable.

15. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, further comprising at least one fastener coupling the housing to a wall in the vehicle.

16. The vehicle audio system of claim 1, wherein the electrical connector is configured to maintain the audio connection with the transducer assembly under rotation.

17. A set of transducer assemblies, each comprising:an acoustic transducer; anda carrier containing the acoustic transducer and sized to sit within a housing in a vehicle, the carrier including:an audio connector enabling audio connection with an audio system in the vehicle: anda coupler configured to interface with a complementary coupler on the housing in the vehicle.AS-25-305-WOX Page 12 of 1518. The set of transducer assemblies of claim 17, wherein at least two of the transducer assemblies differ in size.

19. The set of transducer assemblies of claim 17, wherein each transducer assembly is configured to be installed as an after-market component in the vehicle.

20. The set of transducer assemblies of claim 17, further comprising a grille over the acoustic transducer, the grille sized to complement a gap in a vehicle surface defined by the housing.

21. An audio system comprising:a housing pre-installed in a listening environment, the housing including:a slot sized to receive a transducer assembly, andan electrical connector for enabling an audio connection with the transducer assembly: anda removable cover on the housing.

22. The audio system of claim 21, wherein the slot is configured to receive a plurality of distinct types of transducer assembly.

23. The audio system of claim 21, wherein the housing includes a first coupler and the removable cover includes a second, complementary coupler.

24. The audio system of claim 23, wherein the first coupler and the second coupler enable toolless disconnection of the removable cover from the housing, and wherein the transducer assembly includes a third coupler that complements the first coupler.

25. The audio system of claim 21, wherein the housing is pre-installed in a recess in a surface in the listening environment, and the removable cover is approximately visually continuous with the surface.

26. The audio system of claim 21, wherein the removable cover and the transducer assembly each include a rotate-to-secure feature that is configured to engage with a complementary rotate-to-secure feature on the housing.AS-25-305-WOX Page 13 of 1527. The audio system of claim 21, wherein the electrical connector enables a power connection between the housing and the transducer assembly.

28. The audio system of claim 21, further comprising a processor configured to:control audio output in the listening environment, andadjust audio output settings to a set of transducers in response to detecting the audio connection with the transducer assembly.AS-25-305-WOX Page 14 of 15

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