Acura’s ELS Studio audio system began as a groundbreaking collaboration between the automaker, Panasonic, and legendary recording engineer Elliot Scheiner. Scheiner, an eight-time Grammy-winning producer known for his work with Steely Dan, The Eagles, and Foo Fighters, aimed to bring studio-quality sound to the road. Acura, seeking to distinguish itself from competitors like Lexus and Audi, bypassed flashy branding in favor of Scheiner’s artisanal audio philosophy—focusing on accurate reproduction over exaggerated effects. Unlike systems that rely on heavy DSP tuning, ELS was tuned “by ear,” replicating how music is heard in the studio, with no artificial coloring. Scheiner's vision was simple but profound: reproduce music exactly as the artist intended, inside a car engineered to support it.

The first ELS Surround system debuted in the 2004 Acura TL with an 8-speaker, 225-watt setup capable of playing DVD-Audio in true 5.1-channel surround. The automotive world took notice. With listeners positioned in a fixed location, the car was an ideal sound chamber, and the TL became a cult favorite among audiophiles. As Acura introduced ELS systems to more models—MDX, RDX, TSX, ZDX, and ILX—they steadily improved in speaker count and fidelity. By 2007, the MDX offered a 410-watt, 10-speaker ELS Surround setup, while the TL and TSX featured Dolby Pro Logic II processing to simulate surround even from stereo sources. Reviewers consistently praised ELS systems for their crisp imaging, natural tonality, and immersive presentation—qualities that often exceeded those of more established brands like Bose and even Mark Levinson in select models.

One of the most iconic moments came when the Foo Fighters reviewed final mixes of their 2005 album In Your Honor in a parked Acura TL, preferring the ELS system over the studio monitors. Band members were so impressed that frontman Dave Grohl and Eagles guitarist Joe Walsh both purchased TLs. This was a testament to the system’s accuracy—it was good enough to mix albums in. As Acura’s interiors became quieter and more refined, ELS systems were able to deliver even greater detail. Vehicles like the 2015 TLX featured upgraded acoustic dampening, double-sealed doors, and improved insulation, allowing for a low noise floor and acoustically “dead” cabin—an ideal canvas for audio precision.

By 2014, Acura introduced the next phase: ELS Studio. Power output increased to 450–500 watts, and each speaker gained its own amplifier channel for time-aligned digital signal processing. Titanium tweeters and advanced midrange drivers extended the frequency response while reducing distortion. Scheiner personally tuned each system to each specific cabin using his own reference recordings. Acura and Panasonic further collaborated on cabin materials, placement geometry, and even the design of grills and enclosures to maximize imaging and channel separation. Unlike systems that were “loud and impressive” but fatiguing, ELS systems remained engaging even over long drives.

In 2019, ELS Studio 3D launched with the third-generation Acura RDX. This marked a leap forward in immersive audio: 16 speakers, 710 watts, and four ultra-slim ceiling-mounted speakers created an overhead sound field—making it possible to experience true three-dimensional sound in a car. Using Panasonic’s Acoustic Motion Control, each speaker was actively managed for precise diaphragm control, ensuring pinpoint detail. The RDX’s interior was specially engineered with acoustic spray foam, laminated glass, and triple-sealed doors to maintain a serene cabin for audio playback. The system earned “Car Audio System of the Year” from Business Insider, topping long-standing competitors.

In 2021, the TLX received a 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D system with dual subwoofers, while the 2022 MDX Type S introduced the pinnacle: ELS Studio 3D Signature Edition. Featuring 25 speakers, 22 channels, over 1000 watts of power, and six overhead speakers, it delivered an unprecedented soundstage. Innovations included carbon-fiber drivers, a CenterParquet dashboard array for symmetrical imaging, and advanced noise control across all rows. Every speaker was individually tuned for seamless balance and time alignment—resulting in a concert hall experience tailored to each seat.

ELS systems have now become a defining feature of the Acura brand, available in models from the Integra to the MDX. While more niche than mainstream branded systems, ELS continues to exceed expectations in tonal balance, imaging, and musical fidelity. Acura’s precision-engineered, low-NVH platforms are the perfect acoustic environment—ensuring listeners experience the full dynamic range without intrusion from road or wind noise. This long-standing partnership between Elliot Scheiner, Panasonic, and Acura has proven that car audio, when done right, can rival the world’s best studios. For audiophiles and music lovers, ELS Studio remains one of the best-kept secrets in the luxury auto world: a true “studio on wheels.”