I visited the Tate Britain yesterday and found they have installed some highly directional PA speakers around the gallery.
The playback is just audible around the room (but so low, you don’t really notice it), however when you step on the focal point, a dot on the floor, the sound becomes crystal clear a loud. Stepping about half a meter off the focal point and the sound falls off drastically.
What’s this speaker setup called and how does it work?
Highly Directional Speakers
Highly Directional Speakers
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- Mr Showbiz
Regular - Posts: 132 Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2014 12:00 am
Re: Highly Directional Speakers
There are a few different systems and I dont know which the Tate is using.
Here's some blurb from the American Holophonics system:
https://www.holosonics.com/touchless-audio
Most of these highly localised sound systems seem to employ ultrasonics in a phased array beam-forming system, relying on intermodulation between ultrasonic beams to create an audible signal within a small region.
Here's some blurb from the American Holophonics system:
https://www.holosonics.com/touchless-audio
Most of these highly localised sound systems seem to employ ultrasonics in a phased array beam-forming system, relying on intermodulation between ultrasonic beams to create an audible signal within a small region.
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- Hugh Robjohns
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Posts: 43691 Joined: Fri Jul 25, 2003 12:00 am
Location: Worcestershire, UK
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Technical Editor, Sound On Sound...
(But generally posting my own personal views and not necessarily those of SOS, the company or the magazine!)
In my world, things get less strange when I read the manual...
(But generally posting my own personal views and not necessarily those of SOS, the company or the magazine!)
In my world, things get less strange when I read the manual...
Re: Highly Directional Speakers
Thanks for that Hugh. It was quite impressive in operation. Although I would say with everyone having a bluetooth phone and headphones, it's a technology we don't really need.
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- Mr Showbiz
Regular - Posts: 132 Joined: Thu Oct 30, 2014 12:00 am
Re: Highly Directional Speakers
Which artwork did you go and see, we installed the Isaac Julien video wall which has the JBL Control 67HC/T pendants fitted, but don’t think that’s what you saw as we only have 2 on site.
There’s quite a few manufacturers doing speaker systems for that kind of thing where the audio needs to be very directional so as not to clash with other art works, or to satisfy the needs of the artist who like to create more immersive experiences
We’re in talks with a company called Holoplot at the moment, their system is truely amazing
There’s quite a few manufacturers doing speaker systems for that kind of thing where the audio needs to be very directional so as not to clash with other art works, or to satisfy the needs of the artist who like to create more immersive experiences
We’re in talks with a company called Holoplot at the moment, their system is truely amazing
Re: Highly Directional Speakers
Mr Showbiz wrote: ↑Thu May 04, 2023 8:35 am I would say with everyone having a bluetooth phone and headphones, it's a technology we don't really need.
Not sure why you'd think that.
I very rarely have headphones with me out and about.
I do have my bluetooth phone with me pretty much all of the time, but would find it hassle to set up for such an instance.
There's plenty of folk without bluetooth phones.
Directional sound that just works when you walk into its zone works for everyone (with functional hearing) and requires zero dicking about. It's a win for me...