What Defines “Good Quality”?

In short, and from the perspective of “reproduction,” an ideal loudspeaker should perfectly mimic the auditory qualities of any sounding object or person. What does that mean? A perfect sound system achieves optimal audio quality by accurately reproducing the entire tonal spectrum of the audio material, from the deepest bass to the highest overtones, without overemphasizing or neglecting any specific frequencies. It must also handle the original range of audio dynamics, faithfully capturing the softest and loudest sounds while ensuring spatial accuracy by reproducing the precise directionality of individual sounds, such as instruments, so their intended positions are clearly perceived. Although a loudspeaker engineer might consider this an oversimplification, these principles provide a solid foundation for understanding the essence of high-quality audio reproduction.

General solutions are suitable for general situations

When the nature of the audio material is unknown, it is essential to have a versatile and high-quality sound system, such as those found in cinemas or concert halls. We can establish general requirements in these environments that lead to standardized solutions. From this standpoint, we can identify the “ideal” sound system described previously, making it appropriate for nearly any situation.

Exhibitions Are Unique—And So Are Their Exhibits

Exhibition spaces are fundamentally different from cinemas. While cinemas adhere to standardized norms for acoustics, audio technology, and seating arrangements, each exhibition is unique. An exhibition’s acoustics are influenced by its architecture, display structures, and scenography. Additionally, the layout of exhibition spaces is often more complex than cinemas, with exhibits usually accessible from various perspectives. Visitor behavior tends to be unpredictable—it’s difficult to determine who will observe which exhibit, for how long, and from what angle.

From a technical standpoint, exhibitions are more similar to virtual reality (VR) games than films. Films are a linear medium, whereas VR games allow for interactive exploration, allowing users to move around, pause, or return to previous moments. Exhibitions, however, are even more intricate. Visitors can see and hear everything in the space, including each other. Unlike virtual reality, which simplifies the experience into a digital environment, exhibitions exist in the infinitely more complex real world.

Given this complexity, the idea of a single “ideal” exhibition sound system seems unrealistic. This intricate nature may explain why the sound in exhibitions does not always meet expectations.

Designing the Sound System from the Exhibit’s Perspective

In exhibition projects, it is often more effective to approach sound system design by focusing on the exhibit rather than aiming for an idealized solution. What does this mean in practice?

Starting with the Ideal: Designing a sound system based on an all-purpose, ideal model that can handle every need is impractical. Such systems are large, expensive, and inflexible, making them difficult to integrate into exhibitions.
Starting with the Exhibit: Designing from the perspective of the exhibit involves closely examining the specific objects and their spatial context to create a customized solution. This approach can lead to varied results—it might involve a simple single-channel mini system, a multi-channel setup, or even headphones, depending on the exhibit’s needs. Practically, we can utilize any device that produces sound waves.

An example

Imagine an exhibition designed to showcase a bird’s song. The speaker’s role is to reproduce only the frequencies within the range of the bird’s singing; there’s no need to produce deep bass tones or play louder than the bird itself. This circumstance allows for smaller speakers that we can position discreetly to create the illusion of that bird singing in the exhibition space. The speakers blend seamlessly into the environment by being visually subtle and less attention-grabbing, allowing the technology to fade into the background. As a result, visitors focus on the exhibit, its message, and the overall atmosphere—not on the equipment itself.

A strategy for complex exhibition projects

We can individually assess each exhibit with an audio component to define its specific requirements. By following the principle of designing from the exhibit outward, we can identify the various technical demands based on the needs of each exhibit.

Once we have established these requirements, we can explore options for how multiple sounds can share a single speaker or how specific speakers might serve various purposes at the same time. It’s essential to make decisions about compromises with the individual exhibit and the overall concept in mind. While the solution doesn’t always have to be perfect, it should be adequate and integrate seamlessly into the broader design of the exhibition.

Additionally, utilizing digital audio networks or spatial audio technologies can help manage these projects’ complex distribution of audio signals.

The Value of Starting with the Exhibit

Planning exhibitions with numerous audio exhibits can become quite complex. Developing practical solutions requires combining technical knowledge, financial considerations, and aesthetic awareness. A comprehensive design perspective, extending beyond sound engineering alone, is essential.

The effort invested in this approach is worthwhile. It ensures that the exhibition’s sound design is distinctive, precise, nuanced, and natural—key elements for effectively conveying the content.

It’s important to remember that a sound system itself does not produce sound. A “soundtrack” begins with a clear exhibition concept harmonizing visual and auditory information. Creating a unified spatial experience involves carefully selecting and creating sounds. It also requires mixing all auditory elements to complement the overall scenography. Ultimately, the sound system serves merely as the medium that delivers the exhibition’s soundtrack, transforming it into a compelling auditory experience.