A directional speaker is a directional audio speaker that plays a straight beam of sound so it can only be heard when you are in a specific place. They are used in many different places where sound needs to be localized to a specific place. For example, public address, retail display, interactive kiosk or art exhibit.
They are an innovative way to grab people's attention and give them useful information without disturbing others in the same space. They are far more hygienic than a set of headphones that people share, and fit neatly into your space setup without changing your design aesthetic. Installation of most directive speakers is fairly straightforward. While the technology inside is complex, the product is simple: a relatively flat shape, the size of a dinner plate, with a sound on one side. This means that any flat surface can hold them (such as walls, structures or ceilings), or you can attach them to the same scaffolding that carries your lighting equipment and other equipment.
Directional speakers for museums, exhibitions and art galleries can provide a huge upgrade to your visitor experience. In a quiet exhibition space, you don't want to spoil the ambience of the environment. Visitors want to focus on viewing the exhibition without distractions, such as the sound of speakers leaking from other exhibitions. Directional speakers preserve the calm tranquility of the space while enhancing your display. Instead of leaking the sound everywhere, they confine it to a concentrated bundle of audio directed directly to where it needs to be heard.
Therefore, you can provide a voice-over explaining the content of the exhibit that can only be heard by the person standing in front of the exhibit. Or you can play ambient sounds to enhance the sensory dimension of the display, making it more memorable and enjoyable for everyone. You can also creatively use directional loudspeakers as part of the exhibit itself, with visitors walking through the beam to hear birdsong and ambient sounds. Focused directional speakers can also improve your accessibility by guiding people to where they should go next, especially useful for those with visual impairments.
Directional Speaker in Chinese Heritage Museum (2018)
In 2018, Audfly Super Ultrasound Directional Loudspeakers (Models B1/B2) were introduced into several Chinese heritage museums. Each cultural relic was paired with a fixed audio introduction, delivered only when visitors stood in front of the specific exhibit. This setup allowed tourists to enjoy an immersive listening experience while ensuring the surrounding environment remained quiet and undisturbed. The innovative form of exhibition sparked strong visitor interest and successfully attracted more audiences to the museums.
Nintendo Museum Utilizes Audfly Directional Speakers (2024)
In 2024, Nintendo adopted Audfly’s Indoor Directional Speakers (Model Mini) for its museum project, creating unique audio experience zones for each classic game. With traditional sound systems, overlapping audio often causes interference between nearby exhibits. By leveraging Audfly’s advanced directional sound technology, each game exhibit gained its own dedicated audio zone. Visitors were able to immerse themselves in authentic sound effects without disturbing other displays. This innovative solution not only enhanced interactivity but also offered the museum an unprecedented immersive experience.
Installing directional speakers in a museum is not as difficult as it may sound. While the technology behind these devices is advanced, the installation process is relatively straightforward. In most cases, directional speakers can be mounted directly on ceilings, walls, or supporting structures above the exhibits. The main considerations include ensuring proper alignment of the sound beam, avoiding interference with other nearby audio sources, and planning for power access. With careful placement, these speakers can precisely target specific exhibits, delivering a seamless and immersive audio experience to visitors without disturbing the surrounding environment.
Once installed, directional speakers require minimal maintenance and can be easily dismantled or relocated for future exhibitions. This makes them a flexible and cost-effective solution for museums and galleries looking to upgrade their visitor experience.
At Audfly, we specialize in providing advanced directional sound solutions that combine innovative technology with practical installation. From heritage museums to modern interactive exhibitions, our speakers have been trusted to enhance storytelling and create unforgettable visitor experiences. If you are looking to transform your cultural venue with cutting-edge audio solutions, Audfly directional speakers are the ideal choice to inspire and engage your audience.