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Until now I don't think I've EVER disagreed with anything Jeff Courtman has
said here, but I'm keen to defend the possible value of a 'designed' ambient
sound environment, if it's done well. To avoid misunderstanding, let's not
call it music. I strongly agree that when it's bad it's appallingly bad, and
it often is.

I also agree that sound volume is a big issue. It's usually too loud when
the gallery is nearly empty and inaudible when the gallery is busy. I
believe automatic volume controls linked to ambient noise-sensors can be
bought, but I don't know where. Out of interest, I just called Blackbox AV
and Golding Audio, two of Britains main digital sound-store firms for
museums and was met with a surprising blankness. Now I'd really like to know
where to buy a simple gadget to do this.

JasonJayStevens mentioned the 'ambient' soundscapes of Brian Eno. That was
very much the kind of thing I had in mind. Listen to this example, imagine
it played very softly and picture its effect on the way people might behave
and feel in the proposed ShadowPlay experience:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=lOgQyIMX_XU


Promoting public engagement with science
through a contagious delight in phenomena
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Give people facts and you feed their minds for an hour.
Awaken curiosity and they feed their own minds for a lifetime.
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Ian Russell 

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