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Tom,

As you may recall noise from the main floor of the central pavilion when
there are many, many visitors, reflects off the ceiling in to the mezzanine
so that sometimes you can't hear yourself think. It may not be an easy task
given the nature of the sound, spoken voice, I'd like them to hear.
Headphones are not my favorite and the exhibit is a theater. But the idea of
speakers in pods scattered around amongst the seats is an interesting if
expensive idea. Alternatively, as Clifford suggests reduce the density of
the "noise". Fat chance given the economic situation.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Martin

On Wed, Jun 3, 2009 at 1:38 PM, Tom Nielsen <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Martin,
>
> In my experience, Smart Amps have the potential to make a modest
> improvement, but the effectiveness depends on the nature of both the noise
> you are fighting and the audio you are boosting.  They also need careful
> adjustment, which takes time and judgement -- you need to come back
> repeatedly to hear how they are doing over the full range from an empty
> gallery to a hall full of hails.  Its good to have one on hand for
> experiments -- you can try it in different situations and invest in
> permanent installations in those cases where the improvement justifies it.
>
> Short of headphones, which I dislike for many reasons, an approach I like
> is to deliver the audio through small loudspeakers placed so that an
> interested listener can easily bring the ear up close.  The volume can then
> be very low, because sound follows an inverse square law.  And rather than
> subjecting the visitor to the sound willy nilly,  you invite them to be
> active listeners if they so choose.
>
> quiet regards,
>
> Tom Nielsen
> www.TheExhibitGuys.com
>
>
-- 
Martin Weiss, PhD
Science Interpretation, Consultant
New York Hall of Science

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