Audio-visual specialist D J Willrich Ltd selected K-array Tornado speakers to represent scientific content accurately within the World of Molecular Biology exhibition.
World of Molecular Biology is a permanent exhibition housed within the renowned research institute European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL). EMBL comprises more than 110 research groups at six sites across Europe and is supported by 29 member states.
The London-based systems integrator D J Willrich has been instrumental in setting up audio-visual (AV) at various visitor attractions in the past, including the Titanic exhibition in Belfast, the Millennium Dome, the Top Gear Exhibition, the National Museum of Wales, Legoland, and more.
The AV news provider, AV Magazine, recently published the story along with an explanation from D J Willrich’s Project Manager, John Doe, as to how and why it had to achieve a realistic sound: “We were brought on board by the designers, Haley Sharpe Design of Leicester, to consult on the AV perspective, and we worked with the fit-out company, the Hub, which is based in Redditch.
The source material is mostly spoken word with some background music, and because the content is essentially medical and scientific in nature, with a lot of technical explanation, it was important that the narration was articulated with a high degree of clarity.”
“We also needed to mix the level down a little and focus the sound at the listener in order for the message to be clearly understood.”
K-array Tornado Speakers
The K-array Tornado speakers were deployed throughout the exhibition to provide a clear explanation of the installations for visitors.
Within the exhibition are a number of information kiosks providing different information about molecular biology and its pioneering scientists.
Generally, these kiosks have a large touchscreen alongside a PC or media server that can host the video content. Meanwhile, the sound is delivered by one or two K-array Tornado-KT2C flush-mount point source speakers with two-inch neodymium cone drivers, a dedicated KA1-T2H amplifier module, and a KA-l15 power supply.
This speaker and amplifier combo can effectively run as an independent unit, removing the need to run speaker cables from the kiosks to a central ‘rack room’ that would otherwise have created a lot of heat, which D J Willrich apparently did not want.
Crucially, the sound brief was to be easily audible for nearby visitors and not infringe on the sound coming from other exhibits.
Doe believes it succeeded in meeting the World of Molecular Biology’s audio requirements: “The quality of audio coming from a speaker of such a small size, and being so well integrated into the exhibits, is what made K-array so well suited to this project.
We are delighted with the performance of the sound systems, and the clarity, articulation and discreet appearance of the speakers, which have helped to deliver an engaging visitor experience.”
The five-inch Tornado speakers were reportedly the ideal solution as they could be easily fitted into the displays. Their 90-degree focus ensured that the sound remained within the proximity of the exhibit.
Last month, K-array revealed a new Kramer Control plug-in for its Kommander amplifier range. This plug-in offers IT and AV managers a streamlined means of controlling, monitoring, and supporting AV systems infrastructures and third-party devices.
Shortly before, Kramer was chosen by the Finnish basketball and multisports venue, The IKH Areena, to upgrade its AV infrastructure.
