Hi Ami,
Not sure about your timing or facility constraints, but one of my AV systems engineers at the Seattle Art Museum helped install an overhead directional speaker setup to reduce sound bleed to other areas. This allowed for attendees to only hear the exhibit audio content if standing within the marked floor location in front of the exhibit. This created a really unique and personal experience for the visitor without speakers on the exhibit wall, disturbing other attendees and creating better immersion.
Let me know if you would like me to get the specific equipment details and install information.
Wishing the best of luck on your project!
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Michelle Arkush
Associate Director of AV Services
Seattle Art Museum
Seattle WA
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Original Message:
Sent: 02-10-2026 06:10 PM
From: Ami Eckard-Lee
Subject: Directional sound solutions for exhibit video monitor
Hello museum folks,
I am searching for solutions for directional speaker(s) for a video monitor that is part of a new exhibit in our small museum. The exhibit is located in a room with other displays and some traffic flow, so the sound needs to be narrow-beam and highly focused. The audio is for a touchscreen monitor showing various in-depth videos guests can peruse, so primarily spoken word, and it will be for only 1-5 viewers at a time, so the sound area can be quite small.
As a small nonprofit museum with a limited budget, we are looking for solutions $500 or less. There are an overwhelming number of options out there, but many are much bigger in scope, capabilities, and price than we need. I see there was a thread about this in 2021, wondering if anyone has more updated solutions or suggestions?
Thank you!
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Ami Eckard-Lee
Creative Director
Kelch Aviation Museum
Brodhead WI
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