Providing an audio solution for a museum is fraught with challenges.  Many times the spaces are open with little or no acoustic isolation between exhibits.  There are usually multiple sound sources in close proximity, and with aesthetic and budget constraints, the exhibit design may be limited or may dictate the placement of the sound source.  Add to that, the desire to control the audio or eliminate audio spill and it is enough to make a museum director's head spin.

Fortunately, providing solutions in this type of environment is what Dakota Audio specializes in.  Our directional audio arrays are employed in more museum exhibits than any other focused sound solution.  A big reason for that is the unobtrusive design of the arrays.  They are not meant to be seen and many times we can't find them even when we know they are there!  The next advantage they provide is the configuration of the arrays: adjusting how tight the focus of sound is, how far the sound travels and what type of sound is reproduced is all user configurable, in the field, via an onboard control panel.

Finally, the last and most important aspect to choosing a Dakota Audio array is sound quality.  Again and again we are told that even if the arrays were not directional, the enclosure design and the sound quality are such that they easily fit into even the most demanding environments.  The directionality just makes the decision to go with Dakota Audio a 'no brainer.'

Dakota Audio produces a wide variety of directional audio solutions that all have two things in common:  They are very small (the speakers range from less than an inch to the thickest at only 3 inches thick) and they sound great!

Directional audio arrays by Dakota Audio do not utilize ultrasonic solutions but rather use normal high quality loudspeakers that are controlled by a unique digital signal processing technology to focus the pattern of sound.  Avoiding ultrasonic delivery means that there are no health issues from prolonged exposure or from the end users being too close to the ultrasonic device.

• Overhead Speaker arrays come in two sizes: the 36 inch square x 3 inch thick FA-501 and the 24 inch square x 3 inch thick FA-602 FH & CM models (the FH model is free hanging and the CM model is designed to fit in a suspended ceiling) both of which include an amplifier and user control panel built in for configuring the sound pattern, distance of throw, and tuning for the type of audio being played.

• Flat Panel Mini arrays these MA-4 speakers are also very popular with kiosk sound projects and come in a variety of lengths (18-38 inches/ 457mm-965mm) though all are less than an inch deep and only two inches tall.  These arrays can also be installed in the ceiling to cover a linear area (such as hallways) with sound (range and depth of field are dependent on mounting height and other factors.)   Finally, these arrays are one of the most popular with Digital Signage solutions.

• Floor Mount arrays are designed to focus sound patterns from the floor up and are manufactured in two varieties: Pre-construction and post-construction models.  The Pre-construction model of the FA-603 is designed to be placed into a roughly one inch deep pocket built into the floor.  The 0.87 inch thick array can then be placed under a grate or even under the carpet!  The post-construction floor array is only one inch thick and comes with an aluminum perforated grill that is tapered to floor level to assist with ADA compliance.

Dakota Audio also designs custom arrays to precisely fit your needs.  Whether it is designing and manufacturing round arrays for the Smithsonian Institute or special arrays with holes in the center for a light to shine through for the Country Music Hall of Fame, Dakota Audio wants to build your Healthcare solution to your exact specifications.

Don't have an audio specialist at your disposal?  Dakota Audio would be happy to recommend a consultant specific to your needs or region.

Please contact us for more information.