1 SOUND loudspeakers were recently installed at the Niagara Parks power station, near the famous waterfalls in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada, helping to transform a former industrial powerhouse into an immersive museum that blends history, technology, and storytelling.
The audio solutions were used for two new exhibits: the Tesla coil exhibit and the Niagara Parks tunnel, both of which required audio solutions to enhance the experience, support live demonstrations, and ensure clear sound.
Located in a former power plant, the museum faced unique acoustical challenges in its vast, industrial space. To overcome these challenges, Branch AV, a provider of integrated audio-visual solutions, was contracted to design and install a high-performance audio system for both exhibits. Branch AV’s goal was to create an audio setup that could handle live demonstrations, video projections, ambient experiences, and private events.
For the Tesla coil exhibit, Branch AV needed a solution that could support hourly presentations, video projections, music playback, and private events. The 1 SOUND Tower LCC44 loudspeakers were selected as the primary left and right speakers, supported by two Tower LF44 low-frequency extension columns.
The LCC44 speakers’ cardioid properties played a crucial role in ensuring that sound did not bleed into other exhibit areas or reverberate off the metal alternator structure, where the speakers were mounted. These properties were especially important for the Tesla coil exhibit as there are daily presentations in front of the loudspeakers. The low-frequency columns, LF44, provided balanced and melodic low-end response.
The setup also included a Shure Beta 58A wireless microphone, used by the museum staff for the hourly presentations.
Branch AV worked closely with 1 SOUND’s hardware to create custom mounts for the Tower speakers, which were securely installed inside the alternator structure. The compact size of the LCC44 allowed for this precise placement. The integrators hid the Towers in plain sight, mounting the loudspeakers into a featured structure in the exhibit.
The Tesla coil exhibit presented several challenges. The museum’s industrial nature, with its tall ceilings, glass walls, and permanent metal structures, created a difficult acoustic environment. Branch AV’s solution involved selecting the LCC44 speakers for their rear-cancellation properties and controlled dispersion. The design minimised sound bleeding into surrounding areas, while the compact size ensured that the system wouldn’t dominate the space visually. The Tower Series’ line array technology eliminated feedback when microphones crossed paths with the speakers.
For the tunnel exhibit, located in a carved-out space beneath Niagara Falls, the audio design needed to overcome the constant exposure to moisture. The tunnel’s construction exposed the system to significant water flow, making waterproof, durable equipment a necessity. 1 SOUND’s IP55-rated speakers, including the LCC44 towers and WSUB45 subwoofers, were chosen for this wet environment. The long-throw capability of the Tower Series minimised the number of loudspeakers.
The WSUB45 subwoofers, designed to be weather-resistant, delivered low-end response, further enhancing the sensory experience for visitors travelling through the tunnel.
George Puthenkulam, partner of Branch AV, explained: “The Niagara Parks Power Station is charging ahead in creating interactive experiences for its visitors. For their latest exhibits, we provided streamlined AV systems tailored to each unique space, enhancing the storytelling behind the technology. The 1 SOUND Tower Series was the perfect fit for the Tesla Exhibit, delivering exceptional full-range clarity and power. Presenters walk directly in front of the speakers, and there’s no feedback! With 1 SOUND, we’ve achieved what we proudly believe to be the best museum sound.”
