Across galleries and museums worldwide, audio plays a vital role in shaping atmosphere and enhancing the visitor experience, often forming an integral part of the artwork itself.

Integrator ArtAV specialises in delivering audio solutions for these environments, where systems must be both highly capable and almost invisible.

To meet these demands, ArtAV has standardised on networked amplification from LEA Professional and loudspeakers from Fohhn, both supplied in the UK by ISCVE supporting member Audiologic.

This combination has been deployed across a range of high- profile venues including Tate Modern, Baltic Centre for Contemporary Arts, Yorkshire Sculpture Park and the Venice Biennale.

Balancing Performance with Usability

A key advantage of the LEA amplification platform is its intuitive web-based interface, allowing users to control systems via a simple browser interface on a phone or tablet.

“You can log on and adjust the volume of every amplifier channel with a slider,” says Weightman.

ArtAV has worked with Audiologic and LEA to request further simplification,such as a stripped-back interface with only essential controls, ensuring ease of use for non-technical operators.

Behind the scenes, the systems are highly sophisticated. Installations may involve dozens, or even hundreds of audio channels distributed across multiple rooms or outdoor spaces. Using LEA’s DSP tools and configuration software, ArtAV engineers can design, measure, and fine-tune systems to meet the specific needs of each installation.

Scalable Systems for Large Installations

For large-scale exhibitions, such as Listening All Night to the Rain by John Akomfrah at the British Pavilion during the Venice Biennale, the scale of deployment can be significant.

“There were over 100 channels of audio,” recalls Weightman. “We had a dozen amplifiers networked together.”

Remote monitoring also played a crucial role, allowing the team to manage and adjust the system from the UK throughout the exhibition period.

Compact amplifier design is another key benefit. High channel density enables equipment to be hidden within walls or architectural spaces to maintain the visual integrity of the installation.

Discreet Audio that Complements the Artwork

While electronics are concealed, loudspeakers must integrate seamlessly into the exhibition environment.

Fohhn loudspeakers are selected not only for their audio quality but also for their understated design.

The result is a system that delivers high-quality sound while remaining visually unobtrusive to support, rather than compete with, the artwork.

Supporting Touring Exhibitions

Many exhibitions travel between venues, each presenting different acoustic and spatial challenges. To streamline this process, ArtAV develops libraries of presets for frequently used venues.

These presets provide a foundation, with final tuning tailored to the specific artistic requirements, whether that involves low-frequency impact or precise vocal clarity.

Enabling Efficient, Networked Workflows

With the continued growth of AV-over-IP technologies, networked audio infrastructure is becoming increasingly important.

This efficiency is particularly valuable for international projects, where tight installation schedules and logistical challenges are common.

Supporting the Art, Not Competing with It

Ultimately, the success of audio in gallery environments lies in its subtlety.

““We’re not there to paint the picture—we’re there to make sure it looks and sounds as good as possible, the public doesn’t need to know how the AV works—they just want to experience the art.” Weightman

Images taken by Jack Hems

 © Smoking Dogs Films; Courtesy Smoking Dogs Films and Lisson Gallery.

John Akomfrah; Listening All Night To The Rain, 2024

Commissioned by the British Council for the 60th International Art Exhibition, La Biennale di Venezia, 2024

Find out more here:

audiologic.co.uk