Niagara Parks Power Station

Located in Niagara Falls, Ontario, the Niagara Parks Power Station is an architectural and engineering marvel that has been transformed into an immersive museum experience. As part of its ongoing effort to enhance storytelling and visitor engagement, the power station introduced these two new exhibits with audio to augment the experience. These two truly unique exhibits called for unique audio implementation and performed beyond expectations.

Branch AV was contracted to integrate a high-performance audio system. The goal was to provide audio support for live demonstrations, video projections, events, and ambient experiences for two new exhibits at the Niagara Parks Power Station Museum, the Tesla Coil Exhibit, and The Tunnel Exhibit.

The Tesla Coil Exhibit, needed a set-up for the museum staff to do hourly presentations, show videos, and support music playback for events in the area. Branch AV installed 1 SOUND Tower LCC44 loudspeakers as a left and right supported with two Tower LF44, low frequency extension column. This setup allowed for full-range audio that specifically covered the presentation area and had great clarity and intelligibility. The cardioid property and controlled behavior of the LCC44 were crucial in ensuring that sound did not bleed into other exhibit areas in the open museum space, nor did it reverberate off the metal ‘alternator’ structure where the loudspeakers were mounted.

Complementing the Towers, LF44 low-frequency columns were installed to deliver balanced, melodic low-end response, enhancing music playback and bass rumbles in video presentations.

The Niagara Parks Tunnel, an underground passage leading to a breathtaking view of the falls, required an IP55-rated waterproof audio system to withstand the tunnel’s naturally wet conditions. Branch AV deployed 1 SOUND Tower LCC44 loudspeakers and WSUB45 subwoofers, mounted securely using 1 SOUND’s C-Clamp Kit. This setup provided deep, immersive sound, enriching the sensory experience of visitors as they journeyed through the tunnel.

These two exhibits are truly one-of-a-kind, and their audio design and implementation presented unique challenges that required custom solutions. The museum, an old power plant, is a warehouse with tall ceilings and glass walls, posing acoustical challenges. Permanent metal ‘alternator’ structures throughout the building further complicated the space. Creating a separation of the Tesla Coil Exhibit was particularly challenging in terms of safely implementing audio while minimizing sound bleed, resonance, and distractions from neighboring moments around the exhibit.

After brainstorming and collaborating with the museum, Branch AV focused on delivering excellent sound without occupying exhibit floor space. They realized they needed to sonically define the exhibit, arriving at 1 SOUND’s Tower series. The LCC44 has 20dB of rear-cancelation and a controlled wide dispersion pattern that could cover the space, avoid sound bleeding behind the exhibit, and offer the clarity and SPL needed for the exhibit, while only being a less than half-meter long, compact speaker column.

Optimal loudspeaker positioning posed another challenge. Branch AV got creative and realized the Tower Series would fit inside the alternator structure. They chose two LCC44s and two LF44, low-frequency columns, for the system and worked with 1 SOUND’s hardware to create a custom mount inside the alternator. Branch AV knew the LCC44 was a true line array and does not produce feedback when a microphone crosses in its path. Knowing the presenters would be walking in front of the loudspeakers, confirmed the only loudspeaker that could handle this collective of challenges successfully was 1 SOUND’s Tower Series. This resulted in a highly successful audio design where speech sounded absolutely clear in a noisy cavernous environment and was invisible in the exhibit.

The Tunnel exhibit was challenging in figuring out how to make a carved-out tunnel underneath the powerful Niagara Falls into a safe immersive exhibit for visitors. Branch AV turned to 1 SOUND’s Tower Series again knowing they were IP55-rated and could withstand the constant wet environment. These small columns have a long throw making them ideal for the mile-long tunnel. This resulted in Branch AV needing minimal loudspeaker points in the tunnel.

“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 is no feedback! With 1 SOUND, we’ve achieved what we proudly believe to be the best museum sound.” explained George Puthenkulam, Partner of Branch AV.

Branch AV overcame acoustical, positioning, and weather challenges and leaned on creativity and problem-solving in their design. They delivered clear, high-fidelity, successful audio for both exhibits while simultaneously creating streamlined useability and service to their client.

With a future-forward approach to sound design, 1 SOUND and Branch AV have helped Niagara Parks Power Station redefine museum audio, creating an environment where history, technology, and storytelling come together to create an immersive experience for visitors.