When you think of speakers, your mind likely conjures up an image of walking into a room and being surrounded by music emanating from them. What you probably don’t imagine is a speaker that only emits sound if you are standing directly in front of it. This is because most people are familiar with traditional speakers, but there is another type: directional speakers. Let’s explore what sets these apart from the more common variety.
Why use Traditional Speakers or Directional Speakers
When it comes to choosing between traditional and directional speakers, it depends on the purpose you have in mind. If you want a sound that can be heard by a group of people at once, traditional speakers placed within the room with adjusted sound levels according to its size would be suitable. However, if your goal is for only one person to hear something in a confined space without disturbing others, then directional speakers would be the better choice.
When considering using speakers, it is crucial to understand the situation in which they will be utilized. For example, if you are organizing a concert or party, having traditional speakers will allow for a higher volume of sound to reach and fill the entire venue. The same can be said for conventions or large meetings where speakers need to address a large crowd. On the other hand, if you are in a confined space with a group of people and only want one individual to hear what is being played through the speakers, Focusonics parametric speakers (directional) would be necessary. These specialized speakers emit sound in a narrow beam towards a specific point, ensuring that only someone standing there can hear it.
What are Directional Speakers useful for?
Directional speakers have many applications in different settings. For instance, they are commonly used in museums where quietness is essential for visitors to appreciate artwork. With directional speakers installed, the museum can maintain a peaceful environment while providing specific information about each piece of art to individual visitors as they stand in front of it. They are also beneficial in crowded work spaces, such as control rooms, where one person may need to receive direct orders without disrupting their colleagues. In this scenario, a directional speaker can target that individual specifically without causing interruptions or distractions for others nearby.
Conclusion
Both traditional and directional speakers share the same function of emitting sound. However, traditional speakers are designed to reach a group of individuals, whereas directional speakers are focused on targeting one person at a time. Therefore, the intended purpose of the speakers is crucial in determining which type to use.