SoundTube and Ford AV Deliver Intelligible, Discreet Audio for Historic Treasures Gallery at the Library of Congress

At the Library of Congress, preserving history is only part of the mission. Presenting it in a way that is engaging, accessible, and respectful of the environment is equally critical. In the newly designed Treasures Gallery, audio plays an important role in guiding visitors through some of the institution’s most valuable artifacts without detracting from the visual and architectural experience.

To achieve this balance, integration firm Ford AV was tasked with implementing an audio system capable of delivering clear, localized sound while remaining virtually invisible within one of the most iconic cultural spaces in the United States. Designing audio for the Treasures Gallery required navigating strict architectural preservation requirements that limited visible technology and structural modifications. At the same time, reflective surfaces throughout the space introduced intelligibility challenges, while the close proximity of exhibits required carefully controlled audio zones to prevent sound from overlapping between displays. The system also needed to perform consistently throughout the day under steady visitor traffic, maintaining clarity without disrupting the quiet, contemplative atmosphere expected in a museum setting.

Ford AV approached the project with a focus on precision audio delivery and minimal visual impact. Rather than relying on high-output, wide-dispersion sound, the team prioritized controlled coverage and strategic speaker placement to ensure that audio remained clear and localized. This approach allowed each exhibit to maintain its own sonic space while contributing to a cohesive visitor experience. The design philosophy aligned closely with SoundTube’s strengths in intelligibility, even coverage, and seamless architectural integration.

SoundTube’s IPD-TSB2.0 STNet Dante-enabled soundbars were selected to meet both the acoustic and aesthetic requirements of the project. The system was engineered to deliver clear, intelligible speech at comfortable listening levels while maintaining consistent coverage across exhibit areas. Careful attention was given to minimizing audio spill between adjacent displays, ensuring that each zone remained distinct. SoundTube’s BroadBeam® waveguide technology played a key role by providing wide, even dispersion, which reduced the number of speakers required while maintaining uniform sound levels throughout the gallery. At the same time, the speakers’ low-profile design allowed them to blend into the environment, supporting the gallery’s visual integrity rather than competing with it.

The completed installation delivers an audio experience that enhances the Treasures Gallery while remaining unobtrusive. Visitors can clearly hear interpretive content and narration without distraction, allowing them to engage more deeply with the exhibits. Speech intelligibility has been significantly improved across all areas, and the system maintains a consistent listening experience even during peak attendance. By controlling audio zones effectively, the system prevents overlap and preserves the intended flow of the space. Just as importantly, the technology remains largely invisible, supporting the architectural and historical significance of the environment.

This project underscores the value of close collaboration between integrator and manufacturer in complex, high-profile environments. Ford AV’s expertise in system design and installation, combined with SoundTube’s application-focused speaker technology, resulted in a solution tailored to the unique demands of the Library of Congress. It also reinforces a broader lesson for integrators working in museums and culturally significant spaces. In these environments, intelligibility often matters more than volume, and controlled dispersion can reduce the need for additional acoustic treatment. Thoughtful placement and low-profile design frequently deliver better results than higher-output systems that risk overwhelming the space.

For integrators facing similar challenges, SoundTube provides not only purpose-built products but also free system design services to support optimal performance from the earliest stages of a project.