The Technik Museum in Germany, which showcases more than 6,500 items across two sites, has incorporated an immersive audio experience into its U17 submarine display. According to Prosound South Africa, the submarine, a popular draw at the Sinsheim location, now offers visitors a heightened sense of realism through a sophisticated sound system. Laboratonium Audioproduktionen e.K. developed the acoustic design for the exhibit, aiming to replicate the sounds encountered during the submarine’s typical operation.
The installation proved complex due to the submarine’s construction, with its metallic walls and limited space posing obstacles for speaker placement. The team utilized thirteen Genelec loudspeakers, predominantly compact 8010 A models, to navigate these constraints. Two larger 8030 C Genelec models were also incorporated to deliver increased power and a more impactful dynamic range.
The resulting soundscape includes various noises, such as engine sounds, sonar signals, and ambient underwater acoustics. A programmed alarm sequence simulates the submarine's transition into a stealth configuration, further enriching the visitor's understanding of its functionality. The sound design was influenced by audio from the television series *Das Boot*. Musikhaus Schlaile GmbH provided the Genelec loudspeakers for the project.
Genelec, a Finnish company established in 1978, is recognized for its loudspeakers, which are commonly found in professional recording studios and private residences. The design team from Laboratonium Audioproduktionen is currently working on another installation for the Technik Museum, located in Speyer.
For more information, visit prosound.co.za.