Museums & Art Exhibits
VoiceLine Installation, London
Context
The Team
Sound Designer
Nick Ryan
L-Acoustics Services
Concert Sound System Revolutionizes London’s Iconic Public Space
London’s historic Strand, once a bustling thoroughfare notorious for its traffic congestion and noise pollution, has been revitalized into a captivating public space that invites sensory engagement. The VoiceLine installation, spearheaded by sound artist Nick Ryan, celebrates the centenary of the BBC’s first radio transmission by transforming this iconic location into an immersive soundscape. The Strand, with its rich history as a processional route connecting the City of London and the Royal Palace of Westminster, now boasts an artistic marvel that seamlessly blends sound and light, drawing in visitors with its mesmerizing ambiance.
The Challenge
The primary challenge was to reimagine the Strand, a space known for its cacophony of traffic, into an inviting cultural hub that appeals to both locals and tourists. The goal was to create a tranquil space for reflection, art, and sound amidst the urban bustle. Nick Ryan’s innovative proposal aimed to engage passersby through a unique auditory experience, setting a new precedent for this part of London.
The Solution
Ryan’s vision for The VoiceLine materialized through the strategic deployment of L-Acoustics’ cutting-edge concert sound system technology. A 170-meter path was lined with 39 L-Acoustics 5XT coaxial speakers, meticulously placed 3.5 meters apart. The system is powered by 10 LA4X four-channel amplified controllers, each connected to an AVB network, allowing for independent control of every speaker. This intricate setup delivers an immersive auditory experience that seamlessly integrates into the environment, creating dynamic soundscapes that change in response to the time of day and pedestrian traffic. L-Acoustics technology, including the L-ISA Studio software, enables a continuous, enveloping “bubble of sound” that enhances the pedestrian experience, offering high-fidelity audio and precise spatial control.
The Result
The VoiceLine has successfully established itself as a new sonic landmark in London. Visitors strolling along The Strand are now treated to a captivating multi-sensory experience where soundscapes evolve in real-time. Ryan’s artistic vision, coupled with L-Acoustics technology, has transformed a once chaotic area into a peaceful yet engaging space, filled with rich, immersive audio that flows seamlessly from one speaker to the next. Pedestrians, whether taking a brief pause or embarking on a longer journey, can now appreciate the seamless integration of sound and space, making the area a vibrant cultural hub rather than just a route for traffic.
Project photos
VoiceLine is basically the unfolding of an immersive system into a line, and L-ISA Studio was instrumental in making the experience seamless. The idea is to create a ‘bubble of sound’ that precisely overlaps each subsequent bubble of sound, and L-ISA Studio helps me render this seamlessly.
Nick Ryan
Sound Artist
Tech Brief
- Speakers: 39 5XT coaxial speakers
- Amplification: 10 LA4X four-channel amplified controllers
- Software: L-ISA Studio for spatial processing, panning, and reverb
- Network: AVB network for independent speaker control
