A directional (parametric) speaker forms a narrow sound beam of 15–30° audible only at a specific point. A person standing one metre from the beam hears nothing. For lobbies and reception areas the technology opens up possibilities: welcome audio messages at the desk, background music for waiting zones without interfering with meeting areas, and audio wayfinding to lifts and offices. Adoption has grown rapidly: over 500 installations in European lobbies since 2024, with proven effectiveness in noise-sensitive healthcare and legal environments.
How Parametric Sound Works
An array of ultrasonic emitters (40–60 kHz) modulates a carrier frequency with an audio signal. As the ultrasound propagates through air it 'unfolds' into the audible range of 100–16,000 Hz — but only within a narrow cone. Volume at the target point: 75–85 dB. One metre off-axis: below 30 dB.
Emitter panel size: from 200×200 mm (desktop) to 600×600 mm (ceiling). Focal range: 3–15 metres. Power consumption: 15–40 W. Control: Ethernet/RS-485 with CRESTRON, AMX and other automation system integration.
Reception Area Applications
At the reception desk: a welcome message triggered by a presence sensor. The visitor hears 'Welcome' while a colleague two paces away hears silence. In the waiting zone: background music that doesn't leak into the meeting area. At the lift lobby: voice navigation — 'Lifts to the right, floor 5 — accounts'.
In medical clinics, directional audio calls patients by name without breaching others' confidentiality. In museum lobbies — an audio guide tied to a specific exhibit. For hotels — personalised musical greetings for VIP guests.
Installation, Cost and Maintenance
Ceiling modules mount into a suspended ceiling (Armstrong or Griliato style) at 2.7–4.0 m height. Wall units use brackets with ±15° tilt adjustment. Cabling: CAT6 twisted pair + 24 V DC power. Installation of one zone (3–5 points): one working day.
Cost per module: from $850 (desktop) to $2,100 (ceiling with 40-emitter array). Turnkey solution for a 100 m² lobby (4–6 zones): from $6,500. Maintenance — monthly panel wipe; electronics require no replacement for 7–10 years.