Tour guide system tips: What headphones should you use?

A tour guide system is a short-range radio system used to assist communication between a tour guide and their tour group. The tour guide speaks into a wireless microphone transmitter and the guests use wireless receivers with earphones/headphones to hear the message. The devices are usually recharged in a storage case.

Tour guide system receivers are generally available in two types – a single piece design, that features an integrated earphone(s) or a bodypack design, featuring a socket to connect earphones/headphones. Both types of receivers also provide a volume control. To get the best results from your tour guide system and ensure your audience can hear, it is important that the most suitable receivers are used.

Single piece receivers have built-in earphone(s) making it easier to distribute and collect the devices to and from the guests as there are no cables to untangle. They also do not suffer from cable wear-and-tear over time. Single piece receivers are most suitable for quieter environments.

Bodypack receivers have a 3.5mm headphone socket to accept a wide range of accessories. The most common types are:

Single Earphone

A lightweight earphone is the most popular earpiece for use with tour guide system receivers due to its compact size, hygienic design, and low cost. Single earphones only deliver the sound to one ear leaving the other ear exposed to hear potential hazards in the local area such as traffic and other people, making them very popular for city tours.

The flexible strap is designed to fit all ear shapes and can be used on either ear.

In-Ear Earphones

In-ear earphones are placed directly into the ears. The soft sleeves provide a comfortable fit and reduce background noise. Due to personal hygiene reasons, these are normally distributed as personal issue, and are to be retained by the guests at the end of the event.

Headphones

These headphones provide clear sound to both ears. Headphones can help keep the tour group focused on the guide’s message and reduce distractions from ambient noises in the area. The adjustable headband and rotatable ear cushions are designed for comfort. A neckband version is available for use where head protection is required.

Tip: If the tour is to take place in an area that requires hearing protection e.g. a factory visit, then these headphones can be used over earplugs.

Noise reduction headphones

These heavy-duty headphones are designed for tours in noisy environments and can therefore provide hearing protection to the user. The enclosed ear cups provide excellent sound isolation enabling the tour guide to be heard. There are also other versions available for use with head protection e.g. a hard hat.

Inductive Neck Loop

A neck loop is plugged directly into the receiver’s headphone socket and is used by a hearing aid user attending a tour. The neck loop is placed around the neck like a necklace. The hearing aid user switches their hearing aid to the ‘T’ (telecoil) setting to hear the guide’s message via their personal hearing aid.

Tip: If a one-way tour guide system is in use, it is important that the guide repeats any questions or comments from a guest when conducting the tour to enable the hearing aid user to hear what is being said. When a hearing aid user has switched their aid to the ‘T’ setting, the microphone on their hearing aid is often muted. Therefore, they completely rely on the guide’s microphone to hear the message.

All the above accessories connect directly into a bodypack receiver’s headphone socket. The user can then adjust their personal volume level.

If the above accessories are used with a two-way tour guide system, the guest must speak into the integrated microphone on the top of their receiver to communicate to the tour group.

Most two-way tour guide systems issue the users with a headset. A headset is a single device that comprises of an earphone/headphone and boom microphone, to enable the user to hear and speak to the tour group. The boom microphone has the advantage of always being in a close proximity to the mouth (regardless of which way the head turns) ensuring the best possible sound quality.

If you have any questions or would like advice on the most suitable and cost-effective tour guide system and accessories to suit your needs, please contact us.

Tags: tour guide systems, microphones, headsets