Tour guide system tips: What headsets should you use?
A two-way tour guide system is a short-range radio system used to assist communication between tour group members. The tour guide speaks into a wireless microphone transmitter using a headset and the guests use wireless receivers with headsets to hear the message and talk back to the tour guide. The devices are usually recharged in a storage case.
Each transmitter and receiver (or transceiver) feature a headset socket and a volume control. The tour guide is always issued with a transmitter and a headset. A headset is a single device that comprises of an earphone/headphone and a boom microphone, enabling the tour guide to speak to and hear from the tour group.
The guests are issued with a receiver and either an earphone, headphones or a headset. Earphones and headphones allow the user to hear the tour group, however, they do not include a microphone. Therefore, the user must speak directly into the integrated microphone on the top of their device to speak to the group. If the guest is issued with a headset, the receiver’s internal microphone will mute automatically, and the connected headset microphone will take priority. This ensures the best possible sound quality as the microphone is always close to and at a constant proximity to the mouth.
The tour guide can often disable the talking rights of the guests, if required, to maintain control of the proceedings without being interrupted.
To get the best results from your tour guide system and ensure everybody can hear, it is important that the most suitable headsets are used.
A wide range of headsets are available for the two-way tour guide systems depending on application and environment the headsets are to be used in. The most common types are -
Single ear headset
This lightweight headset type is very popular, low-cost, and ideal for quieter environments. The single earphone delivers the sound to one ear only, leaving the other ear exposed to hear potential hazards in the local area such as vehicles, machinery, or other people. The integrated boom microphone sits to the side of the user’s mouth ensuring every word is being ‘picked up’.
An alternative version of the single-ear headset is the over-the-head option which is more suitable for longer duration events where additional comfort and/or more secure design is required. These headsets have a band that sits over the head and often feature a rotatable boom and directional microphone.
Both types can be used on either ear.
Dual ear headset
These headsets have a boom microphone and two ear cups, to provide clear sound to both ears. Rotatable ear cushions on each cup and an adjustable headband ensures user’s comfort. The directional boom microphone is suspended to the side of the mouth to ‘pick up’ the voice over the unwanted background noise.
Tip: If the tour is to take place in an area that requires hearing protection e.g. a manufacturing site, then these headsets can be used over earplugs.
Noise reduction headsets
These heavy-duty headsets comprise of a directional boom microphone and cups that seal over each ear, providing excellent sound isolation and audio quality.
Different versions are available depending on whether head protection (e.g. a hard hat) is required.
Some of these headsets provide certified hearing protection.
If you would like advice on the most suitable headsets for your tour guide system, please contact us.
Tags: tour guide systems, microphones, headphones
