Bluehertz Audioguides offers several portable group audio guide systems to facilitate voice transmission and reception (whisper systems, tour guide system or audio guides for groups). The guide speaks into a transmitter equipped with a microphone, which wirelessly broadcasts their voice into the headphone receivers of each user, without creating noise or disruption to those around them.

GROUP GUIDING SYSTEMS (TOUR GUIDE SYSTEMS, WHISPER SYSTEMS)

Tour guide system SPL1360 magnetic

TOUR GUIDE SYSTEM MODEL SPL1360 MAGNETIC

Our flagship model, for all types of group guiding: city tours, museum visits, factory visits, sports lessons, conferences with simultaneous translation... its uses are multiple, and its sound quality is perfect!

Tour guide system SPL1500 (whisper system)

TOUR GUIDE SYSTEM MODEL SPL1500

A model conceived for visits in extreme industrial environments, where machines and ambient noise prevent the guide's voice from reaching the visitors' ears.

AUDIOGUIDE AND TOURGUIDE SYSTEM IN A SINGLE DEVICE

Audioguide and tour guide in one single device

AUDIO GUIDE AND TOUR GUIDE SYSTEM 2 IN 1 MODEL AV120 DUAL

A recent innovation from our workshops, this device allows great versatility of use: enjoy it as an audio guide to listen to recorded audio, and also as a tour guide system so that the guide can lead the group and complete the explanations.



FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS A TOUR GUIDE SYSTEM (WHISPER SYSTEM)? 

A tourguide system is a device composed of a wireless transmitter with a microphone which is used by the guide or speaker and a set of wireless receivers and headphones that are worn by visitors. The wireless receivers allow them to listen to the guide's explanations continuously throughout the tour. The aim of a tourguide system is for the visitors to be able to hear the guide clearly without being close to him/her. They are highly recommended for groups bigger than 10 and essential for even larger groups.

Note: Tour guide systems are an alternative solution to audio guide players which are used by those who wish to take a tour independently without the presence of a guide. Visit the audio guides page to learn more. audioguides 

Tour guide systems for guided tours

WHY USE A TOURGUIDE SYSTEM ?

Tour guide systems allow the user to easily hear the guide at a constant volume without having to worry about how far away the guide is. This ease of use during the tour improves listening attention and, as a consequence, significantly enhances the overall quality of the tour. Users who are given tour guide systems, also called whisper systems, tend to value their visit more highly.

Tour guide systems for factories and companies tours

TECHNOLOGY

ANALOG OR DIGITAL TRANSMISSION 

Tour guide systems or whisper systems were analog until the early 2000s. The appearance of digital transmission in tourguide systems brought about significant improvements: 

- The audio volume in the receivers increased.
- The coverage range increased to become greater than 100 meters.
- The background noise or crackling that was constantly present in the recipient's receiver disappeared, even when the guide isn’t speaking.
- Interference or clicks reduced significantly, only appearing when the receiver is about to leave the coverage area.
- The maximum number of groups that could be in an area without interference went from two to 20.
- Battery consumption reduced significantly, increasing the usage time between charges.

Analogue and digital transmission equipment still coexist in the market. The main advantage of an analog system is its low price point.

Analog transmission whisper system

Analog transmission whisper system

Digital device - Tour guide system, whisper system, radioguide system, radio guide system, portable short-range wireless system

Digital transmission whisper system

TOURGUIDE SYSTEM 2.4G 

In the last two years, a digital technology variant called 2.4G has entered the tour guide systems market which uses the 2.4Ghz frequency band. It’s cheaper than digital transmission because it uses the same technology as 2.4G wifi routers. However, it has the same range as 2.4G wifi devices, which is around 50 meters at best. In practice, this range is insufficient for a whisper system.

Tour guide system 2.4G, whisper system

BATTERIES

Currently, only two types of batteries are used in Tour guide systems:

Lithium or lithium polymer batteries. These are the best options. Primary advantages include a low weight, a small size, fast charging and a large capacity. However, its price and the need for an intelligent charging system must be considered.

Nickel-metal-hydride batteries (NI-MH) are the same AA and AAA rechargeable batteries found in conventional remote controls. These were the preferred option before the arrival of lithium batteries. The biggest drawback when used in tourguide systems is their weight which is uncomfortable for the users because the tour guide device must constantly hang from their neck. Their most significant advantage is a lower cost.

Batteries for Tour guide systems
Lithium batteries for Tour guide systems

HOW TO USE A WHISPER SYSTEM

The group guide or speaker must carry the transmitting equipment and microphone while each listener must carry a receiver with a headset or headphones. The devices are small in size and should be worn around the neck to ensure reliable coverage. Carrying the transmitter or receiver in a pocket is not recommended because it could reduce the range.

All transmitters and receivers of a group must be tuned to the same frequency channel. Numerous frequency channels are available.

GROUP SIZE

There is no limit to the number of tourguide receivers in a group. For listeners to clearly hear the guide's explanations, they only need to be within the coverage area or range of the transmitter. The receivers do not interfere with one another.

NUMBER OF TRANSMITTERS

There can only be one transmitter at a time in each group. There may be several speakers with a transmitter in the same group, but they must coordinate among themselves so as not to have two active simultaneous transmitters in the same group.

NUMBER OF GROUPS

When using digital transmission equipment, there may be several groups in the same area or room (up to a maximum of 20 digital transmission groups). For this to work, each group must be on a different frequency channel.
Note: If using analog transmission equipment, there can only be two groups in the same area. It is not possible to add a third analog group in the same area, even if it is in another channel. This is a limitation of the analog system.

Tour guide system, whisper system, guided tour system, portable short-range wireless system

RANGE

A quality guided tour system (Tour guide system) should allow the receivers to hear the guide comments while being at a distance of at least 100 meters. A range below 100 meters does not offer a large enough coverage area. 

Voice transmission between transmitter and receiver
Tour guide systems range

TYPES OF MICROPHONES

The tour guide transmitter can use different microphones. Three types are typically used:

Headset or head microphones: The microphone includes a headband to adjust onto the guide’s head. The microphone is very close to the mouth, approximately 2-3 centimeters away. The guide uses this microphone when in motion. It is also highly recommended for noisy environments. Having the microphone so close to the mouth effectively captures the voice while the ambient background noise is lower. The microphone cap, which is hidden by foam, is L-shaped and directive. The short side of the L should point towards the mouth.

Neck or tie microphones: The microphone has a clip which snaps onto the neck of the shirt, not far from the throat. This microphone is used when the speaker is standing still or sitting down. It should not be used when the speaker is in motion or a noisy environment. The tie microphone will always have a volume lower than the headset.

Pencil microphone: The microphone resembles a pencil. When connected to the transmitter, the set is used as a standard handheld microphone. This solution works wonderfully when several speakers are sharing the microphone because it is easy to pass between presenters.

Head microphone - tour guide system, whisper system

Head microphone

Tie microphone - tour guide system, whisper system

Tie microphone

Pencil microphone - tour guide system, whisper system

Pencil microphone

TYPES OF HEADPHONES

Visitors can use different types of headphones with a tour guide receiver. Three types are typically used: 

Monaural earset: These fit on one ear leaving the other ear free. This is the most commonly used type and is effective for guided tours in enclosed and open spaces. In urban areas with traffic, this is the only model that should be used because it does not distract the user from the environment. Its usage in noisy environments is not recommended.

Headphones: These fit over the head thanks to a headband. Audio can be heard through both ears. These are only recommended in noisy environments. They should not be used in areas with traffic because they distract the user from the environment.

Disposable earbuds: Only one user should use them because the button-shaped earbud is inserted deep into the auditory pavilion. They cannot be shared because they are not hygienic. The user does not have to return them upon finishing the tour.

Monaural earset - tour guide system, whisper system

Monaural earset

Headphones - tour guide system, whisper system

Headphones

Disposable earbuds - tour guide system, whisper system

Disposable earbuds

Clasical and multimedia audioguides

Audioguides

Audio guide devices, Multimedia audio guides,
Audio guide GPS tourist bus-train, charging bases and accessories.

Tourguide systems for guided visits

Tourguide systems

Group guidance systems, headsets, charging cases, tour guide systems accessories.

Mobiles Applications

Mobile Applications

Audioguides available from mobile devices, web App, downloadable App from Google Store.

Contents for audioguides

Contents

Audioguides in several languages, translations, voiceovers. Audio descriptions, signoguides, visual contents for audioguides. 3D Reality.