What is a whisper set?

You have probably heard or read the term before: a whisper set. Wherever the spoken word needs to be perfectly audible and intelligible to a group, supporting audio equipment is a wise choice. But what exactly is a whisper set, what do you use it for and what makes a whisper set a good one? You can read all about it in this article.

What is a whisper set?

A whisper set consists of a wireless microphone for the speaker and a number of receivers for the listeners. The microphone is a bodypack transmitter with a headset or a handheld microphone. The speaker talks into the microphone and the signal goes wirelessly and directly to the listeners' receivers. They hear the speaker through an earpiece or headphones, clearly and at their own volume. Because the speaker can talk softly and still be understood, it is called a whisper set.

Other names for the same system are tour guide system (on a guided tour) and interpretation set or interpretation system (when there is translation involved).

Where do you use a whisper set?

• Guided tours: in museums, factories and on city walks. See renting a tour guide system.
• Interpreting: at court cases, church services, conferences and presentations, the floor language is interpreted simultaneously into other languages. See renting an interpretation system.
• Weddings: if you marry your holiday sweetheart, half the guests often do not understand the other side's language. With a whisper set, everyone can follow the ceremony. Read more about a whisper set at a multilingual wedding.

What makes a good whisper set?

As far as GuideXpresse is concerned, Sennheiser is still the undisputed leader in this field. The German brand has more than earned its stripes in wireless technology, with Fritz Sennheiser as its founder. Thanks to a high-quality, slim microphone, the speaker can talk quietly and still be perfectly intelligible. Ideal in places where loud speech is not allowed, such as a church or a courtroom.

Sennheiser has stopped selling this product group. The Sennheiser Tourguide 2020-D is, however, still available to rent from GuideXpresse.

Buying a whisper set? Consider the Orpheo Hybe

If you want to buy a whisper set, the tour guide mode of the Orpheo Hybe is a strong alternative. It lets you combine a whisper set with a multimedia guide. It also has a talk-back function, so listeners can ask questions. Read more about two-way communication with the Orpheo Hybe.

Rent or buy?

If you use a whisper set now and then, renting is often the smartest choice: you always have well-maintained equipment and no investment. If you use it every day, buying pays off. In The benefits of renting a whisper set we set it all out. We are also happy to help you find a good interpreter.