When choosing communication headsets for an event these days, you have plenty of options. But you also have several factors to consider, so we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you choose the right communication headsets for events below.
General Considerations Before Choosing Headsets
Before choosing the right headset, it’s important to understand the details of your specific event. Make sure you know the environment and settings your headsets will be used in, as well as how they’ll be used. Having a clear understanding of the nature of your event will help guarantee that you choose the best communication solution possible.
Here are some key factors to consider.
Level of Noise
Audio reaches our ears through sound waves. Meanwhile, the sound waves produced by background noise — aka ambient noise — can be both distracting and harmful.
A museum, for example, is typically quieter than an airport or factory. A small business conference will usually have a lower noise level than a rock concert. So the first thing you want to consider is how loud your event can get. You don’t have to get very scientific, but you want a general idea of what to expect.
Number of participants
Consider who will be taking part in your event.
Are you hosting a small private tour or a large international business conference?
Will the number of participants stay the same or vary from day to day?
An accurate (and consistent) headcount will not only ensure that you have enough headsets, but it is also important in terms of functionality, connectivity, and your overall budget.
Range
The distances involved are equally important. Is your event indoors or outside? Are all its participants always in the same area, or are they moving around? A standard headset can typically communicate between 150 feet to 2 miles, but the actual range capabilities depend on various factors. So have a general idea of where exactly and how far away from each other everyone at your event will be.
Two-Way or One-Way Communication?
And think about who’s doing the talking and who’s doing the listening. A two-way communication system uses a transceiver that enables all participants to listen and speak. At the same time, a one-way communication system means that most event members can listen but not communicate back.
Types of Headsets
Once you have a good understanding of the event itself, you can better choose the optimal ear headsets.
Consider what interfaces you’ll use — i.e., will you have an analog base station or a wireless intercom system?
Consider battery life — i.e., will you need multiple chargers and charging stations? Do you prefer hands-free communication or PTT (push-to-talk) options? And so on.
Here’s a quick breakdown of specific types of headsets to consider.
Noise-Canceling & Noise-Reduction Headsets
Noise-canceling headsets are commonplaces in noisy environments — i.e., factories, warehouses, airports, music venues, etc.
There are three types of noise-canceling technologies.
Passive noise-canceling essentially blocks out external sounds.
Active noise-canceling uses a tiny microphone to detect and cancel out background noise by producing an opposite signal.
Adaptive noise cancellation is a combination of both. All three are available in over-ear, insulating headsets, but they’re also small enough for in-ear earphones and earbuds. Noise-canceling headsets can greatly improve the clarity and eligibility of your audio and speech.
High-Noise & Noise Reduction Headsets
Meanwhile, high-noise and/or noise-reduction headsets essentially make background noises less loud. However, while they do lower the volume of sounds, they don’t actively cancel them out.
Most ear protection devices will typically have an NRR (or Noise Reduction Rating). But whether you opt for noise cancellation or noise reduction will completely depend on the event itself.
See more about the differences between noise cancellation and noise reduction headphones.
Wired Headsets and Wireless Headsets
Traditional wired (or analog) headsets are still commonplace in countless environments.
Wireless headsets offer the benefit of greater mobility and freedom of movement, while wired headsets may provide a more reliable connection.
Why Are Headsets Important in Events?
Headsets, earphones, and microphones, and cameras are vital components of almost any business and household these days. And when it comes to certain events and settings, the importance of headsets specifically.
In short, communication headsets remain both commonplace and indispensable in all walks of life. If an event requires real-time, high-quality audio communication over distances, chances are that audio headsets are essential to its overall success.
How Do I Choose Good Headsets for Events?
Finding the right solution for clear and effective communication ultimately depends on the specific event you want to conduct. And while there is a ton of science involved, facilitating good headsets for you and your team doesn’t have to be a headache.
Plant Tours offers a variety of tour guide systems (i.e., headsets) to help meet your specific event’s needs. And we even offer a free demo kit that might help better plan the communication logistics before it’s go time. So, whether you’re planning a small get-together of family and friends, managing a music festival, conducting a high-volume international conference, or anything in between — you have options. And with a bit of research and prep, good, reliable, high-quality headsets for any given event are well within your reach.
