Short definition
A guide system is a portable wireless setup with a transmitter and receivers that lets a speaker supply audio to a mobile group – for tours or whispered interpreting.
Detailed explanation
"Guide system" and "portable guide system (PGS)" describe the same system; the shorter term emphasizes the classic use: guided tours. A guide or interpreter speaks into a pocket transmitter with a microphone, and the group listens via pocket receivers with headphones – even over distance and in loud environments, without the speaker needing to raise their voice.
In an interpreting context, the guide system is the tool for mobile or booth-free interpreting: factory tours, museum and city tours, site inspections, or small accompaniments. It's lightweight, quick to set up, and flexible, but offers no sound insulation – for many languages or long, focused sessions, booth-based technology remains superior. Depending on the system, multiple channels are possible, allowing two or three languages to run in parallel.
Relevance in this subject area
The guide system stands for mobility: it brings interpreting and language transmission to places where booths don't fit – on the move and outdoors.
Practical example
During a city tour for an international travel group, the guide speaks through the guide system; an interpreter on a second channel interprets in parallel into English – everyone hears clearly despite traffic noise.
Related terms
Portable guide system (PGS), Whisper interpreting system, Pocket transmitter / pocket receiver, Whispered interpreting (chuchotage), Receiver (conference receiver)