audio system for tour

Audio Guide

Our ergonomic, simple and intuitive audio guide system, for a better visitor experience. Durable for many years of use, the Orpheo Mikro LX serves fine arts museums, travelling exhibits, factories, universities and all other cultural and tourist sites around the world.

FIND OUT MORE

Group Guiding System

Intended for group guided live tours, the Orpheo Tour Guide system has been specially designed to be lightweight, robust and easily configured. Wireless, suitable and adaptable to any tour: for company and factory tours, museum and exhibit tours.

Multimedia Guide Run Apps without WiFi

The Orpheo Touch is a multimedia guide designed for both indoor and outdoor cultural sites to enhance your visitors’ experience. This digital companion offers a beautiful image quality, a wireless charging connector and a shock-resistant case. It comes with a tour app generator, MyOrpheo Studio.

Hybrid Guide Multimedia Guide and Tour Guide

The Orpheo Hybe is a hybrid multimedia guide with a radio guide function for live group tours. This versatile device combines two of Orpheo’s key product lines, halfway between an audio guide for self-guided tours and a tour guide for group tours.

Other Orpheo Products

We have developed a real ecosystem around our audio, multimedia and tour guide devices to better guide visitors to cultural and tourist sites. Contactless audio headsets, automatic triggering and video synchronization systems, touch and audio-visual kiosks, Wi-Fi access points, connected distribution boxes, solutions for tourist vehicles… and much more.

Discover our references

Frequently asked questions about Orpheo.

Latest articles

• Exploring Public Health: Orpheo Partners with the CDC Museum
• Harley-Davidson Museum upgrades to Digital Guides
• Orpheo develops a new ADA inclusive tour in 6 languages for Casa Loma

Latest news of Orpheo group

Our offices

Ho Chi Minh

• Event Solutions
• Event Headset Communications
• Event Radio Communications
• Onsite Service & Consultation
• Event Applications & Industries
• Tour Guide Systems
• Tour Applications & Industries
• Training Headsets & Audio Systems
• Training Applications & Industries
• Jobsite Communication Radios
• Jobsite Applications & Industries

Sennheiser 2020

Williams av digi-wave.

• Our Process & Approach
• 877-204-0225
• Account Login

Comparing the 4 Best Wireless Tour Guide Systems

There are a lot of competing tour guide headsets available on the market, each claiming to be the best wireless tour guide system.

The truth is, there are several good options and no single system has a corner on the market. Chances are, each of them is the “best” at something.

When making a decision, it all comes down to pairing the right technology to the right application and goal, and we’re here to help you narrow it down. Below, we’re comparing four of the top wireless tour guide systems to help you match the product’s features to your specific needs.

ALSO READ: Manufacturing Plant Tour Guide & Checklist

Wireless Tour Guide Equipment Considerations

Choosing the best tour guide system starts with identifying your goals and aligning a system that will help you reach them. For example…

• Do you want to create a premium experience for high-level executives?
• Do you need two-way communication so tour guests can interact? 
• Want a signal to reach across a facility or event venue? 
• Looking for noise-canceling headphones for a loud environment? 
• What about the ability to activate a system’s “interpretation mode” for an interpreter and multilingual guests?

There are very few one-size-fits-all tour guide systems, and some may carry features that you simply don’t need. It’s important to note, however, that there are important considerations in addition to the equipment, so be sure to read to the end of the article to ensure you’re weighing the right aspects.

That said, we’re highlighting our top picks based on their functionalities below, plus we’ll provide a side-by-side tour guide system comparison chart for an easy visual.

If you’re looking for top sound quality combined with versatility, we often recommend the ListenTALK tour guide system by Listen Technologies. It practically does it all, from guided facility tours and silent sessions , to team training and trade shows. Opt for one-way or two-way communication with up to 10 different presenters, and accommodate language interpreters and international guests with its built-in interpretation mode. It’s ideal for complex events that require a flexible system, and its noise-canceling headset options are ideal for loud environments. You can rent, purchase or demo the system .

The Williams AV Digi-Wave two-way tour guide system offers many of the same capabilities as ListenTalk, but with added industrial-strength durability. It’s often a go-to solution for government agencies. If you conduct tours in high-noise industrial environments that require NRR safety-rated headphones , the Williams AV-Digi-Wave is a serious contender. Available for purchase or demo.

The TourGuide Solutions TGS-900 is ideal for tours requiring one-way communication. Examples include brewery tours, walking tours, Segway tours, cruise ship tours, historic tours, zoos, museums or any guided audio tour. You can opt for handheld or hands-free microphones depending on your situation. The TGS-900 is one of the easiest systems to use and is ultra-lightweight and budget-friendly. Available for demo, rental or purchase .

Sennheiser is a recognized brand and offers another one-way communication system option — the Sennheiser 2020 . As far as functionality is concerned, it’s similar to the TGS-900, with the added feature of a lower-profile design that looks professional and polished. Guests listen via a hands-free bodypack or stethophone receiver with earphones. Available for rental, purchase or demo. 

Check out our side-by-side comparison below highlighting additional features you may want to consider.

The Most Important Tour Guide System Consideration

Perhaps you already know which tour guide system will fit your needs, but there’s something more. With so many variables, it’s critical to compare the service and consultation you receive from a tour guide equipment provider as much or more as the system itself . It’s important to know you have a dedicated consultant who can help you and be there for you before, during and after your tour event, whether over the phone, via video conference or in-person.

For high-stakes events, we can even dispatch an on-site team to handle every aspect of the audio communications equipment, from setting it up and cleaning in between uses, to working with your A/V team and assisting guests. We’ll even pack it all up and ship it back so you don’t have to worry about anything other than attending to your guests.

At Implecho, our helpful guidance ensures you get a just-right system. We won’t “over-sell” you on something you don’t need, and we’ll ask all the right questions so you feel confident you’ve made the right choice. 

Another way we assist is by providing you with helpful resources. Be sure to check out our Ultimate Event Planning Guide below. It goes more in-depth and includes additional ideas and information on creating a great tour experience.

Just want to dive in? Contact the audio communication professionals at Implecho today. We’re happy to help.

You May Also Like

These Related Stories

Wireless Tour Guide Systems Enhance AME Chicagoland Lean Tours

Guests at the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME) Chicagoland Lean ......

Manufacturing Tours For Students Open Eyes & Opportunities

One of the biggest challenges facing manufacturers is finding skilled labor. ......

Why Use the ListenTALK Tour Guide System for Factory Tours

A factory floor can be loud, sometimes exceeding 90 decibels – that’s about as ......

We're Here to Help Guide You

To the Best Solutions to Fit Your Needs

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 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 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

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 

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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

Tie microphone

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

Disposable earbuds

Audioguides

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

Tourguide systems

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

Mobile Applications

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

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

Audioguides Bluehertz

Calle Penelope 5 - 28042 Madrid (Spain) Eichborndamm 167 G55, D-13403 Berlin (Germany) 117 Avenue Victor Hugo - 92100 Boulogne (France) Piazza Teresa Noce 17D - 10155 Turin (Italy) © Copyright 2006 - Call&Talk

Tour Guide Systems

Vox cleartone and vdr, a vox tour guide system is a user friendly and reliable wireless audio system, allowing guides, presenters and interpreters to address a group of people without having to raise their voice..

Cleartone radios

Vox Cleartone radios are an affordable and reliable choice for group guiding and any type of presentation that involves a group of listeners. In recent years these units have proven to be a solid tool for tour operators, museums, factories, universities and convention planners. Originally designed with tour groups in mind, they have been used for anything from a silent disco on a 737 airliner to outdoor gatherings and events with hundreds of attendees.

Coming soon: VDR and VDR Micro

Vox VDR devices are made in Europe with a modern look and the latest technology.

Offered in 2 versions, VDR (2.5″ x 3.5″) and VDR Micro (2″ x 2-1/4″).

RENTALS IN N. & S. AMERICA

We offer rentals in over 50 countries around the globe. The equipment is shipped directly to your office, facility or hotel and arrives “ready to go”. All you have to do is switch on the radios and start your tour or presentation. A variety of earphones, including single user ear buds, ensures the best experience for your guests. At the end of the rental period just follow the easy instructions for the return and we’ll handle the rest. Seasonal rentals (minimum 4 months) are available.

Do you prefer to purchase a new or used Vox tour guide system? Contact us for a quote.

1-407-757-3326 Call Us M - F 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. EST

• $ 0.00 0 items

The Home of Sound Solutions - Premium Rental & Audio Expertise Since 1983

Tour Guide Systems

Audiolinks sells & rents top-of-the-line tour guide systems, transmitters and receivers.

Whether you are conducting a large group tour, monitoring operations in a noisy production factory, or managing a full-scale theatrical production, these systems will meet your communication needs.

The tour guide systems selected by AudioLinks are ADA compliant and FCC approved. Systems are programmable and expandable to handle small or large groups in a wide range of applications.

Systems can be purchased or rented with a variety of optional headphones, microphones, earphones, batteries and chargers – allowing us to help you configure a wireless communication system that best meets your needs.

• Tour Guide Packages

• Portable Transmitters for Tour Guide Systems

• Receivers for Tour Guide Systems

• Tour Guide Accessories
• Listen Technologies
• Williams AV
• Uncategorized
• Assistive Listening Devices
• Classroom Audio
• Conference Systems
• PA System & Sound Reinforcement
• All Accessories
• Conference Equipment Rental
• Interpretation Equipment Rental
• Interpretation Services
• Transcription Services
• Microphone Rental
• Tour Guide Equipment Rental
• Not Sure What I Need

Newsletter Get the Latest Updates!

Reviews & Guides are available weekly in our newsletter Sound Solutions .

Subscribers receive buyer’s guides and product reviews, new product announcements, presale alerts, special discount coupons and a chance to win our FREE monthly giveaway!

AudioLinks Blog Sound Advice From Audio Pros

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser.

• My Wish List
• Compare Products
• Create an Account

Tourtalk TT 40 tour guide system

A Tourtalk TT 40 tour guide system is a discreet alternative to a loudspeaker system ensuring only your group can hear you. No longer does your group need to huddle around you to hear what you are saying. With a Tourtalk system they can stand back and see what is going on whilst hearing you clearly.

Tourtalk TT 40 is a wireless tour guide system that helps tour groups overcome background noise and distance away from the guide. Tourtalk TT 40 is easy to set up and use, operates up to 120 metres, and accommodates a limitless number of receivers.

This one-way radio communication system enables the guide to speak at a comfortable level to the group whilst ensuring they are clearly heard. Up to 12 tour groups can operate simultaneously within the same environment (depending on local conditions).

The guide uses a transmitter. They can either speak into a microphone or connect another audio device e.g. smartphone, mp3 player, to communicate with the group. The audio message is then transmitted on a specific channel (frequency) in the form of radio waves to the receivers.

The audience members use a receiver to convert this radio signal back to audio. Each person is supplied with a receiver set to the same channel (frequency) as the presenter. The user simply connects an earphone to hear the message and adjusts their volume to a comfortable level.

Both the transmitter and receivers are supplied with a lanyard and clothing clip to enable hands-free use. Each unit operates on a single AA battery. Either Alkaline or Ni-Mh rechargeable batteries can be used. A charger/transport case provides protection and secure storage for the units between tours.

A wide range of accessories are available for the system to suit each application. Whether the tour is taking place in a museum or a city centre, a Tourtalk system can be used to provide a professional experience for your guests.

The Tourtalk tour guide system has been designed to be very user friendly and can be setup within minutes. As the system is completely wireless, it can be operated indoors or outdoors and requires no installation.

The Tourtalk tour guide system is ideal for-

Guided tours indoors and outdoors

Simultaneous interpretation at international conferences, tours in noisy environments, equestrian and other sports training, radio aid for hard of hearing people, bus and city tours, audio description for partially sighted or blind people.

Examples of use-Each colour represents a different channel (frequency).

One transmitter and multiple receivers

Applications.

Tour guide speaking to a group of visitors.

Interpreter translating message from floor language into foreign language.

Presenter speaking to people who are hard of hearing.

Audio describer describing scene to partially sighted or blind people.

Trainer speaking to horse rider/s.

Commentator providing silent commentary to spectators at a sporting event.

Silent conference breakout meetings in exhibition spaces.

Multiple transmitters (all on different channels) and multiple receivers

Different tours within the same environment.

Interpreters translating message from floor language to foreign languages.

Tour guide speaking to group of foreign visitors via interpreters.

For more information on the Tourtalk TT 40 tour guide system please visit the Tourtalk website , the  user guide page,  contact us  or visit the shop .

• Musical Instruments
• Microphones & Accessories
• Microphones
• Wireless Microphones & Systems
• Wireless Microphone Transmitters & Receivers

No featured offers available

• Quality Price,
• Reliable delivery option, and
• Seller who offers good customer service

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

Wireless Tour Guide System for Tour Guiding Simultaneous Translation Museum Visiting Coaching Church Assistive Listening System(2 Transmitters + 30 Receivers)

Customers who viewed this item also viewed.

Product Description

Real digital signal transmission with very stable and clear audio quality.

Longer distance with high confidentiality and anti-interference wireless tour guide system

Specifications of Wireless Audio Tour Guide System: It is a better way to provide tours for your tour groups. Wireless audio tour guide system is an easy-to-use wireless communication system designed specifically for tour groups, factory tours, outdoor excursions, employee training, language interpretation, conferences and trade shows.

Technical Specification of Wireless Audio Tour Guide System: Integrated rechargeable Lithium battery, only 4 hours charging time. Easy to use battery charger LCD display for battery power, channel, volume, very easy to operate. UHF for international free frequency license. 100-150 meters range from the transmitter to receivers. 100 independent channels to choose, up to more than 100 groups work simultaneously at the same location. Lanyard provided for easy carrying. Slim design and nice looking. Very small size

Applications of Wireless Audio Tour Guide System: Travel & Tourism: Tourism, museums, galleries, business and tour guides to explain the convention; VIP reception: The promotion of company's products, high-level exhibition, the Government, the reception of VIPs visited the factory, industrial tourism; Teaching training: Schools, training institutes, conference rooms, auditorium, classroom lectures, seminars and other learning activities, special job training.

Package of Wireless Audio Tour Guide System included :

1 x Microphone for each transmitter

1 X Earphone for each receiver

1 x Single USB charger and Lanyard for each device

1 x Manual guide

Application: For Walking tour, Horse riding instructor, Museum and Factory visiting, Hadj, Church, Conference, Events, Simultaneous interpretation conference and so on.

Looking for specific info?

Videos for this product.

Click to play video

ATG04 Tour Guide System

Flysoundtech

Product information

Customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

No customer reviews

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

Taylor Swift sings love mashup for Travis Kelce in Amsterdam during Eras Tour

Taylor swift sings "mary’s song (oh my my my)," "so high school" and "everything has changed" for boyfriend travis kelce..

Taylor Swift wrapped up her final night in Amsterdam singing two never-before-performed-live songs on the Eras Tour, including a love mashup for her boyfriend Travis Kelce .

"I can't believe this, but I haven't played this song yet on the Eras Tour, so that's fun," she told the audience Saturday night, holding her guitar up for the jam-packed crowd inside the Johan Cruijff Arena.

Her pink dress cascaded to the stage and she strummed her guitar. "Hit the ground, hit the ground, oh, oh," she sang, and fans cheered as they recognized the first line from "Sweeter Than Fiction." The bonus track from "1989 (Taylor's Version)" was written for the 2013 movie "One Chance."

Swift has played every song from her albums "Speak Now (Taylor's Version)," "1989 (Taylor's Version)," "Folklore" and "Midnights" during the Eras Tour.

She then mashed in "Holy Ground" from "Red (Taylor's Version)."

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

The Eras Tour in Amsterdam: Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes cheer on Taylor Swift

'I'll be 87, you'll be 89': Why the lyric is numerically significant for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

"OK, so you get bonus points if you know the words to this one," Swift said, sitting down at the piano, "because it's from my first album and I've never performed it on the Eras Tour."

With Kelce cheering from a suite, she sang "Mary’s Song (Oh My My My)" which has the line "I'll be 87, you'll be 89, I'll still look at you like the stars that shine in the sky, oh, my, my, my."

This is significant, because as a teenager in Nashville, Swift wrote a song with the numbers 87 and 89. Her football player boyfriend wears the jersey number 87; 1989 is both Swift's and Kelce's birth year and the name of her fifth album.

If that wasn't a clear enough love message for the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, she mashed in "So High School" − a song from "The Tortured Poets Department" that she wrote about him − and "Everything Has Changed," a love song from "Red (Taylor's Version)."

Almost one year ago on July 8, Kelce attended the Eras Tour in Kansas City. He had a friendship bracelet with his phone number on it and a dream to get it to Swift. Since then, everything has changed.

The superstar singer-songwriter has 22 more shows left in Europe. She'll have a two-month break and head to North America in the fall.

Don't miss any Taylor Swift news; sign up for the  free, weekly newsletter This Swift Beat.  

Follow Taylor Swift reporter Bryan West on  Instagram ,  TikTok  and  X as @BryanWestTV .

Entertainment | Mike Campbell and the Dirty Knobs at Sound…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

Entertainment

• TV Listings
• Food & Drink
• Suburban Life
• Personal Tech
• Active Seniors
• Pets & Animals

Things To Do

Entertainment | mike campbell and the dirty knobs at sound board, 5 things to know.

Campbell came out of mourning in 2018 to play on the final Fleetwood Mac tour. He has of course been involved in a number of Petty reissues projects, but his main concern has been the Dirty Knobs. It’s a band he formed some years ago to keep himself during Heartbreakers down time; since 2019 however, the group has released three albums and toured regularly, focusing on its own material but always including Petty songs in the mix.

The Dirty Knobs’ latest, “Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits,” came out earlier this year with an impressive guest list. Graham Nash sings on the first single, “Dare to Dream,” while Chris Stapleton and Heartbreakers keyboardist Benmont Tench are featured on “Don’t Wait Up” and Lucinda Williams duets with Campbell on “Hell or High Water.” The group is digging well into the album on its current tour, and Campbell, 74, says via Zoom that, if he has his way, he’ll be rockin’ around with us for many years to come…

• The Dirty Knobs approached the “Vagabonds…” album with more confidence, according to Campbell, thanks to two previous albums and even more time playing live. “We get a little more confident as we go along. I wanted to continue the same thread with mostly playing live (in the studio), just try to come up with a group of songs that fit together, that had a vibe between them. That took awhile; I had quite a few more songs than I ended up using, but George Drakoulias, my producer, was able to help me hone it down to the ones that seemed to sound good together.”

• He adds that the Dirty Knobs was never a full-time consideration while Petty was alive and the Heartbreakers were active. “I would never do it while the Heartbreakers were around ’cause I didn’t want to conflict and I respected my partner enough to not do a side project during our work together. I never wanted to do that to him or to our relationship. I always had in the back of my mind it would be a great project to do if the Heartbreakers ever took a hiatus or whatever.”

• The album’s selection of guests, Campbell says, came “after the fact. I’ve got the songs finished and I sit back and think, ‘What could make this better? Another voice might help.’ Like on ‘Hell or High Water,’ it just occurred to me that ‘this would be great with a girl singing the second verse, the two characters would make it deeper,’ and I just threw out some names of who would be good to do this and I hit on Lucinda and she really brought a whole extra depth in her voice. And then Graham, he had done an interview with me on my radio show on Tom Petty Radio (The Breakdown) and I cheekily said at the end of it, ‘Would you be open to singing on something’ and he said ‘sure.’ So I had that song “Dare to Dream,” which reminded me a little bit of a Hollies-type song, the melody. So I asked him and he put an amazing vocal on there.

Mike Campbell and his band the Dirty Knobs perform at 7:30 p.m. at Sound Board in the MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Ave., Detroit. (800)745-3000 or soundboarddetroit.com .

More in Entertainment

Entertainment | George Strait and friends came for a good time at Ford Field

Things To Do | Journey, Def Leppard unite for another summer of rocking stadiums

Entertainment | Column: Do we need movie stars?

‘Touch’ review: A brief, youthful encounter, rekindled 50 years later

Meta researchers distill System 2 thinking into LLMs, improving performance on complex reasoning

• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn More

Large language models (LLMs) are very good at answering simple questions but require special prompting techniques to handle complex tasks that need reasoning and planning. Often referred to as “System 2” techniques, these prompting schemes enhance the reasoning capabilities of LLMs by forcing them to generate intermediate steps toward solving a problem.

While effective, System 2 techniques make LLM applications slow and computationally expensive. In a new paper, researchers at Meta FAIR present “ System 2 distillation ,” a technique that teaches LLMs complex tasks without requiring intermediate steps. 

System 1 and System 2 in cognitive science and LLMs

In cognitive science, System 1 and System 2 refer to two distinct modes of thinking. System 1 thinking is fast, intuitive and automatic. It is what we use when recognizing patterns, making quick judgments, or understanding familiar symbols. For example, we use System 1 thinking to identify traffic signs, recognize faces, and associate basic symbols with their meanings.

System 2 thinking, on the other hand, is slow, deliberate and analytical. It requires conscious effort and is used for complex problem-solving, such as manipulating abstract symbols, solving mathematical equations or planning a trip. 

LLMs are usually considered analogous to System 1 thinking. They can generate text very quickly, but they struggle with tasks that require deliberate reasoning and planning. 

In recent years, AI researchers have shown that LLMs can be made to mimic System 2 thinking by prompting them to generate intermediate reasoning steps before providing their final answer. For example, “ Chain of Thought ” is a prompting technique that instructs the LLM to explain its reasoning process step by step, which often leads to more accurate results for logical reasoning tasks. Several System 2 prompting techniques are tailored for different tasks.

“Many of these methods are shown to produce more accurate results due to this explicit reasoning, but typically do so at much higher inference cost and latency for a response,” the Meta AI researchers write. “Due to the latter, many of these approaches are not used in production systems, which mostly use System 1 generations.”

System 2 distillation

An interesting observation about System 2 thinking in humans is that when we repeatedly perform a task that requires deliberate effort, it gradually becomes ingrained in our System 1. For example, when you learn to drive, you use a lot of conscious effort to control the car, follow traffic rules and navigate. But as you gain more experience, driving becomes second nature. You no longer need to think about each step, and you can perform them intuitively and automatically.

This phenomenon inspired the Meta AI researchers to develop “System 2 distillation” for LLMs. 

Distillation is a common technique in machine learning (ML), where a larger model, referred to as the “teacher,” is used to train a smaller model, or the “student.” For example, developers often use frontier models such as GPT-4 and Claude to generate training examples for smaller models such as Llama-2 7B .

However, System 2 distillation does not use a separate teacher model. Instead, the researchers found a way to distill the knowledge gained from the model’s own System 2 reasoning capabilities into its fast-paced and compute-efficient System 1 generation.

The process starts by prompting the LLM to solve a problem using System 2 prompting techniques. The responses are then verified for correctness through an unsupervised mechanism. For example, they use “self-consistency,” where the model is given the same prompt multiple times. Its answers are then compared, and the one that shows up most often is considered the correct answer and is chosen for the distillation dataset. If the answers are too inconsistent, then the example and its answers are discarded.

Next, they discard the intermediate steps generated by System 2 reasoning and only keep the final answers. Finally, they fine-tuned the model on the initial question and the answer. This allows the model to skip the reasoning steps and jump straight to the answer.

System 2 distillation in action

The researchers evaluated their method on a range of reasoning tasks and four different System 2 prompting techniques. For the base model, they used Llama-2-70B, which is large enough to have the capacity for internalizing new knowledge.

The System 2 approaches they used in their experiments include Chain-of-Thought, System 2 Attention , Rephrase and Respond and Branch-Solve-Merge. Some of these techniques require the model to be prompted several times, which makes them both slow and expensive. For example, Rephrase and Respond first prompts the model to rephrase the original query with elaboration, and then it re-prompts the model with the rephrased question. Branch-Solve-Merge is even more complicated and requires multiple back-and-forths with the model.

The results show that System 2 distillation can significantly improve the performance of LLMs on complex reasoning tasks, often matching or exceeding the accuracy of the original System 2 methods. Additionally, the distilled models can generate responses much faster and with less compute because they don’t have to go through the intermediate reasoning steps.

For example, they found that distillation was successful for tasks that use System 2 Attention to deal with biased opinions or irrelevant information. It also showed impressive results in some reasoning tasks, where Rephrase and Respond is used to clarify and improve responses, and for fine-grained evaluation and processing of tasks through Branch-Solve-Merge .

“We have shown that in many cases it is possible to distill this System 2 reasoning into the outputs of the LLM without intermediate generations while maintaining, or sometimes even improving, performance,” the researchers write. 

However, the researchers also found that, like humans, LLMs can’t distill all types of reasoning skills into their fast-paced inference mechanism. For example, they were unable to successfully distill complex math reasoning tasks that required Chain-of-Thought prompting . This suggests that some tasks might always require deliberate reasoning.

There is much more to be learned about System 2 distillation, such as how well it works on smaller models and how distillation affects the model’s broader performance on tasks that were not included in the distillation training dataset. It is also worth noting that LLM benchmarks are often prone to contamination, where the model already has some kind of knowledge of the test examples, resulting in bloated outcomes on test sets. 

However, distillation will surely be a powerful optimization tool for mature LLM pipelines that perform specific tasks at each step.

“Looking forward, systems that can distill useful tasks in this way free up more time to spend on reasoning about the tasks that they cannot yet do well, just as humans do,” the researchers write.

Stay in the know! Get the latest news in your inbox daily

By subscribing, you agree to VentureBeat's Terms of Service.

Thanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here .

An error occured.

StarTribune

Fred newman, garrison keillor's sound-effects wiz, reflects on 'prairie home' ahead of st. paul shows.

Fred Newman may be a walking sound-effects machine, but he's been pretty quiet about the star-studded chapters of his life story.

He's rarely, if ever, publicly shared anecdotes about his early collaborations with stars including Justin Timberlake, "Doonesbury" creator Garry Trudeau and Muppets mastermind Jim Henson.

The 71-year-old Emmy winner agreed to chat this week about "50th Anniversary of Prairie Home Companion," a nationwide tour that stops for three days beginning Friday at its former St. Paul home, the Fitzgerald Theater. During a one-hour phone interview from his studio in New York City, Newman also reflected on the road that led to his longtime collaboration with show host Garrison Keillor, a journey that allowed him to brush shoulders with an eclectic array of talent.

Q: What do you remember about your first appearance on "Prairie Home"?

A: The only thing lower than a sound-effects person is an author. That's what I was in 1980, when I was on the show promoting a book called "MouthSounds." I just did some voices and stuff. Garrison completely knocked me out. I made a mental note that if he ever called me to do anything, I should drop everything and come running. A little while later, I got a call to help with some shows, like a Fourth of July broadcast that required the sound of fireworks. I would contribute about six or seven times a year. At some point, around 2001, the show's original sound-effects guy, Tom Keith, decided he didn't want to travel anymore. So I did the road shows and eventually took over for Tom, who died in 2011.

Q: There have been many times that it looked like the end for "Prairie Home." Did you ever think that the nail was in the coffin?

A: When Garrison gave up the radio show, he said he'd never do a reunion tour, but I didn't believe him. I knew he'd miss it. The audiences on this tour are the best I've been around. They're maybe 20 percent older than the ones we've had in the past. It's a sacrifice for them to come in person, so they really want to be there. And I've never seen Garrison looser or better.

Q: Since it's an anniversary show, are there a lot of old familiar stories or is Garrison constantly writing new material?

A: One of my favorite stories during this tour is one that references his experiences in a MRI scanner. It may be the longest Guy Noir sketch we've ever done. It's great, but he keeps rewriting it. He gets restless. He uses a teleprompter these days, which is easier than holding a script, but I see the teleprompter sometimes just stop because he's gone off on a stream of consciousness. He's writing in the moment.

Q: You've done so many sound effects over the years. Does Garrison ever throw you for a loop?

A: All the time. He'll call out an animal of some sort, like a gazelle or an ocelot, and I'll have no idea what to do. But if it sounds pathetic, it gets a laugh.

Q: You worked a lot with Jim Henson. Do you see similarities between him and Garrison?

A: I got them together for dinner once, which was pretty great. Sometime around 1986 or '87. I had been writing for the Muppet character Dr. Benson Honeydew, and eventually moved over to the puppet department. I starred in a CBS pilot for Jim called "Puppetman," where I was basically playing a version of him. In person, Jim talked a lot like Kermit the Frog, which is not that far off from Garrison's voice. During dinner, it seemed like it was a contest to see who could be more soft-spoken. I don't think I ever saw either of them blow a gasket. They're gentle souls. Both are extraordinary listeners, always drawing energy from others. Garrison can be in his own world, but he'll overhear a conversation at the table behind him at a restaurant and write something down. Jim was the same way, always taking notes.

Q: You've also done the voice of Duke from "Doonesbury" for animated shorts. How well have you gotten to know Garry Trudeau?

A: He might be my closest friend. There's a small group of us who watch the same movie once a week, usually online, and then we text notes to each other. But I first knew Jane Pauley [his wife]. When I was on that "MouthSounds" book tour, I did a segment on "Today" where I said I would teach her a sound. I think it was a foghorn or ahooga [horn]. She said she would only do it off camera. So you only heard America's sweetheart make this sound. The camera was shaking because the cameraman was laughing so hard. [The segment was nominated for an Emmy.] The next day was Black Friday and the book sold out.

Q: That book tour also led to the gig of hosting "Livewire," a talk show on Nickelodeon. Wasn't that one of the first TV appearances for R.E.M.?

A: Yeah, I think so. When I was a guest, I did this impression of a housefly. The cameras followed me backstage, where I went splat on a wall. The kids went crazy. About a week later, the producers called and asked if I would come in and audition to host. I did 250 shows for them. One hour a day, no commercials. I was horrible. But I learned. The executive producer, Alyce Myatt, was great. She would get Isaac Asimov and Laurie Anderson to come in and talk about the future. Frank Zappa and Malcolm Forbes came in to talk about maintaining their images. When Mickey Rooney was on, one of the kids asked him why Judy Garland killed herself. "We couldn't stop her," Rooney said. The kids were crying. Those were the early days of cable, you could do stuff like that.

Q: You also hosted "The New Mickey Mouse Club" from 1989-93 at a pretty extraordinary time. Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Ryan Gosling, Keri Russell and Justin Timberlake were all there. Did you realize at the time just how much talent they had?

A: Of all the shows I've worked on, that was the most extraordinary. It was amazing how hard they worked and how professional they were. But they were also kids coming of sexual age. A few years ago, I went down to Florida for a reunion and I did my impression of the Club. It was just me doing pelvis thrusts. "Mickey Mouse Club" doesn't seem related to "Prairie Home," but in an odd way it is. They both show the importance of working with good people. I would call myself the luckiest guy in the tristate area, and I don't care what tristate area you're talking about.

'50th Anniversary of Prairie Home Companion'

When: 7:30 p.m. Fri. & Sat.; 3 p.m. Sun.

Where: Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul.

Tickets: $49.50. All shows are sold out. Saturday's show also will stream live for $19.99. Sign up at garrisonkeillor.com .

Neal Justin covers the entertainment world, primarily TV and radio. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin is the founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

• Lynx fall to Fever in front of Target Center packed to see Clark
• Xcel works to restore power in Twin Cities metro after storms
• How six Minnesota conservatives feel about the presidential race ahead of the RNC
• Dad who died rescuing his children in the Mississippi found, ID'd
• Shannen Doherty, 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star, dies at 53
• Margot is hero, then goat as Twins lose to Giants in finale before All-Star break

Review: Earth, Wind & Fire and Chicago make St. Paul fans feel the love

Acclaimed video artist bill viola dies at 73, created landmark `tristan und isolde' production, extravagant wedding celebrations for the son of asia's richest man conclude with a reception.

'Night Agent' sees dawn of a new season

Lileks: Is it me, or is it cold in here?

• Review: Garrison Keillor's marathon show in St. Paul suggests he can perform for another decade • Stage & Arts
• Garrison Keillor's sound-effects wiz reflects on 'A Prairie Home Companion' ahead of St. Paul shows • Stage & Arts
• University of Minnesota professor finds joy — and solace — in gardening • Stage & Arts
• Walker Art Center's 2024-25 season features Grammy winners and artists from Africa to Asia • Stage & Arts
• Bill Maher explains why upcoming Orpheum Theatre show may be his last in Minnesota • Stage & Arts

© 2024 StarTribune. All rights reserved.