Oaktree Products

General Auracast

What is Auracast?
Auracast is a Bluetooth technology that allows one transmitter to broadcast audio to any number of compatible listening devices within range. Listeners join the broadcast without pairing their devices with the transmitter.

How can Auracast help people who wear hearing aids?
Auracast delivers audio directly to compatible hearing aids, helping listeners hear in environments where distance, background noise, and reverberation make listening difficult. Examples include worship services, performances, lectures, and public announcements.

Is Auracast only for people with hearing loss?
No. Anyone with compatible earbuds, headphones, or other Auracast-enabled listening devices can access a broadcast. It offers another way to hear shared audio more clearly.

How many people can listen at once?
Any number of compatible devices within range can receive an Auracast broadcast simultaneously. Additional listeners do not reduce the quality of the broadcast.

Device Compatibility

Do all Bluetooth hearing aids support Auracast?
No. Bluetooth connectivity alone does not mean a hearing aid supports Auracast. Confirm compatibility for the specific hearing aid model, including any required firmware updates and supported connection methods.

Can existing hearing aids be updated to support Auracast?
Some hearing aids may support an update, while others lack the necessary hardware. Check with the hearing aid manufacturer to determine whether an update is available for a particular model.

Joining Broadcast

How do listeners join a broadcast with compatible hearing aids?
Listeners typically use a compatible hearing aid app or another supported Auracast assistant to find and select a broadcast. The exact steps depend on the hearing aids, smartphone, and app being used.

Does the audio travel through the smartphone to the hearing aids?
In a typical Auracast setup, the smartphone helps the listener find and select the broadcast. The hearing aids then receive the audio directly from the Auracast transmitter.

Can an iPhone help someone join an Auracast broadcast?
Yes, when used with supported hearing aids and a compatible manufacturer app. Compatibility depends on the specific hearing aids, app, and phone requirements. Check the hearing aid manufacturer’s current instructions.

Do listeners need Wi-Fi or an internet connection?
No. Auracast broadcasts use Bluetooth, so an internet or Wi-Fi connection is not required to receive the audio. Internet access may be needed separately to download or update an app.

Auri System & Listening Options

What is the difference between Auracast and Auri?
Auracast is the wireless broadcast technology. Auri is an assistive listening system that uses that technology. The Auri transmitter connects to an audio source and broadcasts to compatible personal listening devices or dedicated Auri receivers.

What is the operating range of an Auri transmitter?
The U.S. coverage guide lists approximately 70–80 meters (230–260 feet) from the transmitter when using an Auri RX1 receiver. Actual range depends on transmitter placement, building materials, people, and receiving devices. Hearing aids and earbuds may have a shorter usable range than dedicated receivers.

How large an area will one transmitter cover?
The U.S. coverage guide lists approximately 70–80 meters (230–260 feet), There is no single square-footage figure that applies to every venue. Room layout, walls, seating arrangements, transmitter placement, and listening devices all influence coverage. A site evaluation helps determine whether one transmitter will adequately cover the intended listening area.

How many listening devices can one transmitter serve? 
An Auri transmitter can serve any number of compatible listening devices within range simultaneously. Adding listeners does not reduce broadcast quality or require additional transmitters simply to accommodate more people.

Can multiple transmitters cover large areas?
Yes. Multiple Auri transmitters can be configured to broadcast the same audio across larger or more complex spaces. Their placement and overlapping coverage should be planned and tested to provide reliable reception throughout the intended listening area.

How many diffferent broadcasts can one Auri transmitter provide? 
One Auri transmitter supports up to two separate broadcasts simultaneously. These can carry different content—for example, presentation audio and music, or a main program and an alternate-language feed. Each audio source must be supplied and configured by the venue.

What is the difference between the standard and Dante-enabled transmitters?
Both versions broadcast Auracast audio to compatible listening devices. The difference is how audio enters the transmitter:

• Standard Auri transmitter: Accepts audio through analog microphone or line-level connections.
• Dante-enabled Auri transmitter: Adds the ability to receive digital audio from a Dante audio network and retains analog input options.

Ask the venue’s AV team whether its sound system uses Dante before selecting a model.

Does the Dante version provide more broadcasts or greater wireless coverage?
Dante adds a network audio input option. It does not add broadcast channels or extend the transmitter’s wireless coverage; both versions support up to two broadcasts. Choose based on the venue’s audio infrastructure.

How is the Auri transmitter powered?
The transmitter can be powered through Power over Ethernet (PoE) or a suitable USB-C power supply. The appropriate option depends on the venue’s installation.

Does everyone need an Auri receiver?
No. Listeners with compatible Auracast-enabled hearing aids, earbuds, or headphones can receive the broadcast directly. An Auri receiver provides a listening option for people without a compatible personal device.

How can someone listen without an Auracast-enabled device?
They can plug wired headphones into an Auri receiver, select the broadcast from the receiver’s menu, and adjust the volume. This option does not require a smartphone

Can someone use telecoil-equipped hearing aids?
Yes. Connect a compatible neck loop to an Auri receiver, place the loop around the neck, and switch the hearing aids to their telecoil program. Select the broadcast on the receiver. The hearing aids do not need Auracast capability when using this arrangement.

What connections does the Auri receiver have?
The Auri RX1 has two 3.5 mm audio jacks for compatible wired headphones or neck loops. The dual outputs allow two listeners to share a receiver, depending on the accessories connected.

Are docking stations required to charge Auri receivers?
No. Auri receivers can be charged using USB-C or an Auri docking station. Docking stations also support receiver configuration and firmware updates and are useful for venues managing multiple receivers.

Community Installations

Will one transmitter cover an entire venue?
Coverage depends on the venue’s layout, transmitter placement, obstructions, and listening devices. Larger or more complex spaces may require additional transmitters. Test coverage with the types of devices patrons will use, including hearing aids when applicable.

How can an audiology practice help bring Auracast to its community?
Audiology practices can introduce the technology to local venues, demonstrate listening options, help patients confirm device compatibility, and coordinate with venue AV staff. Staff training and community promotion help people discover and use the system. Oaktree’s Auracast Community Blueprint provides a practical starting point.