When renting or buying equipment, there are a few things you need to bear in mind to ensure you’re getting your hands on the correct kit to be sure of successful interpretation.
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You must consider:
Once everything is planned and ready to go, the last thing you need is to discover that you’re short of receivers.
You’ll need to ensure that you get the most accurate headcount that you possibly can, to determine how many headsets will be required. A few spares will be needed as well, in case of larger audience size or problems with any of the receivers.
Once you’ve figured out your approximate audience size, you’ll then need to find out how many languages the conference will need to be translated into. This is because the number of languages that need to be translated will have a direct impact on how many transmitters you’ll require and how many interpreters you’ll need.
Most venues, generally speaking, will not have permanent installations for interpreting. Instead, portable equipment will need to be brought in.
The degree of portability will vary depending on factors such as power and ease-of-setup. At Anglia Translations Ltd, we have experience in supplying all the equipment required, including the interpreter booth, as well as the interpreters.
It’s incredibly important to find the best location for your interpreters. Their work takes a lot of effort and vast amounts of concentration. It is crucial to set them up in their own soundproof booths, where they can get comfortable with a good view of the speaker.
Interpreter booths are an absolute essential for the simultaneous interpretation process.
The interpreters need to be physically present, and these kinds of events can become quite noisy, which is why, considering the kind of pressure interpreters are under, it’s crucial they are given a soundproof environment to work in.
Interpreter booths can be either permanent or mobile. However, both are strictly regulated by the International Organisation for Standardisation’s standards regarding conference interpreting.
Full-size interpreter booths have walls, floors, a ceiling, doors, and even ventilation systems. Usually, they can house at least two people – larger options fitting up to four.
First things first, you must ensure that the interpreters are able to see the stage, the speaker and their presentations clearly. Getting a clear view makes interpreting a much easier task for the interpreters.
In addition to this, reliable internet access and power outlets are essential for laptops and tablets.
You will also need to ensure that acoustic conditions remain at optimal levels, to ensure that the booth is as quiet as it possibly can be.
If you work with us, we will ensure that you have all the right equipment for the size of the venue, and the number of delegates as well as the appropriate interpreters.
This device delivers the words of the speaker to the interpreter, which is then transported as interpreted speech to those in the audience wearing receivers. This piece of kit must be situated within the interpreter booth to ensure the interpreters can control the volume of the headphones.
Receivers are portable devices that allow the audience to hear the result of the interpretation on their earpieces. As we’ve already mentioned, it’s pretty key that you have the right amount and any spares to ensure everyone who needs one gets one.
Sound equipment encompasses things such as speakers, microphones, and all the necessary cables and wires. Transmitter equipment includes the devices which transport the words of the speaker from the microphone to the interpreter console, and then the interpreters voice to the receivers in the audience.
Once your structure is in place, it’s time to consider the right people for the interpreter role. In this section, we’ve put together our suggestions for hiring the right simultaneous interpreters.
It sounds obvious, but it’s far better to be completely clear on what you’re looking for right from the off. For example, it’s important to remember that there is actually a difference between a translator and an interpreter since they’re sometimes thought to mean the same.
A translator will deal with the written word, and an interpreter works with spoken languages. Although we provide both of those services here at Anglia Translations, they require very different skillsets.
It is recommended that you provide as much background material to the interpreters prior to the event as you can.
If you have copies of the presentations that you can provide prior to the event, an interpreter can familiarise themselves with the material which will ensure a far smoother and more professional service. Understanding the subject matter will ensure the interpreter uses the right terminology.
Simultaneous interpreting is a complex skill. An interpreter will need to listen, understand and memorise what the speaker is saying presently while speaking the words that were spoken ten seconds ago, and all in another language.
This requires a strong knowledge of the technical vocabulary of the subject that is being spoken about since there is no time to stop and look up what a word or phrase means.
So, if your conference is about finance, then you might look to hire a specialist in that field, rather than a general interpreter. It is therefore important to provide as much detail about the event, the programme, the content and the speakers as you can when you are sourcing your interpreters.
One of the safest ways to find a trustworthy and experienced interpreter is to speak to a professional company who can provide both the interpreters (perhaps in multiple languages) as well as the technical equipment.
At Anglia Translations Ltd, we have provided simultaneous interpreters for large multinational conferences, as well as consecutive interpreting for small business meetings.
There is nothing better or more trustworthy than a word of mouth recommendation. This is particularly relevant when looking for interpreters. Ensure that you chose an accredited interpreter (a member of a professional body such as the Institute of Translation and Interpreting) or an accredited and experienced translation company to help you source the right solution for your needs.
If you have any questions about anything we’ve covered in this piece, or you’d like to find out more about any of our services, then why not contact us today?
This post is a general explanation about simultaneous interpretation equipment for end users.
What is Simultaneous Interpreting:
Simultaneous interpreting (or simultaneous interpretation) is one of the most complex types of language use. Interpreters are using highly specialized wireless equipment and are working in a soundproof cabin called “simultaneous interpreting booth.”
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Brief History of Simultaneous Interpreting Equipment:
Attempts to design simultaneous interpreting equipment started in the s with Edward Filene and Alan Gordon Finlay. The system was called “the Filene-Finlay simultaneous translator” and was used to read texts that had already been translated before the event.
No one thought at that time that “live” simultaneous interpretation was possible.
During the Nuremburg Trials after WWII we see simultaneous interpreting equipment that is more similar to what we have today.
A lot of credit in perfecting the equipment goes to the United Nations, where simultaneous interpretation was introduced (with some resistance at first) after the World War II.
Simultaneous Interpreting Equipment Today:
Today the majority of conferences is in simultaneous interpretation mode, and manufacturers of simultaneous interpretation equipment abound.
A note has to be made that like in any market quality of design and construction varies greatly and – caveat emptor – cheap solutions are not too reliable.
Utmost care has to be taken when selecting your simultaneous interpretation equipment provider: best if it is a company that specializes in such equipment and not just an audiovisual company or a videographer.
Professional conference interpretation and translation agencies will either have their own equipment or have a working relationship with such specialized companies.
It is best if you purchase conference interpreter services and rent simultaneous interpretation equipment from the same company instead of shopping around. It is one of the scenarios where one stop shopping for language services works!
What Simultaneous interpretation Equipment Setups Exist?
Generally only 3:
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Permanent installations
These are simultaneous interpretation systems permanently built into conference facilities – think the United Nations, the European Parliament or a major conference center.
Booths are actually small rooms with doors where interpreters work. It is the most comfortable and convenient setup, but, for obvious reasons, it is not very mobile.
Portable/mobile setups
Most hotels and other venues do not have permanent installations. Instead, portable (mobile) booths have to be brought in and installed before the conference.
It must always be booths for at least 2 interpreters per booth per language and at some major conferences 3 interpreters per booth per language are engaged.
Portable booths have the same features as stationary ones such as lighting and ventilation, but the equipment is highly mobile.
Whispering Equipment:
It is a portable set consisting of a wireless handheld transmitter and standard wireless receivers. While good for tours or if the participants must move around a lot, it is not suitable for a standard conference in one room.
What equipment is inside the simultaneous interpretation booth?
Simultaneous Interpreter Console
Simultaneous interpreter console is an electronic box with audio connections for the interpreter headset and the interpreter microphone. Because more than one interpreter is engaged, there must be as many headsets and microphones as there are interpreters.
The console has a number of switches to switch between languages, adjust headset volume and bass/treble, as well as turn the microphone off temporarily (mute button of cough cut.)
Interpreter Headset:
Each interpreter must have his own her own headset provided to them by the audio technician.
Many professional conference interpreters own their headsets they travel with, and headset manufacturers have headset models specifically designed for best voice reproduction and for simultaneous interpretation.
Headsets must be binaural i.e. the interpreter must be able to hear the original speech with both ears.
Interpreter Microphones:
There are 3 major options for interpreter microphones:
Integrated into a headset. The microphone is attached to the headset with a special flexible gooseneck arm. It is the best and the most convenient option. When moving your head, the distance between the interpreter mouth and the microphone does not change.
An interpreter microphone integrated into a console.
It is a less convenient but still very legitimate option. The top surface of the interpreter console has a dedicated microphone connector (usually XLR) the gooseneck microphone is inserted into.
Standalone tabletop microphone.
It is the least convenient option. A separate microphone in placed on the interpreter desk and connected to the console with a cable.
The danger here is that the interpreter may accidentally move the microphone when it is “hot” i.e. when it is on. The resulting sound may be very unpleasant for the delegates to hear.
In terms of microphone safety, headset microphones are certainly best!
Other equipment in the Booth:
Other equipment in a simultaneous interpretation booth must include appropriate lighting, ventilation fans, chairs and may also include internet and power connections.
Wireless receivers for delegates:
The audio feed from the speakers’ microphones is transmitted into interpreters’ headsets. The simultaneous interpretation interpreters produce is fed into a wireless transmitter and into receivers and headsets each delegate has.
A few points to remember:
-Always get your receivers and headsets before a conference starts, otherwise, you may have to do it in the middle of a presentation.
-For large conferences some conference organizers will issue you a receiver only in exchange for your identification document they will keep for the duration of the day or of the conference. Have an alternative form of ID on you in case if you need to use it during the event.
-When you turn on your headset for the first time, never use the full volume. While simultaneous interpreters are professionals and know how to use microphones, accidents happen and loud sounds may damage your hearing.
-Same is true for interpreters. You must never tap or bang a live microphone – it is a serious health hazard for those who are listening to you i.e. for the conference interpreters.
-Know what channel your languages are on. Usually channels are numbered and the channel allocation will either be posted on simultaneous interpretation booths or announced before the conference.
-A fully charged receiver should be operational without any issues for an entire day but sometimes batteries in simultaneous interpretation receivers discharge and sound quality deteriorates. Report it to the audio technican who will give you a new receiver.
-To prevent microphone feedback never place your headphones next to a live microphone.
Are there standards for simultaneous interpretation equipment?
Yes and they are rather detailed.
ISO “Simultaneous interpreting – Permanent booths – Requirements” covers the built-in installations, and ISO “Simultaneous interpreting – Mobile booths – Requirements” covers portable equipment.
There are other guidelines and standards by other bodies, such as ISO/FDIS “Simultaneous interpreting — Equipment – Requirements” or ASTM F: Standard Guide for Language Interpreting Services.
If you are interested in this topic, see the Further Reading section at the bottom of this page.
Who is the best simultaneous equipment manufacturer?
While there are many manufacturers, we think that Bosch interpreter consoles remain the Golden Standard. Various knockoff consoles exist but they do not seem to provide good user experience for interpreters in terms of user friendliness and sound quality.
Using the highest quality interpretation equipment is in your best interests as an end user. Critical applications such as simultaneous interpretation require professional grade audio equipment and trained technicians too.
Further reading and sources:
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