Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment Service

Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment

Simultaneous interpretation is different from other forms of interpretation such as consecutive interpretation, whisper interpretation, or liaison interpretation due to its nature, and special equipment is needed to interpret the speaker simultaneously. The first piece of equipment that comes to mind in simultaneous interpretation may be the booth itself, but there are many devices that are vital for this process. Additionally, remote simultaneous interpretation (RSI) requires different equipment.

Which Equipment is Used for Simultaneous Interpretation?

Many different pieces of equipment are used for simultaneous interpretation service. We would like to give you a short introduction to such equipment below. The nature of each event may, of course, be very different. Therefore, it’s very important to have a clear understanding of your needs. You may contact us for more information on simultaneous interpretation equipment.

Essential simultaneous translation equipment are as follows:

• Tour Guide Device

A tour guide device is a device smaller than today’s smartphones. A simultaneous interpreter listens to the speaker on the headset connected to this device and interprets the speaker by speaking into the microphone integrated into this device. The info port tour guide device is more appropriate when simultaneous interpretation is needed for various events such as factory visits, and trade shows.

• Sound-Insulated Simultaneous Interpretation Booth

For events exceeding an hour or when on-site simultaneous interpretation service is needed, booths, which are one of the simultaneous interpretation equipment options, are typically preferred. These booths have interpreter consoles with microphones and headsets. Two interpreters can work in the same booth and HeliCo Translation is able to provide you with portable booths.

• Simultaneous Interpretation System

While the term “simultaneous interpretation system” is occasionally used in a broader sense to describe both the technology inside the interpretation booth and any additional equipment required to be placed outside the booth to convey the interpreters’ voice to the audience, it also refers to the general name of all equipment needed to provide simultaneous translation service.

• Infrared Receiver with Headset

Infrared receivers refer to receivers with special headsets handed out to the audience before the interpretation. These sophisticated receivers often have 12 channels up to 32. Through these channels, the audience can clearly hear the interpreter in their own language. Infrared receivers with headsets to be used at events are usually rented together with other equipment.

• Interpreter Console with Microphone and Headset

A simultaneous interpretation console is one of the most significant pieces of equipment used by simultaneous interpreters. Using this console with external headphones, the interpreter can listen to the speaker and provide interpretation for the target audience. In case of emergencies, interpreters can mute themselves so their voice is not heard by the audience and they can also perform relay interpretation on the interpretation console.

• Central Control Unit (CCU)

A Central Control Unit (CCU) is one of the essential equipment for the simultaneous interpretation service. The interpreter console and microphones in the meeting room are connected to this unit, which enables adjustments to be made to the settings of these devices. It can be considered a device that enables conference management in a very basic sense.

• Transmitter

A transmitter is one of the essential tools used for simultaneous interpretation. It accepts analog or digital signals and transmits them to the radiators in carrier waveforms. This is an important tool that transmits what the interpreter says to the receivers worn by the audience. When used with the conference system, it synchronizes language channels automatically. Transmitters and CCUs work independently. CCU is a control unit that controls table microphones and the interpreter console. Transmitters arrange sound inputs and outputs coming from the CCU, infrared receiver, and sound mixer.

• Radiator

A radiator, which is placed in a higher position close to other interpretation equipment in the meeting room, transmits infrared signals in the room and allows the audience to listen to the simultaneous interpreters via receivers with headsets.

• Table Microphone/Delegate Microphone

This microphone type is generally used on tables or the speaker platform to be used by the audience in meeting rooms prepared as a round table arrangement. A table microphone can be rented for up to two or three people at the table, with more than one person per table using a single microphone, depending on how many people are at the table.

• Lapel Microphone

This type of microphone is usually for speaker use as it is small, wireless, and can be attached to the collar or clothing of the person with a clip. You may need to have as many lapel microphones available if there are presenters for meetings where multiple speakers are scheduled to speak simultaneously. We recommend using a lapel microphone instead of a table microphone to allow the speaker to move inside the room.

• Wireless Handheld Microphone

In audiences’ favor, we recommend using a wireless handheld microphone at events for speakers who are expected to give short speeches, rather than those who are expected to talk for an extended period of time as these microphones will be needed to be used on hand. We recommend increasing the number of wireless handheld microphones as the number of participants or listeners increases.

• Other Equipment

Other equipment that can be used in events where simultaneous interpretation will be offered, may include a projector device, projection screen, presentation remote control, laptop, and printer.

When Should Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment Be Installed?

The booth area should be set up in advance as per the customer’s request for simultaneous interpretation. When setting up the area, choosing the right spot according to the positioning of the simultaneous interpreters is important. The speaker and any projected screens for the presentations should be visible to the interpreters.

Setting up the equipment a day in advance might be more practical if the event is scheduled to begin early in the morning (unless there are other events in the area that day). Along with the interpretation booth and other equipment, we can provide technician support to our customers to guarantee that the setup is completed as planned and that the tools are functioning smoothly. Depending on the circumstances we can increase the number of technicians needed in proportion to the number of booths and equipment. Note that it will be necessary to have the technicians in the meeting room throughout the event so that they can intervene in case of any technical problem.

What Should Be Considered When Renting Simultaneous Interpretation Systems?

The number of participants, date, and venue of the event, languages for interpretation, and the type and number of microphones to be used must be clearly stated. Additionally, ensuring that the event area is suitable for simultaneous interpretation and setting up simultaneous interpretation equipment beforehand, will guarantee the proper setup of simultaneous interpretation systems and improve the quality of the simultaneous translation service.

Simultaneous interpretation is multi-dimensional. It is equally important that the interpreter has the necessary skills and experience, that the technology is set up properly, and that the audience can clearly hear the interpretation. To prevent any mishap, simultaneous interpretation technology must function properly.

If you want to get simultaneous interpretation service and learn more about simultaneous interpretation equipment, you can visit our website, or contact us directly. Remember that HeliCo Team is at your service whenever you need help.

Written By: Gamze Korkmaz

Date of Publication: 10.08.2022

Target Audience: Those who Need Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment, Those who Want to Obtain Extensive Information on Simultaneous Interpretation Equipment

• 1
• Share: