Interpreting Equipment
The equipment required for each type of interpretation:
Simultaneous interpretation:
Booths
- In principle one per language,
- of sufficient size, soundproof and ventilated,
- a console, headset and task lamp for each interpreter,
- good view of speakers and projection screen.
Room
- Public address system (loud speakers),
- microphones for the chairman,
- microphones for delegates,
- tie-mic (speaker) and roving mic (for questions from the floor).
Headsets
- A headset for each delegate is the rule-of-thumb
It is better to hire public address and interpreting equipment from the same supplier to ensure the systems are compatible.
Consecutive interpretation
The interpreter is on the stage/podium and works without a booth;
a sound system may be useful (mic and loud speakers).
ISO standards
There are ISO standards for built-in booths (ISO 2603) and mobile booths (ISO 4043).
They establish :
- The booth dimensions (width of 1.6 metres for mobile booths and 2.5 metres for built-in booths),
- where to place them (max. 30m from the speakers or screen),
- visibility (non-reflective glass on front and sides),
- lighting, ventilation and sound-proofing required.
Consult the ISO standard before installing built-in booths and always demand booths that comply with the standards.
