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Simultaneous interpretation equipment in Iqaluit

Translation and Interpretation Systems and equipment in Iqaluit

In this article, all the information about simultaneous interpretation equipment is explained in detail for users.

 

 

What is simultaneous interpretation

 

Simultaneous interpretation is generally used for complicated foreign languages. Special wireless equipment is used by translators working in an isolated booth called a “simultaneous interpretation booth”.

 

 

Brief history of simultaneous interpretation equipment

 

In the 1920s, Edward Filene and Alan Gordon Finlay experimented with the manufacture of simultaneous interpretation equipment. Called the Filene-Finlay simultaneous translator, this system was designed to read translated texts well in advance of the event.

Live” simultaneous interpretation was not yet functional at that time.
It was during the Nuremberg trials following World War II that simultaneous interpretation equipment took on the appearance of today’s equipment.

This change is due to the United Nations, even though the evolution of simultaneous interpretation equipment encountered some inconveniences after the Second World War.

 

 

Simultaneous interpretation equipment today

 

Currently, there are many manufacturers of simultaneous interpretation equipment and most conferences use this system.

Despite the fact that the design and manufacturing have evolved, it is not reliable to buy the equipment in any store.

Companies specializing in the manufacture of equipment exist, so it is best to choose the right supplier. An audiovisual company or a videographer is not specialized in selling simultaneous interpretation equipment.

Specialized companies sometimes work with professional interpreting agencies to provide them with the necessary equipment. But agencies may have their own equipment for interpreting and translating at conferences.

Buying the necessary equipment for simultaneous interpreting from specialized companies is part of the procedure at language services.

 

 

What configurations of simultaneous interpretation equipment exist?

 

Normally, interpretive equipment configurations exist in 3 facilities which are:

 

Permanent facilities

 

At the United Nations, the European Parliament or a large conference center, simultaneous interpretation equipment facilities are permanent in the conference facilities.

The translators work in a small enclosed space for efficient and convenient conference setup. However, it is not very comfortable, as there is not much you can do inside.

 

 

Portable/Mobile Configurations

 

Mobile booths are available and can be easily set up because some hotels do not have permanent facilities for interpreting and translation equipment. At the start of each conference in the hotels, the portable setup is quick.
During conferences, the booths are normally for 2 interpreters, but during large conferences, one booth is made for 3 interpreters.

The features of the portable booths are the same as those of the fixed booths. The lighting and ventilation are the same, the only difference is that the equipment is mobile.

 

 

Whispering equipment

 

The whispering equipment consists of a portable wireless transmitter and a standard wireless receiver. When participants move around, the whispering equipment is not suitable for a standard conference in the same room.

 

What equipment is inside a simultaneous interpretation booth?

Simultaneous Interpreting Console

 

The simultaneous interpreting console is an electronic box with audio connections for a headset and an interpreter’s microphone. If there are many interpreters, several headsets and microphones must be used.
On the interpreting console, several buttons are present to facilitate switching to another language. You can also adjust the volume and tone of voice (low or high), as well as temporarily deactivate the microphone, which is called the mute button.

 

Headset interpreter

A sound technician is responsible for providing a headset for each interpreter.
Headset manufacturers have different models designed for good voice reproduction and simultaneous interpretation. This is why professional interpreters have their own headset when they are on the road.
Please note that interpreter headsets must be binaural so that interpreters can hear the original speech with both ears.

 

Interpreter Microphone

3 options are available for interpreter microphones:

 

Integrated in a headset

The microphone is integrated into the headset with a flexible gooseneck arm. It is one of the best options and is very convenient. No matter how you move, the distance between the interpreter and the microphone remains unchanged.

 

A microphone-interpreter integrated into a console

This option is not very practical, but it can still be used. A microphone connector, usually XLR, is located on the top surface of the interpreter console. It should be noted that the microphone is inserted into the microphone connector.

 

Stand-alone table microphone

The stand-alone tabletop microphone option is the least used of the three microphone types. The stand-alone microphone is placed on top of the interpreting desk and is connected to the interpreting console by a cable.
However, the interpreter may move the microphone awkwardly when it is switched on. As a result, delegates may hear unpleasant sounds.

For the conference microphone to function normally, the smart choice is the microphone built into a headset.

 

Other booth equipment:

In a simultaneous interpretation booth, there should be fair lighting, fans, chairs, internet connection and electricity.

 

Wireless receivers for delegates

Audio from the microphones is transmitted to the interpreters’ headsets and during simultaneous interpretation, each delegate receives all the information. Using an Interpretation Equipment System receiver, the interpretation will be transmitted to a wireless transmitter and headsets.

 

 

Some points to remember:

 

  • Have a receiver and headset before each conference;
  • Have an ID so that the organizers can provide you with a receiver during the large conferences;
  • Make sure your headset volume is medium to avoid damage to your hearing. Professional interpreters sometimes have these accidents at conferences;
  • Never tap on a turned-on microphone, especially for interpreters
  • Never tap on a turned-on microphone, especially for interpreters.
  • Instructions are given before the conference to easily choose the channel for each simultaneous interpretation booth;
  • Report to the sound technician when you have concerns about the sound quality of a receiver;
  • Place your headset away from a live microphone to avoid microphone feedback.

 

Standards for simultaneous interpretation equipment

 

The standards for simultaneous interpreting equipment are very detailed.
The ISO 2603 standard “Simultaneous interpreting – Permanent booths – Requirements” covers built-in installations and the ISO 4043 standard “Simultaneous interpreting – Mobile booths – Requirements” covers portable interpreting kits.

Other standards include ISO/FDIS 20 109 “Simultaneous Interpreting – Equipment – Requirements” and ASTM F2089: Standard Guide for Language

 

Interpreting Services.

How do I find the best manufacturer of simultaneous equipment?
Bosch interpreting consoles remain the number one among the many manufacturers out there. You can also find counterfeits, but they are not suitable for a better result for interpreters in terms of sound quality.

As a user of interpreting equipment, you must consider the quality of the materials to have a good performance. Especially since professional audio equipment and professional technicians are essential for simultaneous interpretation.

 

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