Simultaneous interpreting What technical equipment is needed?
In this article, we come to clarify all those terms that are sometimes unfamiliar when hiring a simultaneous interpreting service.
Many clients call us explaining that this is the first time they have contracted this type of service and that they don’t know where to start. No problem! We are here to clarify everything.
First of all, the difference between consecutive interpreting and simultaneous interpreting must be understood.
In consecutive interpreting, the only technical equipment needed is a microphone, as the speaker speaks, the interpreter takes notes on a notebook or tablet and then reproduces the speech in the other language. It should be borne in mind that each intervention takes twice as long because the speaker speaks first and then the interpreter, which doubles the time needed. It is ideal for short presentations, press conferences…
Simultaneous interpreting, on the other hand, requires specific technical equipment, as the speaker speaks and the interpreter simultaneously translates into the other language. How can this be done?
Soundproof booths are usually used. The interpreters listen to the speaker from the booth and, using consoles with microphones, they interpret and the audience listens to them through receivers. There are many possibilities, since if there are several languages, several booths will be necessary. If there are speakers who connect via an online platform, the technicians must make the necessary arrangements for this so that the interpreters receive the sound from an online platform and not only from the microphones in the room.
By now, you can see how crucial the work of the technicians is to get the set-up and configuration right. Technicians specialised in conferences with simultaneous interpretation are specifically trained to understand the technical requirements of a multilingual conference and are the architects of what seems like magic to the rest of us.
The performance would not reach its intended audience without good technical equipment to ensure that the interpreters can listen in the best possible sound quality and be heard by their audience.
And what happens when the interpretation has to be done on the move? Let’s imagine a visit to a factory, a site, a building… In this specific case, there is an option called the tourguide system. This system includes a microphone for the speaker, a microphone for the interpreters and receivers for those who need to listen to the interpretation. It does not require technical installation, as it is portable equipment, but it has certain limitations in terms of the number of receivers, which must be reduced.
In short, there are as many possibilities as there are types of events. Offering simultaneous interpreting service adds great value to your event because it will make it international and achieve a greater reach by being able to convey the message to a wider audience. Do not hesitate to contact us so that we can advise you on the type of interpreting that best suits your needs and your event. You will see how the “magic” works.