Babylon Consult

Equipment for Simultaneous interpretation

The simultaneous translation is the oral translation of the speech heard by the interpreters in their headsets, with a delay of a few seconds to several minutes as compared to the speaker’s discourse. This type of interpretation is used most often in multilingual meetings, where the time is limited and the audience needs to understand the message most accurately.

When applying this method, the interpreters are located in a soundproof booth (half size or full size). Using the language consoles, the interpreter listens to the audio signal provided by the sound system and interprets the speech in the target language.

One simultaneous translation booth is used for each target language, with two interpreters.

The translation booths are built in different sizes:

-          Table top / Half size – not recommended due the excessive environmental noise that distracts the interpreters’ attention and it’s discomforting for the attendees not using the system since they will here the voice of the interpreters while translating and the original speech, generating confusion and discontent.

-          Full booth – soundproof booth, with door and ventilator – it isolates the interpreters from environmental noise. The attendees not using the system hear the original speech from the sound system, while the others hear the interpretations through the headsets connected to the receivers.

From the simultaneous translation booth, the signal is captured through a microphone to the simultaneous translation console and sent by wire or wirelessly to the individual headsets worn by the participants and to recording equipment, as the case may be.

The booth must be places in such a manner that the interpreters see the speakers and the visual displays.

The transmission of the interpretation is done through transmission stations:

-          radio frequency transmitters (RF) in the VHF, UHF, FM range – sensitive to distortions and can be easily listened to by unauthorized parties outside the room;

-          Infrared (IR) analog – light signal in the invisible light spectrum, analog modulated, adequate for rooms of any size (depending on the transmitters’ power rating) but sensitive to direct sunlight and fluorescent lamps;

-          Infrared (IR) digital - – light signal in the invisible light spectrum, digitally modulated, adequate for rooms of any size (depending on the transmitters’ power rating), less sensitive to direct sunlight and fluorescent lamps due to its digital signal transmission;

The reception of the simultaneous translation is done through individual receptors, wired or wireless, RF and IR, foreseen with personal headsets. The receivers are chosen depending on the transmission type and the number of target languages used in the room.

When organizing the conference, it is recommended that you take into account the number of participants that might need to hear the translation into the target language, as well as for the local attendees, for example in Romania, the foreign speakers/attendees need simultaneous translation from Romanian to  their respective language, while the Romanian speakers/attendees need simultaneous interpretation into Romanian.

Due our professional experience, we recommend that you acquire an adequate number of receivers and headsets, to prevent a common mistake, when people overestimate their understanding of foreign languages and have major difficulties in understanding the talk, be it due the speakers diction, fast rhythm and specific dialect

At the end of each event day, the receivers and headsets are returned to have their batteries recharged or replaced.

The fees for simultaneous translation equipment are added to the sound equipment and varies depending on the size of the room, type of equipment, the number of booths and receivers.