Conference technology and interpretation equipment

Congress technology generally covers individual conference microphones and meeting sound reinforcement, as well as interpretation booths, interpreters’ microphones and infrared or radio-frequency language distribution for interpreted events. It often also includes video solutions such as LED screens and their playback systems. The setup is designed and sized according to the number of participants, speakers and interpretation languages.

Conference microphones are particularly suitable for meetings where many participants speak from their seats at a table. They make it easier to manage speaking turns and improve audio quality for interpretation and any streaming or recording.

Interpreters listen to the speaker’s original audio, known as the floor language, and interpret it in real time into the microphone at their interpreter station. Participants select the language channel they need on a receiver or tabletop unit and listen through headphones.

At a meeting with a conference microphone system, participants can listen to interpretation through headphones connected directly to their microphone units. If participants move freely around the venue or sit in rows, for example, wireless infrared distribution can be used, with each listener receiving a receiver and headphones. For smaller events with 20–40 people, a portable interpretation kit is another option: listeners are given headset receivers, and the signal is transmitted to them by radio directly from the interpreter’s microphone.

Simultaneous interpretation is the most demanding form of interpreting, so reliable equipment and a distraction-free working environment are essential. For this reason, control rooms behind windows or equipment rooms at a venue are rarely suitable for interpreters. The interpretation booths we supply meet the requirements of ISO 4043:2016. When a portable interpretation kit is used, the interpreter can often be positioned among the audience for whispered interpretation.

A portable interpretation kit consists of a charging case, 20 interpretation receivers and an interpreter’s microphone. Its benefits include quick and easy setup, and no separate interpretation booths are needed for whispered interpretation. Its limitations include the restricted reception range from the interpreter’s position and the need for the interpreter to work among the audience.

Yes. Interpretation services are not normally included in the interpretation equipment quotation. Clients can source conference interpreters from their preferred provider, or we can request a quotation for interpretation services from our partners.

Yes. When an event is streamed, interpreted language versions can be provided to remote viewers alongside the floor language. Viewers select their preferred language on the viewing page.

With remote interpretation, the interpreter works from another location and audio is transmitted over a data connection using an application such as Zoom Pro. Reliable remote interpretation requires a wired, very fast internet connection at the venue. For participants, the difference is practically unnoticeable. The interpreted languages received remotely can be routed to the conference microphone system and distributed to interpretation receivers via infrared, just like speech produced by interpreters at the venue.

We normally provide congress technology and simultaneous interpretation systems as complete solutions, including installation, dismantling and supervision during the event. This ensures that any technical issues can also be resolved quickly.

The cost depends on factors such as the number of conference microphones and interpretation receivers, the interpretation languages, the booths, the location of the venue and the personnel required. Interpreters’ fees are not included in the interpretation equipment quotation and are always quoted separately.