Conference translation equipment for hire

We at Today Translations are fully aware that the quality of a simultaneous interpretation depends largely on the working conditions and equipment provided to the interpreters.

The booth's sound insulation, dimensions, air circulation, as well as the sound quality of the headsets, microphones and other equipment are vital components of the simultaneous interpreting process.

We offer high quality conference equipment for hire to be used in a large group setting. All our equipment complies with the norms and recommendations for state-of-the-art conference equipment, as defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Below are the standard requirements for booths and equipment laid down by ISO (International Organization for Standardization).

Mobile booths for simultaneous interpretation (ISO 4043):

General requirements

Designed for temporary service in a variety of locations, mobile booths should be equipped with optimum sound-insulation and sound-absorption. The materials used should be odourless, anti-static, fire retardant, non-flammable and cause no irritation to eyes, skin or respiratory tract.

Mobile booths should be built in such a way they won't attract nor harbour dust. Their colour schemes should be appropriate for the restricted workspace available in a booth. All surfaces, including equipment, must have a matt finish.

Size of booths

Mobile booths should be designed to accommodate the required number of interpreters comfortably seated side by side, while allowing the occupants to enter and leave the booth without disturbing one another.

They must be provided with enough space to ensure adequate ventilation and temperature control. The internal dimensions for standard mobile booths should be never less than the following: width = 1.60m (up to two interpreters), 2.40m (2-3 interpreters), 3.20 m (3-4 interpreters); depth = 1.60 m, and height = 2.00 m.

Acoustics

Booths should provide reasonable sound insulation against any sources outside the booth (e.g. speech from neighbouring booths or the hall), background noise, etc. Where walls are shared by booths the standard sound insulation values should always be fully met.

Ventilation

Conference Equipment Booths should be fitted with an effective ventilation system, ensuring complete renewal of the air at least seven times per hour, without causing harmful draughts on seated occupants. Where higher rates of air renewal can be obtained, they should be always adjustable within the booth. The extractor fans in the ceiling should be powerful enough to meet the above requirements as soundlessly as possible.

Where air intake is direct from the meeting room, vents should be located low in booth walls (to benefit from cooler air and to ensure proper circulation) and towards the rear of the booth to avoid draughts on the interpreters' legs.

Working surface

The working surface should extend across the full width of the booths, and should be fully-horizontal and covered with shock-absorbent material to deaden noise that would otherwise be picked up by the microphones. Its strength must be sufficient to take the weight of control consoles, documents and interpreters leaning on its surface.

Lighting

Each mobile booth should be provided with at least two compact, low-heat, movable light sources. They should be mounted on adjustable fittings and in such a way as not to encumber the working surface.

Conference equipment - Languages

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