Start with the discussion format, languages and rooms, then size the listening equipment. Attendance alone determines neither booth numbers nor team composition.
Identify who needs to listen
How many people need an interpreted language? Will speakers change languages? Will there be questions or movement between rooms? In consecutive interpreting, no separate listening channel is needed, but microphones and amplification may be. Simultaneous interpreting requires an appropriate audio channel for listeners.
Example configurations
| Audience | Setup to assess | Limits to check |
|---|---|---|
| 20, fixed bilingual meeting | Consecutive with amplification if needed, or a validated simultaneous setup with receivers. | A small group can still have poor acoustics. Portable equipment does not isolate interpreters from ambient noise. |
| 50, single-room conference | Booth, consoles, speaker audio feed, receivers and headsets for the relevant listeners. | Audience microphones, sightlines, power and testing. |
| 100, several languages or workshops | Teams and channels by language, listening equipment by room and technical coordination. | Parallel sessions can multiply installations; movement and hybrid participation need planning. |
These are indicative configurations. There is no universal rule that 50 people need one booth: active languages, directions and concurrent rooms determine the setup.
What equipment does each job require?
- Booths and consoles: interpreter workspace, audio controls and a clear view of speakers and presentations.
- Receivers and headsets: enough for simultaneous users; agree on spares, charging and distribution.
- Microphones and amplification: intelligible sound for interpreters and the audience. Someone speaking without a microphone may be inaudible to the interpreters.
- Technical support: agreed connections, testing, monitoring and incident response, coordinated with the venue.
Hybrid meetings
Teams, Zoom or a dedicated platform must connect room sound, interpretation channels and remote participants correctly. A laptop microphone in the middle of a table is not always sufficient. Prepare the setup with our remote interpreting service.
A practical example: 60 receivers in Cannes
The CTM assignment at Cineum Cannes used two interpreters, a booth, 60 wireless receivers and technical support. Receiver numbers reflected the reported listening needs, not the venue’s size alone.
Send room plans, programme, languages and listener numbers to our interpreting equipment service. Request a quotation specifying equipment and support included.
