Less Like TV, More like Radio
Audio advice for planners of videoconferences with simultaneous interpreting
Less like television and more like radio, not because visual cues are unimportant for communication, but because radio studio mics are a visible symbol of reliance on clear sound. Unless you have a TV/film sound crew pointing a giant pole-mounted shotgun mic at you from behind your camera, please take the following simple steps highlighted in bold.
Videoconferences with simultaneous interpreting require better audio quality than non-interpreted ones. If at any time the sound quality is inadequate, interpreters will say "Inaudible" and wait for better sound.
Mics built into laptops typically carry low-fidelity sound that may work for casual uninterpreted conversation but that will physically and cognitively tax interpreters (not merely trying to hear but also to speak at the same time) and result in parts of the message being lost for their audience. Moderators, panelists, and anyone else taking the floor should refrain from using built-in computer mics, and instead use headphones and an external mic, for example something like one of these headsets:
Koss CS300-USB Double-Sided On-Ear Communication Headset, Noise Cancelling Electret Microphone, Flexible Microphone Arm, Wired with USB Plug, Black
Sennheiser SC 160 USB-C (508354) - Double- Sided (Binaural) Headset for Business Professionals | with HD Stereo Sound, Noise-Canceling Microphone, & USB-C Connector (Black)
See this YouTube example of webinar participant using headset (or see photo above at top of page)
Even Apple EarPods, which have a mic attached to the right wire, can significantly improve sound and reduce echo. Those with a 3.5mm jack can be plugged into computers; those with a Lightning connector require an adapter.
Apple EarPods with 3.5mm Headphone Plug - White
See this YouTube example of a TV show participant using wired EarPods
Please speak close to the mic, in a quiet environment.
Please make sure only one mic at a time is unmuted.
It is helpful to use a recent-model computer with an i7 processor or above, and an Ethernet connection rather than WiFi.
AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS OF CONFERENCE INTERPRETERS PAID BY
THE DAY
between the International Association of Conference Interpreters
and the Co-ordinated Organisations
III Recommendations to delegates in remote
Headphones and microphones
In order to optimize sound quality, participants should use quality headphones with an
integrated microphone, plugged into their device.
Microphones should be muted when not speaking.
Using the computer’s inbuilt loudspeaker and microphone system will cause a feedback
loop, and must therefore be avoided.
Ambient noise interference
Participants are encouraged to select a quiet place from which to connect to the meeting, in
order to avoid interferences from the outside environment.
Ambient noise interference causes additional hearing stress to the interpreters and impinges
upon their ability to provide quality interpretation, and should therefore be avoided wherever
possible.
Participants should be asked to turn off all sound notifications (skype, WhatsApp, emails, etc.)
while attending virtual meetings.
Connection stability
In the interest of uninterrupted two-way communication, and to avoid audio buffering and
video freezing wherever possible, participants shall ensure that they are using the most
stable network connection available to them, preferably via Ethernet rather than WiFi.
Scripted speeches
Participants shall wherever possible submit scripted speeches in advance to the interpreters.
Participants should avoid reading from documentation, wherever possible.
マイクの音質が同時通訳可能なものにするためにパソコンの内蔵マイクの使用はお控えいただき、USBの外付けヘッドセットをご利用ください。ヘッドセットが無い場合はアップルのiPhone用 EarPods with 3.5 mm Headphone Plug(マイク付きイヤホン)をパソコンに差し込みますとパソコンの内臓マイクよりは音質が改善されるはずです。
Videoconferences with simultaneous interpreting require better audio quality than non-interpreted ones. If at any time the sound quality is inadequate, interpreters will say "Inaudible" and wait for better sound.
Mics built into laptops typically carry low-fidelity sound that may work for casual uninterpreted conversation but that will physically and cognitively tax interpreters (not merely trying to hear but also to speak at the same time) and result in parts of the message being lost for their audience. Moderators, panelists, and anyone else taking the floor should refrain from using built-in computer mics, and instead use headphones and an external mic, for example something like one of these headsets:
Koss CS300-USB Double-Sided On-Ear Communication Headset, Noise Cancelling Electret Microphone, Flexible Microphone Arm, Wired with USB Plug, Black
Sennheiser SC 160 USB-C (508354) - Double- Sided (Binaural) Headset for Business Professionals | with HD Stereo Sound, Noise-Canceling Microphone, & USB-C Connector (Black)
See this YouTube example of webinar participant using headset (or see photo above at top of page)
Even Apple EarPods, which have a mic attached to the right wire, can significantly improve sound and reduce echo. Those with a 3.5mm jack can be plugged into computers; those with a Lightning connector require an adapter.
Apple EarPods with 3.5mm Headphone Plug - White
See this YouTube example of a TV show participant using wired EarPods
Please speak close to the mic, in a quiet environment.
Please make sure only one mic at a time is unmuted.
It is helpful to use a recent-model computer with an i7 processor or above, and an Ethernet connection rather than WiFi.
AGREEMENT GOVERNING THE EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS OF CONFERENCE INTERPRETERS PAID BY
THE DAY
between the International Association of Conference Interpreters
and the Co-ordinated Organisations
III Recommendations to delegates in remote
Headphones and microphones
In order to optimize sound quality, participants should use quality headphones with an
integrated microphone, plugged into their device.
Microphones should be muted when not speaking.
Using the computer’s inbuilt loudspeaker and microphone system will cause a feedback
loop, and must therefore be avoided.
Ambient noise interference
Participants are encouraged to select a quiet place from which to connect to the meeting, in
order to avoid interferences from the outside environment.
Ambient noise interference causes additional hearing stress to the interpreters and impinges
upon their ability to provide quality interpretation, and should therefore be avoided wherever
possible.
Participants should be asked to turn off all sound notifications (skype, WhatsApp, emails, etc.)
while attending virtual meetings.
Connection stability
In the interest of uninterrupted two-way communication, and to avoid audio buffering and
video freezing wherever possible, participants shall ensure that they are using the most
stable network connection available to them, preferably via Ethernet rather than WiFi.
Scripted speeches
Participants shall wherever possible submit scripted speeches in advance to the interpreters.
Participants should avoid reading from documentation, wherever possible.
マイクの音質が同時通訳可能なものにするためにパソコンの内蔵マイクの使用はお控えいただき、USBの外付けヘッドセットをご利用ください。ヘッドセットが無い場合はアップルのiPhone用 EarPods with 3.5 mm Headphone Plug(マイク付きイヤホン)をパソコンに差し込みますとパソコンの内臓マイクよりは音質が改善されるはずです。