The Perfect Interpreting Headphones
As an interpreter, having the right equipment is essential for delivering accurate and smooth interpretations. One of the most important pieces of gear for interpreters is a good pair of headphones. With so many options on the market, choosing the perfect headphones for interpreting can be overwhelming. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through the key factors interpreters need to consider when selecting headphones and provide recommendations for the best headphones for different interpreting scenarios.
What to Look for in Interpreting Headphones
When evaluating headphones for interpreting, there are several key features to take into account:
Noise Isolation - Interpreting requires focus and concentration. Noise isolating headphones help block out external noise so you can clearly hear the speaker without distractions. Look for around-ear headphones or in-ear monitors that form a seal in or over the ear to passively block noise. Active noise cancellation is also an option.
Sound Quality - Since you need to transmit every word clearly and accurately, excellent audio reproduction is a must. Seek out headphones with a wide dynamic range and frequency response. This allows you to hear nuances in the speaker's voice and pickup subtle details.
Comfort - Interpreters often wear headphones for extended periods. Comfort is critical to avoid neck, head and ear pain. Prioritize lightweight headphones with padded ear cups and adjustable components to customize the fit.
Durability - Headphones for interpreters need to stand up to regular transport and daily use. Consider features like flexible joints, reinforced cables and metal/glass construction over plastic. Replaceable parts are also useful for repairs.
Connectivity - Look for wired headphones with a detachable cable or wireless Bluetooth headphones. Detachable cables allow you to easily replace a damaged cable. Wireless options provide freedom of movement.
Microphone - Many interpreter headphones include a microphone for two-way communication. Boom microphones positioned near the mouth offer optimal voice pickup.
Situational Needs - Think about when and where you'll use the headphones to select the right style and features. On-ear or over-ear headphones are better for booth interpreting while in-ear monitors suit field interpretation.
With these key criteria in mind, let's look at some of the top headphones interpreters rely on.
Top Headphones for Conference Interpreting
Conference interpreting typically takes place in an interpretation booth overlooking the speakers and audience. Interpreters listen to the speaker and simultaneously interpret into a microphone while wearing a headset.
For this scenario, over-ear headphones that completely surround the ear work best to block out booth noise. A wide frequency range provides natural audio for the interpreter while isolation maximizes focus. A boom microphone clearly transmits the interpretation without picking up other sounds.
Here are excellent headphone choices for conference interpreting:
- Beyerdynamic DT 290 - An over-ear headset with superb noise isolation, detailed sound and a flexible boom mic. Offers replaceable parts and rugged metal construction.
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x - Professional monitor headphones providing excellent sound isolation and accuracy. Includes a detachable cable and foldable design ideal for travel. Add a modular microphone like the Antlion Audio ModMic for interpreting.
- Sennheiser HMD 26-II-600-X3K2 - A broadcast quality headset with noise-blocking earpads and a noise-cancelling microphone on a flexible boom arm. Designed specifically for interpreting.
- Shure SHA900 - Premium headphone and microphone combo optimized for interpreters. Closed-back circumaural design blocks noise while the microphone offers crystal clear voice pickup.
For interpreters who prefer in-ear monitors, options like the Shure SE535 provide noise isolation and detailed sound in a low profile design. Add a small external microphone to complete the setup.
Best Headphones for Field Interpreting
For field interpreting, mobility and discretion are key. Interpreters need to move around while listening and speaking into a microphone. In-ear headphones allow interpreters to hear clearly without bulky equipment getting in the way.
Ideal field interpreting headphones feature:
- In-ear design - Small earbuds fit comfortably and stay securely in place. Models with foam or silicone tips block ambient noise.
- Portable size - Compact headphones and microphones tuck neatly out of sight. Look for collapsible or foldable headphones.
- Headset option - An integrated microphone headset allows hands-free operation. Or use a small lapel microphone.
- Wireless connectivity - Bluetooth headphones allow complete freedom of movement.
Top choices for field interpreting include:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M20x - Affordable closed-back headphones with excellent noise isolation. Add a lapel mic for interpreting on the go.
- Jabra Elite Active 75t - Fully wireless earbuds with noise cancellation and waterproofing. Includes built-in microphone for calls and voice pickup.
- Sennheiser SD Pro 1 - Portable headset with closed in-ear design and flexible boom mic. Pairs to mobile devices via Bluetooth.
- Shure SE215 - Durable in-ear monitors with detachable cable. Optional Bluetooth module available. Add a Shure lavalier microphone for field use.
For maximum discretion, invisible in-canal earphones like the Sony WF-1000XM3 provide noise reduction without being noticeable. Use with a tiny lavalier microphone.
Headphones for Remote Simultaneous Interpreting
Remote simultaneous interpreting allows interpreters to work from any location through video conferencing platforms. The audio equipment must transmit sound cleanly in both directions without echo or feedback.
Key features for remote interpreting headphones:
- Wired USB headset - USB headsets integrate seamlessly with computers and web conferencing tools. Look for a noise-cancelling microphone.
- Clear audio - With bandwidth limitations, the headphones still need to provide clear, natural sound for accurate interpretations.
- External microphone - For two-way interpreting, an external conference microphone avoids echo and optimizes sound quality.
Recommended USB headsets:
- Logitech H390 - Affordable wired USB headset with noise-cancelling microphone. Plugs into any laptop or computer.
- Jabra Evolve 75 - Premium headset with USB adapter. Microphone filters out background noise for clear audio.
- Poly Voyager Focus 2 - On-ear comfort with active noise cancellation. Boom microphone and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pair these headsets with an external conference microphone like the Jabra Speak 510 for professional remote simultaneous interpreting.
Headphones for Whispered Simultaneous Interpreting
Whispered simultaneous interpreting is used for small groups up to 4 or 5 people. The interpreter is positioned next to the clients and interprets simultaneously in a quiet whisper.
The right equipment delivers the interpreter's whispered interpretation clearly and discretely without distracting from the speaker. Key features include:
- Mini earbud design - Small, low profile earpieces are less noticeable and don't cover the entire ear. Open earbuds allow interpreters to hear their own whispered interpreting.
- Omnidirectional microphone - Microphones that pickup sound equally from all directions are ideal for catching the whispered interpretation. Lavalier microphones work well clipped to clothing.
- Volume control - Look for earbuds or headsets with a volume control to adjust the listening level as needed without disruptions.
Top picks for whispered simultaneous interpreting:
- AcousticSheild AudioCubic-AI - Mini earbuds combined with a tiny omnidirectional lapel mic for picked up whispers. 30+ hour battery life.
- BONAOK wireless earbuds - Discrete Bluetooth earbuds allow interpreters to move freely. Add a small external lapel microphone.
- Jabra Eclipse - Micro-sized earbuds and Bluetooth neckband with built-in microphone. Earbud volume control for personalized listening levels.
- Califone 3066AV - An all-in-one system with lightweight open-ear headphones and rotating mic to capture whispers. Aux input for audio sources.
Headphones for Video Relay Service (VRS) Interpreting
Video relay service makes communication possible between deaf callers and hearing parties via video interpreters. The specialized equipment must allow seamless two-way interpreting.
Key specifications for VRS interpreting headphones:
- Wired USB headset - Enables integration with VRS software and computers. Look for HD voice clarity and noise cancellation.
- Over-ear design - Circumaural cups help block out ambient sounds that could distract the interpreter and disrupt calls.
- Clear microphone - Bidirectional microphones optimized for speech pickup allow fluid conversations.
Leading selections for VRS interpreting include:
- Sennheiser Culture Plus - A robust wired headset designed for VRS with excellent audio quality and speech recognition.
- Jabra Evolve 75 - Flexible boom microphone and USB adapter. Active noise cancellation technology.
- HyperX Cloud Stinger - Comfortable gaming headset with rotatable microphone. Plug-and-play USB connectivity.
- Logitech H650e - Affordable stereo USB headset with noise-cancelling microphone. Great for computer calling and video platforms.
Best Practices for Optimizing Your Interpreting Headphones
To get the most out of your headphones for interpreting:
- Customize the fit - Take time to adjust the headphones for your head size, wearing comfort, and optimal microphone positioning. Replace earpads as needed.
- Equalize audio - Boost key frequencies to suit your preferences and improve speech audibility. Disable audio enhancements like surround sound.
- Practice putting them on quickly - For consecutive interpreting, you need to be able to put headphones on and take them off seamlessly.
- Bring backups - Have spare batteries, cables, earpads and a secondary headset on hand for conferences.
- Use windscreens - Outdoor interpreting can create wind noise and pops. Windscreens minimize disruptive breathing and wind sounds.
- Sanitize parts - Clean eartips and windscreens regularly for hygiene, especially if sharing equipment.
The Perfect Pair for Your Situation
There are excellent interpreting headphones available to suit any working environment or scenario. By considering your specific needs, you can select options with the right combination of sound quality, noise isolation, comfort and connectivity to deliver accurate interpretations every time. Testing different models is the best way to find your perfect interpreting headphones match.
