Technology and equipment used in RSI
Remote simutaneous interpreting is the new rule now. When doing in-person interpreting, specialized technicians handle everything related to interpreting equipment. In RSI, you are the technician. You need to have the adequate equipment (fast computer, stable internet connection, headset with microphone, extra power supply and a back-up for all that!) and run tests before every job. We all know that technology can have a life of its own and being faced with technology issues before or during your interpreting assignment only adds to the stress.
Remote interpreting, or Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) allows conference interpreters to work from anywhere in the world through a cloud-based platform.
In light of the above, work conditions have to be adapted to our new reality. Working two times three hour sessions with a lunch break in between is not sustainable. We have no idea how long the lockdown will last and we must prioritise our health. Shorter work hours, more frequent breaks and a larger interpreting team are a good start to make sure working remotely does not have a negative impact on our performance
That means live real-time interpreting can be added to any online meeting, hybrid conference, webinar, and Zoom meeting. Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) is the process of remotely translating speech from one language to another in real-time. It’s typically done through a cloud-based platform like Zoom, meaning no lag, no equipment and no barriers.
The interpreter hears and sees the speaker on their device. Using a quality USB headset and microphone, they translate the speaker’s speech into another language, all in real-time.
Remote simultaenous interpreting equipment recommended
Remote simultaneous interpretation removes the need for equipment and interpreters to be on site. This allows you to run events at short notice and with minimal infrastructure and, if necessary, entirely online.
RSI equipment for interpreters includes USB microphones, a desktop or laptop computer that can reliably endure processing multiple video and audio streams. Minimum requirements. Memory: 4 GB RAM or higher. Operating system: Windows 8 or higher / macOS High Sierra or higher. CPU score: 5,550 or higher. Browser: Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge, latest updated version.
Fast ethernet cable internet connection
Wi-Fi is prone to interferences and does not provide a reliable basis for uninterrupted video and audio streaming. Weather conditions, other users in the network and more factors can slow your connection down. That’s why we strongly encourage connecting your computer via ethernet cable to the internet. For interpreters working on the Interprefy platform, this is an absolute must, as it will provide you with a worry-free steady and reliable internet connection.
Professional audio hardware
Make sure to use a professional-level noise-canceling USB headset or professional desktop microphone along with over-ear headphones.
We have tested over 200 headsets in the RSI environments and recommend the following devices, in accordance with the AIIC reference guidelines for RSI. Recommended desktop microphones: Blue Yeti, Blue Yeti Nano, Shure SM7B, Audio-Technica AT2020USB, Shure MV5
Research shows that RSI causes more fatigue than in-person interpreting. The reasons for this are manifold. It could be the multiple impulses one is exposed to when working remotely. We are used to multitasking in the booth but in a remote setting, in addition to the cognitive load of interpreting, we also have to deal with communication via chat, two screens for the software based console and another for the documents, and sometimes even an extra communication channel with the booth partner. It could also be the electromagnetic radiation one is exposed to from long hours behind the computer screen. Whatever it is, RSI is more tiring and it is not sustainable to carry on as usual in this setting.
See also Martin Soriano´s Blog