Overview
ISO 20109:2016 - "Simultaneous interpreting - Equipment - Requirements" specifies technical and usability requirements for equipment used in simultaneous interpreting environments. The standard defines performance limits for the overall interpreting system, interpreter consoles, microphones, headphones/headsets and portable interpreting systems. It also includes normative annexes on accessibility (Annex A), booth furniture (Annex B) and system operation (Annex C). ISO 20109:2016 is intended to support high-quality audio and ergonomic work conditions for on-site and mobile interpreting.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 20109:2016 covers both sound-quality and human‑factors elements. Key technical requirements include:
- Overall system latency: end-to-end analogue in → analogue out latency shall not exceed 10 ms.
- Frequency response: system (excluding microphones/headphones) must reproduce 125 Hz–15 000 Hz ±3 dB; microphones and headphones 125 Hz–15 000 Hz ±10 dB.
- Low-frequency filtering: high-pass attenuation of ≥12 dB per octave below 125 Hz to improve speech intelligibility.
- Distortion: total harmonic distortion (THD) should be <1% (system free of perceptible distortion).
- Noise and hum: end-to-end signal-to-noise ratio ≥95 dBA at maximum input level.
- Hearing protection: audible warning when average sound pressure level exceeds 80 dBA for more than 1 minute; maximum output limited to 94 dBA for durations >100 ms.
- Interpreter console ergonomics and features: detailed requirements for console layout, connectors, indicators, listening/monitoring sections, microphone controls and outgoing channel selection.
- Portable interpreting systems: requirements for lightweight battery-operated solutions, microphones/transmitters, receivers/transceivers and transport.
- Accessibility and booth furniture: Annex A and B define tactile, display and furniture requirements to ensure usability and comfort.
Applications and who uses it
ISO 20109:2016 is used for:
- Procuring and specifying conference interpreting equipment (AV managers, procurement officers).
- Designing and manufacturing interpreter consoles, headsets, booth furniture and portable interpreting kits (equipment manufacturers).
- Installing and commissioning interpreting systems in convention centers, courts, parliaments and international meetings (AV integrators, systems engineers).
- Creating test procedures and acceptance criteria for audio quality, latency and safety (test labs, quality managers).
- Interpreters and accessibility planners who need ergonomic and safe work environments.
Related standards
- ISO 2603 / ISO 4043 - booth construction (permanent/mobile).
- ISO 20108 - requirements for audio/video quality and transmission for interpreters.
- Referenced IEC/ISO standards for microphones, headphones and human‑system interaction cited in normative references.
Keywords: ISO 20109:2016, simultaneous interpreting equipment, interpreter console, booth equipment, frequency response, latency, headphones, microphones, hearing protection, accessibility.