Interpreting is a challenging job that requires a lot of focus and concentration. One of the most important tools for interpreters is a good headset. A good headset can help interpreters hear more clearly and communicate more effectively. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best headsets for remote interpreting. We will discuss the features that make a good headset and provide some recommendations for headsets that are ideal for remote interpreting.
Jabra Evolve 75
RANK
Best Comfortable
HyperX Cloud II
RANK
Best Overall
Plantronics C5220
RANK
Best Wireless
HyperX Cloud II
The HyperX Cloud II is a gaming headset that combines comfort, sound quality, and versatility for interpreters who need to communicate clearly and accurately in different languages and settings.
It also has a detachable microphone with noise cancellation and a virtual 7.1 surround sound feature. But what makes it one of the best headsets for interpreters? Let’s find out.
One of the main reasons why the HyperX Cloud II is a great headset for interpreters is its comfort. The headset has a lightweight and durable aluminum frame and soft memory foam ear cushions that fit snugly over your ears. It also has a padded headband that doesn’t feel too tight or too loose.
As a glasses wearer, I don’t feel any discomfort from the headset pressing on my glasses.
Another reason why the HyperX Cloud II is a great headset for interpreters is its sound quality. The headset has 53mm drivers that deliver clear and balanced sound reproduction, with good bass and treble response. It also has a wide frequency range. The sound quality is great for gaming and listening to music, but it is also perfect for interpreting.
The microphone of the HyperX Cloud II is also good for interpreting. It has a detachable design that allows you to remove it when you don’t need it and a noise-canceling system that reduces background noise. The microphone can capture your voice clearly and loudly, and it can be positioned closer or farther from your mouth.
It also has a sidetone feature that lets you hear your own voice in your headphones, which can help you monitor your volume, tone, and pronunciation
Overall, the HyperX Cloud II is a great headset for interpreters who need comfort, sound quality, and versatility in their sound. The headset is not limited by its USB connection, as it works with different platforms and devices via a 3.5mm jack. For interpreters who work in different languages and settings, the HyperX Cloud II is one of the best options available.
Jabra Evolve 75
The Jabra Evolve 75 UC is a wireless headset designed for professionals who need to communicate and collaborate in noisy environments. It offers a range of features that make it a great choice for interpreters who value sound quality, comfort, and convenience.
One of the main features of the Jabra Evolve 75 UC is active noise cancellation (ANC), which uses advanced microphones to monitor and counter ambient noise. This feature can help interpreters focus on their work and avoid distractions from the surroundings.
The headset also has a noise-canceling microphone that isolates the voice from the background noise and delivers a clear and natural sound. The microphone has a flip-to-mute function, which allows interpreters to easily mute themselves by flipping the boom arm up.
Another feature of the Jabra Evolve 75 UC is the sidetone, which allows interpreters to hear their own voices in the headset. This feature can help interpreters modulate their volume and tone, and avoid speaking too loudly or softly. The headset also has volume control and a play/pause button on the ear cups, which provide easy access to adjust the sound settings.
It is comfortable to wear, thanks to its lightweight design and soft leatherette ear cushions. The headset has an adjustable headband and a rotating boom arm that can be positioned according to the preference of the user.
The headset also comes with a charging stand that can hold the headset when not in use and provide up to 18 hours of battery life.
The Jabra Evolve 75 UC is compatible with various devices and platforms, such as computers, smartphones, tablets, and UC applications. The headset comes with a USB adapter that can connect to up to two devices simultaneously via Bluetooth. The headset also supports high-resolution audio playback, which can enhance the listening experience of music and other audio content.
The Jabra Evolve 75 UC is a high-quality headset that can meet the needs of interpreters who work in noisy and demanding environments. It offers excellent sound quality, noise cancellation, sidetone, comfort, and convenience. The headset is also easy to use and compatible with various devices and platforms. The Jabra Evolve 75 UC is a headset that can help interpreters deliver accurate and clear translations in real time.
Plantronics C5220
The Plantronics – Blackwire C5220 is a wired headset that offers a dual-ear (stereo) design and a boom microphone. It can connect to your PC, Mac, tablet, or cell phone via USB-C or 3.5 mm jack. It is designed for users who need extensive PC communication and collaboration, such as interpreters.
This headset has a wired connection that ensures a stable and uninterrupted sound transmission. It also comes with a USB A – USB C adapter that allows you to connect it to devices that support USB-C.
The microphone has a noise-reducing feature that picks up your voice clearly and reduces background noise. The ear cushions also provide passive noise cancellation by isolating your ears from external sounds.
The Blackwire has a sidetone feature that allows you to hear your own voice in your ears. You can adjust the sidetone level using the Plantronics Hub software.
The headset is comfortable and fits well on the head and ears. It has an adjustable headband and soft leatherette ear cushions that conform to your ears. It also has a lightweight design that weighs only 188 grams (6.63 ounces), which makes it easy to wear for long hours.
It has a high-quality sound that is clear, crisp, and balanced. It has a dynamic EQ feature that automatically adjusts the audio settings for voice or multimedia use. It also has a hi-fi stereo sound that delivers rich and immersive audio for music and video.
Overall, the Plantronics – Blackwire C5220 is a great headset for interpreters who need reliable and comfortable sound equipment for their work. It has a wired connection, a noise-canceling system, a sidetone feature, a comfortable design, and a high-quality sound. It is compatible with various devices and platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Skype.
Logitech H390
The Logitech H390 headset is a budget-friendly option for interpreters who need a simple and reliable device for video calls and online meetings. It has a USB connection that plugs into your computer and works with most common applications, such as Zoom, Skype, and Teams. It also has in-line controls that let you adjust the volume and mute the microphone without interrupting your conversation.
This headset has a noise-canceling microphone that reduces background noise and enhances your voice clarity. The microphone is rigid and left-sided and can be rotated out of the way when not in use. It also has fine-tuned 30 mm drivers that deliver clear and balanced sound quality for both speech and music.
It is designed to be comfortable and durable. It has an adjustable headband that fits different head sizes and shapes, and swivel-mounted ear cushions that are padded with leatherette material. The ear cushions are easy to clean and provide a snug fit around your ears. The headset weighs 197 grams, which is relatively lightweight for an over-ear model.
The Logitech H390 headset is not without its drawbacks, however. It does not have a sidetone feature, which means you cannot hear your own voice through the headset. This can make you feel disconnected from your surroundings and affect your speech modulation.
The microphone has a noise-canceling that reduces background noise and enhances your voice clarity. The microphone is rigid and left-sided and can be rotated out of the way when not in use.
Overall, the Logitech H390 headset is a decent choice for interpreters who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use device for video calls and online meetings. It offers good noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and durability in its price range. However, it may not be suitable for interpreters who need more advanced features, such as sidetone, active noise cancellation, or wider frequency response.
Sennheiser SC 660
If you are an interpreter who needs a top-notch headset, you might want to check out the Sennheiser Consumer Audio SC 660 USB ML headset. This is a double-sided headset that delivers superb sound quality, noise cancellation, comfort, and durability.
First of all, this headset has a USB connector that makes it easy to plug and play with your computer. No need to worry about compatibility issues or drivers. Just plug it in and you are ready to go. Plus, it has an in-line call control unit that gives you full control over your calls. You can answer, end, mute, and adjust the volume with a simple press of a button.
This headset has a noise-canceling microphone that filters out background noise and enhances your voice clarity. Whether you are in a busy office or a quiet home, you can be sure that your clients and colleagues will hear you loud and clear.
Unfortunately, the microphone is inflexible, so you have to get used to the position in which you will be more comfortable with it.
High-quality neodymium speakers deliver rich and natural sound quality for both speech and music. You will be able to hear every word clearly and enjoy every note of your favorite tunes. The speakers also have a wide frequency response range of 50 Hz to 18 kHz, which means they can reproduce a full range of sounds with accuracy and detail.
It has a stainless steel headband that is strong and adjustable, and leatherette ear pads that are soft and breathable. The headset weighs 112 grams, which is relatively lightweight for a double-sided model.
It also doesn’t have a sidetone feature, which means you cannot hear your own voice through the headset. This can make you feel isolated and affect your speech modulation.
In conclusion, the Sennheiser Consumer Audio SC 660 USB ML headset is a great choice for interpreters who are looking for a reliable device for UC and Skype for Business. It offers excellent noise cancellation, sound quality, comfort, and durability in its price range. However, it may not be suitable for interpreters who need more advanced features, such as sidetone, active noise cancellation, or wider frequency response.
How to Choose Best Headset for Interpreters
When choosing the best headset for interpreters, there are several criteria to consider. Here are some of the most important ones:
Connection
The connection type of your headset can determine how reliable and stable your audio transmission is. Most experts recommend using a wired headset with a USB connector, as this ensures seamless transmission without any interruptions or battery issues. A USB headset also bypasses your computer’s sound card and simplifies the connection process.
Noise-Canceling System
Interpreters often work in noisy environments, such as conferences, airports, or public places. Ambient noise can be very distracting and disruptive to your concentration and accuracy. That’s why it’s essential to have a headset with a noise-canceling system, both for the headphones and the microphone. This feature blocks out unwanted sounds and enhances the overall sound quality for a more seamless experience. It also prevents the incoming audio from feeding back into the microphone while you are interpreting.
Sidetone
Sidetone is a feature that allows you to hear your own voice in your headphones while you are speaking. This can help you monitor your volume, tone, and clarity, as well as avoid speaking too loudly or softly. Sidetone can also reduce the feeling of isolation and fatigue that some interpreters may experience when using headphones. However, sidetone is not available on all headsets, and some interpreters may find it distracting or annoying. Therefore, it’s important to test different headsets and find the one that suits your preference and comfort level.
Comfort
Comfort is another crucial factor to consider when choosing a headset for interpreters. You may need to wear your headset for long hours, so you want to avoid any discomfort, pain, or pressure on your ears or head. Some aspects that can affect comfort are the weight, style, and adjustability of your headset. Generally, the lighter the better, as heavy headsets can cause fatigue and headaches.
The style of your headset can be either over-the-ear or on-the-ear, depending on how much sound isolation you need and how well they fit your ears. Most interpreters prefer on-the-ear models, as over-the-ear models tend to be bulky and hot. However, if you work in a very noisy environment, an over-the-ear model may provide better noise cancellation.
Sound Quality
Sound quality is perhaps the most obvious and important factor to consider when choosing a headset for interpreters. You need to be able to hear and understand every word clearly, as well as deliver your interpretation with clarity and accuracy. Sound quality depends on several aspects, such as the frequency range, the impedance, the sensitivity, and the driver side of your headset.
However, these numbers do not give a complete understanding of the sound quality, so it is better to test the headset before buying it, or at least look at reviews from other translators. But we’ve selected the best headsets for you, so you just need to choose from the ones below.
These are some of the main criteria for choosing the best headset for interpreters. By following these guidelines, you can find a headset that suits your needs and improves your performance as an interpreter.
