Clear speaker audio is essential for multilingual events. Interpreters need to hear speakers clearly to interpret accurately, while Interprefy AI relies on a clean audio signal to process speech and provide accurate AI Speech Translation and Captions.
Whether your event is on Interprefy platform, Microsoft Teams, Zoom or another meeting platform, a few simple checks before your event can make a significant difference to your sound quality.
Use a headset or directional microphone
Whenever possible, use a headset with a microphone or a directional microphone rather than your computer's built-in microphone.
A dedicated microphone captures your voice more directly and reduces surrounding noise, echo and other sounds that can make speech more difficult to understand.
For the best results:
- Position the microphone close enough to capture your voice clearly.
- Keep the microphone in a consistent position while speaking.
- Speak clearly and at a natural, consistent volume.
Use a stable internet connection
A stable connection helps prevent audio interruptions, distortion and dropouts.
Where possible, connect your computer directly to the internet using a wired Ethernet/LAN connection.
If you need to use Wi-Fi, choose a reliable network with a strong signal and avoid moving between locations while speaking.
Join from a quiet environment
Background noise can make it harder for interpreters and AI to distinguish your voice.
Join the event from a quiet, distraction-free environment wherever possible. Close doors and windows and reduce nearby conversations, music or other sources of noise.
If you are not speaking, mute your microphone to prevent unwanted background sound from entering the meeting.
Check the correct microphone is selected
Computers with multiple microphones or connected audio devices may not automatically select the device you intend to use.
Before joining your event, check that the correct microphone is selected in:
- your computer's Windows or macOS sound settings
- the meeting platform settings
Microphone input level, sometimes referred to as microphone gain, controls how strongly your voice is captured. If the level is too low, your voice may be difficult to hear. If it is too high, the audio may become distorted.
You can check and adjust the microphone level in your Windows or macOS sound settings. For step-by-step instructions, see the video above.
Connecting or disconnecting a headset after opening your meeting platform can sometimes change the selected audio device. Check your settings again before you begin speaking.
Test your equipment before the event
Interprefy's Precall Test allows you to check your equipment before joining an event.
Use the test to confirm that your:
- microphone and headphones are detected and working
- camera is available, when required
- browser is compatible with Interprefy platform
Precall test link:
https://interpret.world/test
We recommend bookmarking the Precall test link and using it before your meetings and events.
To learn more about Interprefy's Precall test, please visit our interactive guide.
Quick sound check before you speak
Before your event starts, check that:
- you are using a headset or a directional microphone where possible
- your microphone is positioned correctly
- you are in a quiet environment
- the correct microphone is selected
- your microphone level is appropriate
- your internet connection is stable, preferably wired
- you have completed the Interprefy Precall Test where applicable
Good source audio gives interpreters and Interprefy AI the best possible conditions to accurately process and deliver your speech.
If your event is on the Interprefy platform, our Remote Support team can monitor the audio and help identify and address potential sound quality issues.