On-Site vs Online Simultaneous Interpretation:
What Academic Research Says
We analyzed 6 peer-reviewed scientific studies published in international journals and ISO standards to definitively answer: which modality delivers better results — and why STIB is the right choice for both.
Daniel BC Fernandes
CEO, STIB Simultaneous Interpretation
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of Remote Simultaneous Interpretation (RSI) at an unprecedented pace. Within weeks, events that had always relied on physical booths and on-site interpreters migrated to digital platforms. But what does science say about this transition?
We compiled the key academic studies published between 2020 and 2023 in peer-reviewed international journals — from Springer Nature to The Interpreters' Newsletter at the University of Trieste — to provide an evidence-based analysis, not opinion.
The conclusion? Both modalities have real value — but each serves distinct contexts. And STIB is the only company in Brazil fully equipped to deliver excellence in both.
The Academic Studies Analyzed
Research published in peer-reviewed international journals and ISO standards — with direct links to original sources.
Remote Simultaneous Interpreting: Perceptions, Practices and Developments
Authors: Mahyub Rayaa, B. & Martin, A.
Published in: The Interpreters' Newsletter, Università di Trieste
Key finding: 83% of professional interpreters consider RSI more difficult than on-site interpretation, reporting higher cognitive load and a perceived drop in quality under remote conditions.
Connected yet Distant: An Experimental Study into the Visual Needs of the Interpreter in Remote Simultaneous Interpreting
Authors: Saeed, S. et al. (University of Surrey)
Published in: Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer
Key finding: The absence of visual cues from the live venue significantly increases cognitive effort for remote interpreters. Poorly designed RSI platform interfaces compound the split-attention effect.
Remote Simultaneous Interpreting and COVID-19: Conference Interpreters' Perspective
Authors: Fantinuoli, C.
Published in: Translation and Interpreting in the Age of COVID-19, Springer
Key finding: A survey of 849 professional interpreters revealed that the pandemic accelerated RSI adoption, but preference for on-site work remains strong — especially for high-stakes diplomatic and scientific events.
Remote Simultaneous Interpreting from Home or Hub: Accuracy of Numbers from English into Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Zhu, W. & Aryadoust, V.
Published in: Interpreting and Technology, Springer
Key finding: Interpreters working from professional hubs showed lower perceived cognitive load and higher numerical accuracy than home-based RSI — approaching the quality levels of on-site interpretation.
AIIC Guidelines for Remote Simultaneous Interpretation
Authors: AIIC Technical & Health and Safety Committees
Published in: International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
Key finding: AIIC recommends 15–20 minute turns (vs. 20–30 on-site), mandatory wired connections, external directional microphones and larger teams to compensate for the higher cognitive fatigue of RSI.
ISO 20108: Simultaneous Interpreting — Quality and Transmission of Sound and Image
Authors: International Organization for Standardization
Published in: ISO Standard 20108:2017 / ISO 24019 (RSI platforms)
Key finding: ISO 20108 defines minimum audio and video quality parameters for simultaneous interpretation. ISO 24019 adds specific requirements for RSI delivery platforms — standards that STIB fully complies with.
What the Science Concludes
Synthesis of the main findings from the analyzed research.
Higher Cognitive Load in RSI
All studies converge: remote interpretation imposes significantly higher cognitive load. Interpreters manage technology, digital interfaces and booth partner communication — all simultaneously with the act of interpreting.
Audio Quality is Decisive
ISO 20108 and Saeed et al. (2022) confirm: poor audio quality is the primary factor degrading remote interpretation. In on-site settings, audio is controlled and stable by default.
Teamwork is Impaired
Fantinuoli (2023) documents a "sharp break" in cooperation between remote interpreters. The non-verbal support of the booth partner — essential for maintaining quality — is virtually eliminated in home-based RSI.
RSI Reduces Costs by up to 50%
Eliminating travel, accommodation and equipment logistics can reduce total event costs by 30–50%. For routine corporate events, RSI offers excellent cost-effectiveness.
Professional Hubs Outperform Home Office
Zhu & Aryadoust (2023) demonstrated that interpreters in professional hubs show lower cognitive load and higher accuracy than home-based RSI — approaching on-site quality levels.
On-Site Remains the Gold Standard
Despite technological advances, Mahyub Rayaa & Martin (2022) confirm: 83% of professional interpreters prefer on-site work for high-stakes events where precision and reliability are non-negotiable.
Full Comparison: On-Site vs Online
Based on the academic studies and ISO standards analyzed.
| Criteria | On-Site | Online (RSI) |
|---|---|---|
| Audio quality | Gold standard — controlled and stable | Variable — depends on connection and platform |
| Interpreter cognitive load | High, but focused on content | Very high — additional technical multitasking |
| Booth teamwork | Direct non-verbal support | Limited to chat and digital signals |
| Total event cost | Higher — includes logistics and equipment | 30–50% lower — no travel costs |
| Scalability | Limited by physical space | Unlimited — global participants |
| Interpreter preference | Preferred by majority (AIIC surveys) | Accepted, but with technical caveats |
| Recommended events | Diplomacy, medicine, large congresses | Webinars, hybrid events, training |
| Quality standard | ISO 2603 / ISO 4043 | ISO 20108 / ISO 24019 |
Sources: Mahyub Rayaa & Martin (2022), Saeed et al. (2022), Fantinuoli (2023), ISO 20108, ISO 24019
When to Choose Each Modality
Practical guide based on academic research findings.
Choose On-Site when...
Gold standard quality
- Diplomatic and governmental events
- High-level medical and scientific congresses
- Critical negotiations and corporate M&A
- More than 300 in-person participants
- Highly specialized technical content
- Events with 4+ simultaneous languages
- When communication failure has serious consequences
Choose Online (RSI) when...
Best cost-effectiveness
- Webinars and fully virtual events
- Hybrid events with predominantly remote audience
- International corporate training sessions
- Budget-conscious events without quality compromise
- Participants across multiple countries simultaneously
- Recurring short-duration events (up to 4 hours)
- When contracting speed is a priority
STIB: Brazil's Reference for On-Site Interpretation
Why STIB meets the highest academic and regulatory standards for on-site simultaneous interpretation.
ISO 4043 Certified Booths
Soundproofed structures that fully comply with ISO 4043, guaranteeing perfect acoustic isolation and interpreter comfort.
AIIC & ABRATES Certified Interpreters
Team with international certification, academic training in conference interpretation and subject-area specialization.
Bosch & Sennheiser Equipment
Transmitters and receivers from the world-leading brands, with full backup for all critical items at every event.
Dedicated Technician at Every Event
Exclusive technical professional for installation, operation and support throughout the event — from audio testing to teardown.
STIB: Excellence in RSI Online
Infrastructure and processes that guarantee on-site-equivalent quality in the remote modality.
Certified RSI Platforms
Integration with Interprefy, KUDO, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Webex and other market-leading platforms.
Redundant Connection
Two independent internet links for each remote interpreter, ensuring continuity even if one provider fails.
Certified RSI Studios
Interpreters work from professional studios with acoustic treatment, high-fidelity equipment and controlled environment.
Real-Time Technical Support
Support team monitoring the event live, ready to resolve any technical issue within seconds.
References
- [1]Mahyub Rayaa, B. & Martin, A. (2022). Remote Simultaneous Interpreting: Perceptions, Practices and Developments. The Interpreters' Newsletter, Università di Trieste. doi.org/10.13137/2421-714X/34390
- [2]Saeed, S. et al. (2022). Connected yet Distant: An Experimental Study into the Visual Needs of the Interpreter in Remote Simultaneous Interpreting. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, Springer. doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-05409-9_2
- [3]Fantinuoli, C. (2023). Remote Simultaneous Interpreting and COVID-19: Conference Interpreters' Perspective. In: Translation and Interpreting in the Age of COVID-19. Springer Nature. link.springer.com/book/9789811961830
- [4]Zhu, W. & Aryadoust, V. (2023). Remote Simultaneous Interpreting from Home or Hub: Accuracy of Numbers from English into Mandarin Chinese. Interpreting and Technology, Springer. doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-6184-7_6
- [5]AIIC Technical & Health and Safety Committees (2020–2021). AIIC Guidelines for Remote Simultaneous Interpretation. International Association of Conference Interpreters. aiic.ch
- [6]International Organization for Standardization (2017). ISO 20108: Simultaneous Interpreting — Quality and Transmission of Sound and Image. iso.org/standard/64869.html
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers based on the academic studies analyzed.
On-Site or Online — STIB Delivers Excellence in Both
Over 15 years of experience, AIIC-certified interpreters and complete infrastructure for on-site and RSI events across Brazil and internationally.
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