Guide to the 5 Best Translation Systems for Church

Editor’s Choice

N/A

  • There are 16 lanyards for each transmitter and receiver.
  • It offers clear audio quality for the interpreter
  • The mic picks up sound well

Best Overall

Translation System for Church

  • The EXMAX System is FCC-certified
  • Easy to use
  • It works up to 50 meters in an open area

Budget-Friendly

Translation System for Church

  • This system is FCC-certified
  • It offers high-quality audio from the interpreter.
  • Carrying case doubles for storage and charging

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best translation system for Church is, then I’d recommend the EXMAX ATG-100T 195-230MHz Wireless Translation System as the best one.

With the advent of digital technology, it is easier to communicate with anyone in any part of the country and the globe. Especially when the pandemic started, everyone adopted new means of communicating. And yes, even churches and other houses of worship have taken advantage of new means of communication to deliver sermons at home.

We all know that the church uses lights and sound systems together with the projectors during Sunday services. But did you know that your church can now provide audio translations of the worship services as well?

As you read through this article, you will learn about translation systems, how to use them, and so much more!

Here are the Best Translation Systems for Churches we will be reviewing:

What is a Translation System for Church?

As most churches turn to live streaming their services and sermons, there’s a big chance that some of those tuned in do not speak the same language. This is where translation equipment and services come in.

As the name suggests, a translation system provides live language interpretation of the worship service to churchgoers. Usually, it needs a speaker, an interpreter, and an audience.

How Does a Church Translation System Work?

Translation usually has three main components—the translation equipment, such as headphones or headset microphone, which the interpreter speaks. The transmitter enables the interpreter to broadcast the speech to the receiver. To which the audience hears the interpretation through the translation receivers and headsets.

Different Types of Translation Systems for Church

There are three types of translation systems you can use at church, these are:

Assistive Listening System/Devices

Assistive Listening Devices, or ALDs, are accessories that a deaf person uses to hear better. It can increase the speaker’s sound volume, making it more clear. That way, the person doesn’t have to strain themselves trying to hear the conversation.

Simultaneous Interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation is a form of interpretation where they translate the speech live. The interpreter receives an audio feed from the speaker’s microphone. Usually, the translator is only allowed a short pause to listen to the sermon with their headsets. The translation is still in time with the speaker.

Simultaneous interpretation allows real-time language interpretation directly at the Church’s location. You can see this type of simultaneous translation during Presidential speeches and large-scale lectures.

FM Transmitter for Church

An FM transmitter sends a signal to a specific frequency where it can broadcast the message sent. This is convenient for churchgoers since there’s only one FM station they can tune into for Sunday service listening.

The translation feed is sent to the listeners through radio waves in FM systems. Members of the audience can listen to the speaker in their native language using multi-channel receivers and headphones. Moreover, FM systems are known for their ease of use, portability, and cost-effectiveness.

Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Translation System for Church

Deciding what kind of translation system fits your church is not a walk in the park. There are things to consider so you will maximize the system that you’re going to purchase. Here are some of them. 

How many churchgoers need translation?

Determine how many you need to cater for the event. Multiple services offer up to thirty wireless receivers. That’s a lot of receivers for only ten people that need them. So before you overspend, figure out if you only need ten receivers or thirty.

How many languages need translation?

In the same situation with the receivers, there are translation systems that have two transmitters. The transmitters are what the interpreters use to deliver the translated message.

If there are multiple languages, also note how many from that group would need receivers. You can round up the total you need for the church.

Where are the interpreter/s located? 

Ideally, the interpreters should be inside a soundproof booth. However, some churches and houses of worship have them inside the sanctuary or in a designated room. It filters out the background noise to help professional interpreters hear through their headphones without strain.

A soundproof booth allows interpreters to work in a comfortable atmosphere while also offering more transparent audio to the listeners.

Do I need an interpreter console?

When the speakers speak more than one language, then you would need a console. But since you will be using the interpretation system in a church setting, you can opt not to buy one. Interpreter consoles are more for large business meetings and lectures.

Single or multichannel system

A single system receiver only works with one fixed frequency. If there are any problems with the signal, then you cannot change to another. A single-frequency receiver is not the best option if you need more frequencies.

The multi-channel system receiver is more flexible since you have more channels. Useful for when you need to translate more than one language and for interference. This type of receiver is preferred for multiple channels as it covers more languages and frequencies.

Choosing the Best Church Translation System

You can use this as a guide when choosing the best translation system for your church.

Radiofrequency or infrared translation systems

Radiofrequency translation systems are the standard when it comes to translation devices. They are easy to use and install, and they don’t cost as much. Most churches use radiofrequency instead of infrared systems.

If you need to translate a message to more than six languages or it contains private information, that’s when you use an infrared system. Infrared systems are more expensive compared to radiofrequency systems. Because you need to determine how many channels you need and if they can fit into the designated room. The setup up harder and more complicated.

Analog or Digital signal

This depends on whether you’ll be using a radio frequency system or an infrared system. Radiofrequency systems are often paired with analog systems. With its lower price and multiple radio frequencies, it won’t be hard to look for a clear signal.

Since we’ll use this at church, an analog system works best.

Fixed or Portable translation systems

Fixed translation systems are more common in a church setting. They offer a more extensive operating range and coverage, perfect for big churches. Plus, this system gives you more flexibility with circuits that provide extra functions.

Portable transmitters are helpful when there are no available power outlets. No power outlets are perfect for any church event and spiritual retreat. But if that’s not the case, then opt for the fixed system.

Government compliance and regulations

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and Industry Canada (IC) conduct tests and authorize devices that meet their standards. The purpose is to ensure that devices used in the US or Canada do not cause harmful interference. So if you want to buy translation equipment, it is safe to purchase it from the US or Canada.

This is not to discourage you from buying from other sellers. But to be safe, always check and ask the seller if the product you want to purchase is FCC and IC-approved.

Interpreter console or Translation System with Interpreter Monitor

An interpreter console helps change the tone and volume of the outgoing channel. It can also select which input and output channels that connect to the interpreter’s microphone. Having an interpretation system console is best for conferences with different spoken languages.

But since the church only has one language to translate, you won’t need an interpreter console.

Single or multichannel translation equipment

Multichannel interpretation equipment is ideal for churches that cover more than one language. It also allows you to work with different languages at the same time through an LCD screen. Easy to navigate and more flexible with the controls.

The single interpretation equipment doesn’t offer much freedom since you can only work on one fixed frequency.

Accessories

Besides the system itself, make a list of accessories you need. Double-check if you have all the translation equipment you need. Also, see if the headset has a microphone attached to it, that way, it would be easy for the interpreter to use. If you have extra money, a translation receiver’s case for support would be a good buy.

Translation booths

If it fits in the budget, get a translation booth. It helps reduce the background noise on both incoming and outgoing sounds. This results in better sound quality for the professional interpreter.

EXMAX ATG-100T 195-230MHz Wireless Translation System

Translation System for Church

The EXMAX ATG-100T 195-230MHz Wireless Translation System comes with two transmitters and 30 receivers. All components are compact and lightweight, weighing approximately 60 grams. Each device has a built-in 900mAh rechargeable lithium-quality battery that lasts up to 18 hours and has a lanyard to make it easy to carry.

This translation equipment delivers crystal-clear sound in long ranges in a barrier-free environment. Plus, this has a built-in Phase-Locked Loop technology. PLL technology stabilizes, modulates, and filters the signals, which results in uninterrupted and clear audio every time. They also offer 99 channels for multi-language translations and possible signal interference.

EXMAX can promise you satisfaction with not only high-quality equipment but also good customer service. They offer a 24-month replacement warranty and lifetime customer support to ensure 100% satisfaction for their buyers. Even customer reviews agree on this one!

Tours in large groups and large conferences commonly use this type of portable device. This is perfect for both indoor and outdoor church activities. A large number of receivers can accommodate large groups and more than one language.

Pros:

  • The EXMAX System is FCC-certified
  • Easy to use
  • It works up to 50 meters in an open area
  • It comes with a 32-slot charging case
  • Each transmitter comes with a clip-on microphone
  • This has a 2-year warranty

Cons:

  • This system does not come with replaceable earbuds
  • It only has earphones instead of two

Enersound 25-Person Multichannel Translation System with Interpreter Monitor

Translation System for Church

Out of the five that we’ve reviewed, the Enersound 10-Person Multichannel Translation System with Interpreter Monitor is the only system that uses a table-top transmitter. This means that this is a fixed system, so this is the only one out of the five that you can’t use for outdoor activities.

The Enersound 10-Person multi-channel digital comes with one table-top transmitter and ten receivers. Both the transmitter and receiver have LCD screens for easy navigation. Its multi-channel digital transmitter is intended to be utilized with minimum maintenance for a better user experience. It comes with a microphone, but you can change it into a lapel microphone if you’re more comfortable with that.

Moreover, this Enersound equipment is FCC and IC-approved for legal use in the USA and Canada, so customers can feel at ease about its good quality. Enersound also offers free customer tech support and a U.S-Based Lifetime Limited Warranty on their receiver & transmitters.

This interpretation system offers superb sound quality with a wide working range of 152 meters (500 ft) and is expandable up to 305 meters (1000 ft). Enersound’s equipment allows the congregation to hear what the clergyman is saying in their own languages, in real-time, through the voice of a translator.

Pros:

  • The Enersound system is FCC and IC-certified
  • It has double earphones, one on each ear
  • The mic picks up sound well
  • It is effortless to set up
  • Enersound offers a lifetime limited warranty

Cons:

  • This product is without a case, so it’s an extra investment
  • This equipment does not come with replaceable earbuds
  • You cannot use this for outdoor events

EXMAX UHF-938 UHF Acoustic Wireless Translation System

Translation System for Church

Unlike the first system we reviewed from the same brand, this only has one transmitter and 20 receivers. Yet, this model has an extended working range of 150 meters compared to the previous one.

Besides that, this system has good features of its own. There are 11 channels that you can use and up to five groups that can work simultaneously. This model has the PLL technology like the first equipment, so expect clear audio with uninterrupted frequencies with their wireless headset microphone. But unlike the first translation equipment, this model uses double-A batteries that last 15 hours. 

This device is still a great system, especially for those who want to start using an interpretation system at church. The amount of receivers is enough to accommodate a large group for Sunday service.

Pros:

  • The transmitter comes with a clip you can attach to your belt or pocket
  • It has double earphones, one on each ear
  • The mic picks up sound well

Cons:

  • This system is not FCC-certified
  • This system does not come with replaceable earbuds 
  • Double-A battery sold separately
  • This has no warranty

Retekess T130 2 Transmitter 30 Receivers Translation System

Translation System for Church

All 32 components come with a rechargeable 900mAh lithium battery and an LCD screen. The LCD screen features an indicator light for settings and operation status, so it’s easy to read. 

The Retekess T130 2 Transmitter 30 Receivers Translation System also offers a wireless and hands-free design using lanyards to carry around your neck for support. To provide freedom of movement both indoors and outdoors, the transmitter microphone jack may be used with a wireless microphone headset. The aluminum alloy case is fire, moisture, and dust-proof. Plus, it doubles as a charging case!

This system has a working range of 60 meters, complete with 99 channels and up to 40 groups working. So this would be perfect for churches with large groups and more than one language that needs interpretations.

Pros:

  • This system is FCC-certified
  • It offers high-quality audio from the interpreter
  • Carrying case doubles for storage and charging
  • This system is perfect for outdoor-related church activities

Cons:

  • It only comes with one earphone instead of two
  • This system does not come with replaceable earbuds
  • The foam protection inside the case may make it hard to connect the charging cord
  • The lapel mic picks up unnecessary noise

Retekess T130 1 Transmitter 15 Receivers Translation System

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Compared to the previous model from the same brand, the Retekess T130 1 Transmitter 15 Receivers Translation System has half the amount. Only this model doesn’t come with a charging case but instead has a support charging dock. Other than that, this model also has an integrated microphone and an LCD screen for the transmitter and the receiver. So you can be sure that this is also very easy to use.

This system with an interpreter monitor also offers 99 channels, can operate with up to 99 groups simultaneously, and has a working distance of 50 meters. So this would be good for large groups as well, and it’s the perfect amount for churches new to these systems.

Pros:

  • There are 16 lanyards for each transmitter and receiver
  • It offers clear audio quality for the interpreter
  • The mic picks up sound well
  • Quick charging
  • This system is FCC-certified

Cons:

  • There is no case included
  • This system does not come with replaceable earbuds
  • It only comes with one earphone instead of two

Conclusion

As more devices are becoming accessible and user-friendly, our Houses of Worship can now cater to a larger crowd. With the pandemic, Sunday service live streams have reached even a first-time digital audience. So as we welcome new members from different cultural backgrounds, we must do our best to help them understand the preaching. One of the ways to do that is by providing professional live translation systems to churchgoers.

For the church to provide live translations for both in-person and digital audiences, they would need to use a translation system. The best quality church translation system I’d recommend is the EXMAX ATG-100T 195-230MHz Wireless Translation System. This system is easy to use for both translators and listeners. 

Its portable size is lightweight for long periods of outdoor church activities. Plus, it doesn’t distract the person during Sunday services. With up to 99 channels available, interference is easy to avoid. Also, with that number of channels, your church can translate to more than one language per service.

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Alex Shute
EDITOR
Alex Shute, MBA
Alex is a family man and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. His passion is to serve the global Church and bring people of diverse backgrounds together to learn & grow.


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