Short definition
A speaker booth is a soundproofed recording or speaking space for a single voice – for voice-over, commentary, or off-screen narration at events and productions.
Detailed explanation
A speaker booth should be distinguished from an interpreting booth, even though both are soundproofed. In a speaker booth, typically one person records a text or comments live – as a hosting voice, for a dubbing or voice-over recording, or as off-screen commentary in an event's stream. The focus is on capturing a single voice cleanly and without interference.
An interpreting booth, by contrast, is designed for the simultaneous transmission of spoken language by an interpreting team and follows its own standards (ISO 2603/4043) with requirements for sightlines, space for two to three interpreters, ventilation, and console connections. In practice, the terms are sometimes used interchangeably; technically, they're two different workspaces with different requirements.
Relevance in this subject area
In studio, hybrid, and streaming productions, the speaker booth appears alongside the interpreting booth. The distinction helps plan requirements and equipment correctly.
Practical example
At a streamed gala evening, the off-screen narrator sits in a small speaker booth delivering hosting commentary for the stream, while next door interpreters in standard-compliant booths interpret the speeches.
Related terms
Interpreting booth, Sound insulation, Original audio, Event technology, ISO 4043