Overview
EN ISO 22259:2021 (ISO 22259:2019) defines requirements for modern conference systems and their components. It covers typical systems and auxiliary devices-such as microphones, headphones, sound reinforcement, and environment considerations-and applies to both wired and wireless implementations. The standard is intended to ensure interoperability and optimum performance under normal operating conditions and helps determine system quality, compare products, and assess correct use. Annex A describes meeting and conference hall setups; other annexes cover routing, mounting, microphone management and subsystem details.
Key topics and technical requirements
EN ISO 22259:2021 addresses the functional and performance aspects needed for reliable conference operation. Major topics include:
- Overall system audio characteristics: latency, sound pressure level, frequency response, distortion, noise/hum, level consistency and interference management.
- Confidentiality, markings and usability: guidance on security of communication and user interface/accessibility.
- Discussion systems: requirements for discussion units, microphone management, routing and processing.
- Individual listening systems: earclip, in-ear, headphones and induction loop considerations.
- Interpreting and language distribution systems: criteria for interpreting booths, channels and distribution.
- Supporting subsystems: sound reinforcement, camera and display systems, metadata, voting, identification/sign-in, conference control, recording/archiving, webcasting and teleconferencing.
- Diagnostics and interoperability: provisions to support system testing, diagnostics and integration between halls or remote connections.
- Normative and informative annexes (A–F) provide practical setups, routing modes, mounting modes and system-specific guidance.
Applications and who uses this standard
EN ISO 22259:2021 is practical for:
- AV system manufacturers designing discussion units, microphones, interpreters’ consoles and distribution equipment.
- AV integrators and consultants specifying and installing conference systems in public buildings, convention centres, parliaments and courtrooms.
- Venue owners and event organisers assessing, procuring and comparing conference solutions.
- Interpreting service providers and technicians ensuring compliance with interpreting and language distribution requirements.
- Test labs and certifiers performing interoperability and performance verification.
Practical benefits include clearer procurement specifications, consistent audio performance, reliable interpreting workflows and predictable integration with webcasting, recording and remote conferencing.
Related standards
- ISO 20108 and ISO 20109 - EN ISO 22259:2021 provides the technical backbone that supports these standards for interpreting and related technologies.
Keywords: EN ISO 22259:2021, ISO 22259:2019, conference systems requirements, microphone management, interpreting system standards, language distribution, AV interoperability.