Mix FM modernises with AEQ
Published: MEA
SOUTH AFRICA: Midrand-based community radio station, Mix FM 93.8, has recently installed an AEQ Arena digital on-air audio mixing console and BC2000 digital audio routing system. LS of South Africa served to coordinate the design of the new system and worked with local volunteers at the station for the installation.
The digital console comprises of two control surfaces and a time division multiplexed (TDM) digital audio routing system. The BC2000 integrates all of the station’s audio feeds (from microphone sources, analogue playout computer feeds, telephone hybrid and OB channels) as available in balanced analogue and AES digital. A separate, dual 48V DC power supply feeds the frame.
The installation of the BC2000 in the station’s master control rack room (along with its IT infrastructure) has afforded the station the opportunity to effectively consolidate all of its technical hardware into two 19-inch 42U equipment racks.
At the very heart of the station’s FM transmission infrastructure is a Nautel VS300 integrated digital exciter/FM transmitter, operating at 300W which the station owns and operates. The installed configuration reportedly permits great flexibility in terms of redundancy throughout the audio chain, through feeding the transmitter with simultaneous AES digital (derived directly from the BC2000) and balanced analogue feeds.