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HILVERSUM, Netherlands — Commercial radio stations in the Netherlands renewed their licenses earlier this year. In response, they have focused on attracting listeners through marketing efforts and upgrading their studios. RedTech previously reported on DPG Media’s Qmusic.
Other major commercial broadcasters, Talpa and Mediahuis, are also renovating their studios. Talpa’s flagship station, Radio 538, unveiled its new studio on air on Monday, Sept. 30.
The previous Radio 538 studio has been in use since 2015. Jaap van de Steeg, manager of technology at Talpa Network, said, “For almost a year, my tech team worked hard to create a brand-new, innovative studio with cutting-edge audio and video facilities integrated into a beautiful design. It inspires all our DJs and producers to deliver the best shows on air for Radio 538.”
Key features of the new studio include a state-of-the-art acoustic environment and a user-friendly workspace. Some programs at Radio 538 offer “live music on-stage,” and the studio has been designed to accommodate up to 50 listeners who can watch and listen to their favorite artists. The studio can produce sound pressure levels up to 100dB without interfering with other radio stations in the building.
Van de Steeg said, “The biggest challenge was constructing the sound-isolating, decoupled structure, which weighs over 85,000 kg. It was a complex construction and acoustic puzzle, but the result is absolutely stunning. The stylish interior was designed in-house by the 538 team.”
The studio also includes a separate engineering room. Talpa Network’s radio stations are all based in Hilversum, with Radio 538, Radio 10 and Sky Radio located at the city’s Bergweg facility. The facility houses multiple stations, including themed subchannels linked to the main stations.
Technical highlights
The studio’s audio, video and IT infrastructure are integrated with minimal use of coax and audio cables. Most of the infrastructure is based on IP connectivity, using SMPTE 2110, Ravenna and Dante audio protocols managed by Lawo VSM.
Meyer Sound speakers provide studio audio, while the DHD audio system central mixing console features the latest XC3 core. The microphones are from Shure and use Symetrix products for compression. Orban solutions handle the sound processing across all channels — FM, DAB+, online and for visual radio/TV538. The studio also uses the Omniplayer playout software from M&I Broadcast Services.
Nearly 20 technical experts worked on the project. Van de Steeg expressed pride in his team’s efforts. “Everyone gave their best to design and build a studio that meets the needs of our DJs,” he said. “As a result, our audience benefits from an enhanced experience. Whether in the studio, at home, or on a mobile device, all our audio and video content is available in the best possible quality.”
With this new studio, Radio 538 is prepared for the future.
The author was the broadcast and facilities manager at several public and commercial media companies and is now a freelance writer and media consultant in the Netherlands.
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