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AALST, Belgium — On the occasion of the annual Aalst Carnival, March 2-4, in the municipality of Aalst in East Flanders, Belgium, Tom Callebaut, owner of Radiostudio.be installed a pop-up radio studio configuration, broadcasting from the event’s carnival parade workshops.
The Aalst Carnival dates back to the Middle Ages and is the country’s biggest carnival event, attracting over 100,000 visitors for the opening parade.
Carnival radio stations
The carnival era also saw local stations change to “carnival radio stations” to gain huge followings. For these radio stations, the carnival is a true commercial opportunity as they offer specific and different content compared to the bigger players. The stations boost their audience and raise their advertising rates during the carnival.
Established local stations like City Music and Radio Goeiedag changed their profiles to AjoinMusic (referring to the popular nickname of the citizens of Aalst — “the onion eaters”) and Oilsjt Mjoezik, respectively. Radio Kamiel (named after Kamiel Sergant, a Belgian singer, songwriter and former three-time carnival prince and, finally, carnival emperor) broadcasts carnival music 24/7 all year long.
“The idea for a pop-up radio studio came across some time ago,” said Callebaut. “We wanted to offer a professional radio set-up for carnival stations to produce live broadcasts from the heart of the carnival — the carnival parade assembly halls where the parade is being prepared. In doing so, stations could save on logistics and equipment while having the gear ready on hand round the clock.”
Although the intention was there, Callebaut admits that only Radio Kamiel used the configuration. “Other stations did come to see the studio, and I’m convinced they will use it next year,” he predicted.
The pop-up radio studio was installed in the cafeteria serving the assembly halls. This allowed Radio Kamiel to source content from those involved in preparations, including thematic programs on the different carnival associations, interviews and spotlights on carnivals in neighboring villages and cities.
We wanted to offer a professional radio set-up for carnival stations to produce live broadcasts from the heart of carnival
Tom Callebaut, owner of Radiostudio.be
Lawo setup
The studio was built around a Lawo crystal mixing console with a Compact Engine and VisTool extension, using mAirList playout software. “Lawo Crystal’s innovative options allow us to group all sources like the Neumann TLM 103 and TLM 102 microphones and two telephone signals using a VoIP AVT Magic TH2 Plus hybrid under one single fader,” said Callebaut. “The solution is an ingenious auto-mix system, automatically mixing the microphone sources with the processing core, adjusting the correct level in the console.” All audio was fully digital using the Dante protocol, converted with a DirectOut ExBox.MD to Madi and the Lawo Compact Engine.
The pop-up configuration was completed with an Orban Optimod 6300 processor and a Telos Z/IP for external communication. “We used a Mikrotik VPN router for the connectivity with Radio Kamiel’s cloud playout and a DEVA encoder TX90 and RX9000 decoder for extra connectivity,” added Callebaut. “The studio was also equipped with visual radio using an automated system with three PTZ cameras and, thanks to the full Dante audio setup, connected to the program feed.”
Radio Kamiel used the pop-up studio from Feb. 10 through March 4, “Mad Tuesday,” and broadcast on a local FM 97.7 MHz frequency serving the greater Aalst region, on the Radio Kamiel website and via its app.
Based in Antwerp, Belgium, the author began hosting a weekly program at a local radio station in 1980. He then joined the Dutch-language national broadcaster VRT as a reporter and music programmer. Since 1985, he has been a freelance writer for various publications, including national press, industry publications and magazines.
