Community radio station ArtSound FM in Canberra, Australia, has installed new DHD audio mixing consoles as part of an ongoing studio modernization project at its headquarters in the Manuka district of the capital. The installation includes two DHD SX2 consoles and a compact TX2 unit and forms part of a wider effort to update the station’s broadcast infrastructure.
The project received partial funding from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, an Australian organization that supports the country’s community media sector. Systems integrator Qvest Australia, the local distribution partner for DHD, is overseeing the installation. The studio upgrade forms part of ArtSound’s effort to modernize its broadcast infrastructure while maintaining the operational flexibility required by a community radio station that produces programming around the clock.
ArtSound FM began broadcasting in 1983 and focuses on arts and culture programming, covering literature, theatre, film, exhibitions and concerts. The station also broadcasts a wide range of music programming and has developed a regional reputation for supporting emerging composers and performers.
Chris Deacon, ArtSound vice president and technology manager, said the project focused on replacing three legacy in-house mixing consoles built nearly two decades ago. “Our modernization initiative centered on the need to replace three audio mixing consoles, which were built in-house back in 2005,” Deacon said. “After evaluating the available alternatives, we selected two DHD SX2 audio consoles plus a compact TX2. These were chosen both for their high signal quality and ease of control, allowing presenters to broadcast live with full confidence.”
Deacon added that the consoles’ physical footprint was also an important consideration in the studio design. “The consoles’ compact dimensions were a major factor, leaving plenty of desktop space free for ancillaries such as script notes,” he said. “Robust build quality was essential as we transmit round the clock, every day of the year. The versatile configurability and modular construction of DHD mixers give us the freedom to futureproof the system if required to meet evolving workflow demands.”
Two phrases
According to Qvest Australia, the studio upgrade is being carried out in two phases so that the station can continue broadcasting without interruption. “Phase one is now complete with the first studio fully equipped and ready to go operational,” said Campbell Swinton, Queensland state manager at Qvest Australia. The second phase will equip a second studio with a similar 10-fader SX2 console connected to an XS3 core.
Qvest Australia has also integrated a compact DHD TX2 console into the facility alongside DHD’s Views and Assist software applications. According to the company, all three consoles support Dante audio-over-IP connectivity, allowing them to operate within a networked audio environment.
DHD said the SX2 and TX2 consoles remain among the most widely deployed systems in its product range. “The SX2 and TX2 continue to be among the best-selling consoles in our product range,” said Christoph Gottert, international sales manager at DHD. Gottert explained that the SX2 console is built on a modular design that allows systems to scale to meet operational requirements. “The SX2 is based on a four-fader central module and six-fader expansion modules, with all faders motorized,” he said. “SX2 systems can be scaled to match the exact needs of practically any broadcast-related audio production activity, limited only by the capabilities of the core processor.”
Each module incorporates a 10.1-inch multitouch display that shows configuration and operational parameters. According to DHD, the system also supports features such as loudness metering and talkback to other DHD mixers.
The TX2 console provides a compact alternative for smaller production environments. “The TX2 is the most compact console in the DHD range,” Gottert said. “A single network cable delivers audio and control signals as well as power between the TX2 and a DHD IP core or concentrator.” Gottert added that the consoles share a unified operating design across the DHD product family. “Unified ergonomics allow operators to work easily across all consoles in the DHD product family,” he said.
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