You will get modern necessities like USB and Bluetooth and your sound will improve, as is the case with our new Audioarts DML digital consoles. But you’ll miss out on all that business of mapping out the topology, tearing out the old wiring, and having to buy an Ethernet switch.

We can suggest several good console options. But whatever console you go with, make sure it’s digital because while AoIP isn’t for everybody, we can assure you that digital is. Here’s what to look for:

• Make sure I/O is included. Some console surfaces have additional mix engines that need to be added, and that’s going to cost you a few thousand more. Digital consoles like our new 8 channel and 12 channel DML consoles include I/O. Also, because everything in the studio is digital these days, just like the rest of the world, make sure your new digital console has enough AES3 RJ45 inputs.
• Make sure it has USB for connecting into automation, tablets and phones. Bluetooth would also be useful for quickly putting a caller on-air.
• Finally, you’ll need a way into the AoIP world, if only to make quick routing changes. An optional app is available for our new Audioarts DML consoles that gives you WheatNet IP audio output, for example.
• External power supply is a good idea. You’ll thank us for this. Having an external power supply eliminates heat buildup inside the console and gives you a little bit more of a safety margin.

Audioarts Engineering is a sister brand to Wheatstone and includes studio consoles, furniture, and talent stations. Audioarts and Wheatstone products are engineered, manufactured, and supported under the same roof in Wheatstone’s New Bern, North Carolina, factory.