With the number of studios now based on how many live shows and events happen at one time, rather than sources and signals, the new math is one main studio for every two or three stations and a smaller “budget” studio that serves multiple purposes. A typical WheatNet IP configuration, for example, includes two large studios with LXE or L Series console surfaces to stagger morning and afternoon shows for several stations, and another smaller studio with a DMX console surface for voicetracking and producing the occasional live news or sports event.

Making this configuration far more flexible is the recent addition of the WheatNet IP automation control interface (ACI) to the DMX console system, our Audioarts value AoIP system, which includes a console surface, mix engine with local I/O, and a five-port Ethernet switch. By adding full automation integration to the DMX system, we have effectively added versatility to the budget studio—a concept that resulted in one of our three Best of Show awards during the IBC show last month. “What this means to broadcasters is they can have the same capability in those smaller budget studios as the big studio down the hall,” said Davis.

The math gets even better for smaller operations whose main studios are budget studios. For these broadcasters, adding our automation protocol to the DMX could effectively eliminate an extra studio or two along with all the relays and engineering that goes into automation integration. Adding ACI to the DMX console system also makes it possible for these broadcasters to add touchscreen panels using WheatNet IP ScreenBuilder, thereby replacing costly hardware with virtual interfaces.

Rethinking the radio operation starts with the scope and size of studios. Other considerations, such as network topology, routing and scripting, will also impact cost and flexibility. For a free studio evaluation, contact our sales engineers at [email protected] or download our guide Studio Project Planning for tips and trends from studio experts and integrators.