Essential Equipment for Radio Broadcasting

Radio stations would not be able to thrive and survive without the technical side of things. Broadcasting equipment is an essential aspect of radio that brings both the presenters and music to the people listening. Even on a smaller scale, home studios are built around equipment necessary for good production.

Having the correct apparatus is what can make or break your studio. Even on the most basic level of recording content, you’ll need to have a good space to work in. Soundproofing is incredibly important. This is because it not only prevents external sound from getting in, but it also ensures that the sound you produce is of good quality. If you were to record in a room with no soundproofing your voice would echo around the room.

Nowadays studios are either basic or extremely complex – It just depends on what the station prefers. Similarly, your home studio can have many different aspects or you can have the bare minimum. It just depends on what you can afford or what you have access to.

For broadcasting, computer playout systems are incredibly important. A playout system will allow you to store music, carts and minidiscs all in a file form. It will allow you to play multiple files all at once, which is known as an automation environment. Broadcast playout systems are becoming quite popular with radio stations as it can allow for money saving due to pre-recording items and planning items in advance so as to not need a presenter in studio 24/7.

These systems can be quite complex. They can be programmed to play certain genres at certain times or can be scheduled music on a rotational basis. While most stations will probably have one, they’re not completely unattainable for home studios. There are many different models, all which range from the low to high on the scale in terms of money. However, most people in the industry will probably have their own favourite model that they will recommend.

Some examples of those on the market are the Spacial Audio, P Squared, Enco, Dalet, Barcode and also the Broadcast Bionics. Do your research on all of the different model types and find one that works the best for you. It’s a bonus if it doesn’t bankrupt you as well.

As always, having decent microphones and the use of a computer in your studio is essential for good production and recording quality. For a home studio, the level of quality will all depend on what equipment you can afford and working with what you have. Check out this handy guide on how to set up the ideal home studio with all of the necessary apparatus.