Multiple Lawo systems for Radio 24

Swiss systems integrator SLG Broadcast (SLG) has provided a complete broadcast center for Radio 24’s new complex in Zurich, including IP-capable fit-out of two broadcasting studios, a layout-studio, a stage, 24 editors’ workplaces and integration of the station’s OB vehicle.

In its new location in the Löwenbräu of Zurich, SLG constructed a brand new studio complex earlier this year. In just two months, two state-of-the-art broadcast studios and associated equipment rooms were built, plus 24 editors’ workplaces, some with an audio-over-IP connection. Rounding out the facility are a layout studio and a stage for small performances, a digital signage system for TV and information, displays and an automatic camera system for webstreaming.

Both studios are identically equipped and feature Lawo sapphire mixing consoles. These are each fitted with 12 faders and include a central module that can be operated by the host. Additionally, each desk is complemented by an additional four-fader module for the news presenter or co-host, each with its own overbridge and configurable touchscreen. In the production studio, a Lawo crystal has been installed to mix live performances on the stage and record them to a Pro Tools DAW. The crystal and the DAW are both connected to the central router via MADI.

The station’s OB-van has also been incorporated into the new facility. Built six years ago as a VRS (Virtual Remote Studio), this has been factored into the new technical environment by adapting its software. VRS enables the hosts and technical staff to access services in the broadcast studio from a remote location as if they were present in the facility. Reference monitoring is taken care of using PMC twotwo loudspeakers.

For telephone phone-ins, Radio 24 uses an extensive Broadcast Bionics PhoneBox installation, which handles all call routing and messaging as well as social media integration.

Studio 1 is equipped with four HD-SDI-cameras, with the vision mixer able to switch the right camera onto the webstream – triggered by the fader position of the Lawo consoles. Through this feature, visitors to the Radio 24 website can watch what is happening in the studio.

In addition to the PhoneBox system and a multitrack editor, five of the 24 editors’ workplaces have complete IP connection to the Lawo router, including intercom access to all studios. Thanks to the Lawo JADE virtual audio control center, routing for phone interviews, multitrack editing and intercom is readily accessible at the editors’ workplaces. JADE takes care of the connections between all of the audio streams within the PC and presents them on operator-friendly buttons without the need for the editor to go into the details of the routings.