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Audio Generation Systems

B

Bat Fastard

My company operates 3FMs and 2AMs and is in search of a new audio generation system. Three of the signals make use of a satellite-delivered product at least part-time.

I've been asked to post this to see if there is a consensus on the best system available.

So...how 'bout it? What's your favorite?
 
Some have been confused by my question and have suggested I use the term "automation system"...which used to have an entirely different meaning.

So...I guess the question is "what's driving the machine in your control room"?

So far, it's NextGen in the lead followed by AudioVault and Media Touch.

Your preference?
 
My vote would be for Nex Gen. It's not what we use where I work, but I most certainly wish it could be, as I certainly miss it. It's expensive, but it's very nice.

I guess it also depends on what kind of money you want to spend.
 
Nex Gen, ENCO and AVAir in that order. Stay away from any BSI product.
 
I like Scott Studios which is now Wide Orbit after a few ownership changes.

Anyone remember the old Sonomag automations. Worked with a couple of them. Each had 4 reel to reels and 6 cart carousels plus several single cart machines that were attached. They took up a whole room but they did work and it was fun to watch them go through the paces.
 
I've worked with Scott Studios and Audio Vault.

Scott Studios was great to work with, although that was over 12 years ago. Don't know how similar the current system is to that one.

Audio Vault is a mess.
 
I've worked with several. One poster says to stay away from BSI, and I've heard the same thing from former co-workers who've used it, though I have no experience with it myself.

I always liked Audio Vault for music stations. I wouldn't recommend it for talk stations, though. It always seemed like you could never get it to work for satellite programming. You just tricked it into working! Also, while I thought Audio Vault was easy to use for music programming, it wasn't always the most reliable system. If I ran unattended for much time at all, I probably wouldn't use Audio Vault.

Scott Studios was probably the best, but I've heard nothing but bad things about it since Google bought it from dMarc. I don't know if the new owners have made it any better. Also, while I loved Scott and DCS, I absolutely hated Maestro, which was an updated Windows version of DCS essentially made by Scott Studios. Don't know if Maestro's still supported or not since it was a dMarc system that was bought by Google. Last I heard, Google was going to fold the two of them together.

I've also worked with Wire Ready and didn't find it to be too bad. I always thought it was almost Scott Studios Lite!
 
I'm curious as to why a few people on this topic have said that AudioVault was such "a mess." I cut my radio teeth on the Vault system and, going on three years as a Chief at an Indy station, it's what we use. Minus a few hiccups.. and I do mean a few hiccups, it has worked like a champ for both satellite and local automation.

I also agree, though... NexGen IS pretty sweet but $$$!
 
I’ve also worked with several automation systems and learned that how the system is configured makes a big difference. Susquehanna Indy had ENCO set up to respond to a touch screen, a mouse movement, a keystroke or by pressing a button on the board.

ENCO also ran on four different audio channels, including an audition or “cue” channel, giving the jock creative versatility.

Another big difference is how robust the computer is that hosts the system and how often it gets software-driver updates and regular preventative maintenance.

I rank ENCO the best and BSI the worst. Pair BSI with “Natural Music” music scheduling software and welcome yourself into Radio Hell!
 
This dates me, but my favorite automation system was ME! Nothing like pulling CD's and hitting a sweeper off a cart machine. ;)
 
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