We are thinking about upgrading from Audio Valut, we're still on an old dos system. We are looking at Scott Studios, is it worth the dollars? Or what about Profit? Not sure what Audiovalut has but I'm not impressed with what we have now. But, I'm sure advancements have been made, but I'd like to hear your thoughts.
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Automation Systems? Who is the best, and Who is the worst?
- Thread starter billythekiddd09
- Start date
:-X
I've heard good things about both the Scott and Profit systems. As with all, there are pros and cons. Plus, there is the budgetary considerations. When we needed a new system, after our old DCS system crapped out, our budget wouldn't/couldn't support the expensive systems. So, we were glad to see that Arrakis Systems had a new plan that provided the DigiLink Extreme system on a lease basis for only $100 per month per unit. It's a small bridging system that works with off the shelf PC's. We've had it for over a year now and I find that it's has functioned quite well. It's easy to operate, works well when switching between sources, provides a wide range of options, has free support and free downloadable software updates. The can handle any type of format and works live assist, satellite and automated. I'm really pleased with it. What's also nice, there's no long term contract. If you decide you want to switch to some other system. Just send the equipment back. You can pay the $100 per month or in advance in any increment. They provide a system authorization code that provides 30 days worth of system hours for each payment.
I've heard good things about both the Scott and Profit systems. As with all, there are pros and cons. Plus, there is the budgetary considerations. When we needed a new system, after our old DCS system crapped out, our budget wouldn't/couldn't support the expensive systems. So, we were glad to see that Arrakis Systems had a new plan that provided the DigiLink Extreme system on a lease basis for only $100 per month per unit. It's a small bridging system that works with off the shelf PC's. We've had it for over a year now and I find that it's has functioned quite well. It's easy to operate, works well when switching between sources, provides a wide range of options, has free support and free downloadable software updates. The can handle any type of format and works live assist, satellite and automated. I'm really pleased with it. What's also nice, there's no long term contract. If you decide you want to switch to some other system. Just send the equipment back. You can pay the $100 per month or in advance in any increment. They provide a system authorization code that provides 30 days worth of system hours for each payment.
We use Scott Studios in Rockford, and no complaints.
B
bigdude9192
Guest
This is kind of a silly thred, Profit and Scott are great systems, each system has differences, but - the one that lacks luster is audio vault.
In Butler, Pennsylvania, we use Simian, which is a program created by BSI. If that name sounds familiar, it's because they also make WaveCart. It interfaces beautifully with Adobe Audition (formerly known as CoolEdit Pro). We use it for our three voice-tracked radio stations (two AM's, and one FM), and it also records our network news for playback. It's about a fifth of the cost of what Scott Studios would charge, and the hardware is not proprietary. You can trade out for Pentium 4 PC's and that will work just fine. Media Touch is also pretty good, but those with Satellite operations would find it more beneficial. I didn't find it to be particularly user-friendly for totally live operation. But Simian has been very dependable for us, and I haven't experienced any major meltdowns with it (yet). Make of that what you will. Good luck.
As it is with all systems they all have their own quirks. I have worked with Scott, Audio Vault, Simian & the now ancient Digi-Link. Actually, as far as it went, the simplest, easiest thing I ever worked with was the Digi-Link. To quote Scotty from Star-Trek.. "The more complicated the plumbing..the easier it is to stop up the drain!" Scott seems to be good if it doesn't have to do a lot of satellite interfaces. If you're running a News/Talker switching for bird to bird Scott seems to have it's troubles. And..it's EXPENSIVE. Profit..I know nothing about, but, I have personal problems with putting any extra money into the billfold of Mr. Lousy Mays and his Cheap Channel corporation. The experiences I have had with Audio Vault have been OK, but I know a lot of people who don't like it. Now for Simian, it's owned by Cumulus, BTW, we have that in all our stations, and while in may ways, it's very user friendly, unlike the earlier poster...we have have 3 full major meltdowns of our system in less than 2 years. Other company stations have had similar bad experiences. So I'm not sure what to say here. When it works, it works pretty good, and it won't cost you an arm & a leg, but buyer beware.kenhawk1160 said:In Butler, Pennsylvania, we use Simian, which is a program created by BSI. If that name sounds familiar, it's because they also make WaveCart. It interfaces beautifully with Adobe Audition (formerly known as CoolEdit Pro). We use it for our three voice-tracked radio stations (two AM's, and one FM), and it also records our network news for playback. It's about a fifth of the cost of what Scott Studios would charge, and the hardware is not proprietary. You can trade out for Pentium 4 PC's and that will work just fine. Media Touch is also pretty good, but those with Satellite operations would find it more beneficial. I didn't find it to be particularly user-friendly for totally live operation. But Simian has been very dependable for us, and I haven't experienced any major meltdowns with it (yet). Make of that what you will. Good luck.
Scott Studio's rules...
Actually, as far as it went, the simplest, easiest thing I ever worked with was the Digi-Link.
I will agree, that the Digilink is one of the simpler systems to use...with one exception. Actually two...My only beefs with Digilink is that I find the editing program kind of hard to use, and the fact that you have to rotate spots manually. The system will not do it for you. I find that Digilink is a good system if you happen to have a station that depends on satellite for most of its programming. For music or voice tracking, I don't think it's a good idea. For satellite music operations, I suggest either Digilink or Scott Studios' AXS, which I don't believe is made anymore.
I will agree, that the Digilink is one of the simpler systems to use...with one exception. Actually two...My only beefs with Digilink is that I find the editing program kind of hard to use, and the fact that you have to rotate spots manually. The system will not do it for you. I find that Digilink is a good system if you happen to have a station that depends on satellite for most of its programming. For music or voice tracking, I don't think it's a good idea. For satellite music operations, I suggest either Digilink or Scott Studios' AXS, which I don't believe is made anymore.
This always a thred that gets lots of attention, it seems that clear channel is profit, Cumulus has their own system, Emmis loves scott studios, I worked in a Clear Channel market in Colorado a few years ago that used Scott, it was brand newly installed and they came in a ripped it out only a few days after taking us over. Then voice tracked the station and fired four jocks, that sucked, and I got to use both Scott and Profit, I like profit.
We just installed Arrakis Digi-Link about two months ago, and compared to the old, glitchy DRS system we had (only support was by e-mail from Germany) its a godsend, and the price is definately right. If at all possible, I'd use a different music scheduler, we've been struggling with the built-in one. Lots of repetition, some songs don't play at all while others play constantly, and there is no way to set sound codes or anything like that. Also, you don't want to group songs by te same artist together or they'll all play really close to each other.
The support on the Digi-link is very nice, its all included with the $100/mo. pricetag..they'll even link up with you via "GotoMyPC" if neccesary.
The support on the Digi-link is very nice, its all included with the $100/mo. pricetag..they'll even link up with you via "GotoMyPC" if neccesary.
I never used arrakis, but my engineer refers to it as Accraps. So, I've never asked why he says that. But, we use scott and they seem to have their stuff together.
Scott Studios have been pretty good to me, but when you need their support, it does get a little bit pricey. I was on the phone with them for about an hour trying to figure out a problem and they soaked us for $200. My GM almost had a heart attack. Arrakis did provide affordable support for Digilink. Their satellite codes were easier to program and figure out. We had support included with the price when we bought Maestro, and we did have to use them quite frequently. But their support guy, Jim Doss, really knows his stuff. Even if you're not computer-savvy, he'll walk you through it.
Scott Studios have been pretty good to me, but when you need their support, it does get a little bit pricey. I was on the phone with them for about an hour trying to figure out a problem and they soaked us for $200. My GM almost had a heart attack. Arrakis did provide affordable support for Digilink. Their satellite codes were easier to program and figure out. We had support included with the price when we bought Maestro, and we did have to use them quite frequently. But their support guy, Jim Doss, really knows his stuff. Even if you're not computer-savvy, he'll walk you through it.
"Compared to Scott or Prophet, Arrakis may well be crappy, but for a small market with little or no budget, you can't beat it."
No argument there. You can even pick up a used unit for practically nothing.
No argument there. You can even pick up a used unit for practically nothing.
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