getting a FM radio sound for an online radio

[nyankee]

Hi,

I run an online radio station from home, mainly latin top 40 music format. I want to start an FM radio in the future, but for now I love running my online radio station. Anyway, I have always wondered how the radio stations here in New York get that nice sound from their mic and music. After two years of research I started to build my set up, but I don’t know if I am doing it right. My current set up is as followed: (I pre record all my shows with this set-up)

Vocals for show chain: Daking Mic-Pre One preamp -> TLM 103 Mic (saw a dj use it on La Mega 97.9) -> aphex Channel processor -> focusrite pro 24 audio interface -> DAW

After I got my vocals recorded, I mix it with the music show and put everything together in ableton live. I heard someone on yourtube mention that the TC Electronic Finalizer Express was a good last touch for my show. I bought one and now route the complete show out of ableton to the TC Finalizer and run it back and then broadcast it.

Anyway, I improved my sound, but I am sure I can do better. I read that I could use an actual FM audio processor to make my show sound like an actual fm radio show. I looked into the Aphex 2020MKII and heard good things, but I am skeptical that it is old and discontinued. I started reading this forum and read about the optimod-Fm. I the optimod better than the aphex 2020MKIII? If so which should I get. I am willing to put in more money just to satisfy myself in getting that professional radio sound.

Please help me with advice on the equipment that I should get and what I should get rid of. Thank you!!

 

[Doctor_Technical]

From a quick search, it appears that Ableton supports VST processing plug-ins. May I suggest you investigate the VST functionality of Stereo Tool? You do not need the "FM" portions of a broadcast-specific processor, and for my own use ST can create any desired audio texture on my personal playback system. ST comes with a large list of presets to get you started.

ST developer Hans van Zutphen occasionally posts here, as well as on his own site's forums of course, and he has been courteous and helpful with my own "how do I...?" questions.

http://stereotool.com/

 

[bradgoehl]

I think your idea of a outboard processor is a good one. These days you can pick up a used optimized 8200 for not to much $$, and an update to the latest firmware is only a few hundred.
There are also orban and omnia plugins and audio streaming cards that could give you a similar sound, Just depends on the kind of budget you have for the hobby.