Getting the audio there

[destinationradio]

I'm definitely in need of some advice, so here goes...

I am supplying programming through a time brokerage agreement.

I need to get audio from my studio to the radio station offices, which are about two blocks from me. The audio is then bounced to the transmitter via an analog microwave STL system. I would like to install a new AM audio processor at my studio. The station has a brand new solid-state transmitter, but very old processing gear.

I was considering an analog microwave STL system, with an OmniaONE AM ahead of it, but then an associate brought up the idea of a wireless IP bridge. We are trying to figure out how it could work and if it would, indeed, present any savings.

First, I need to figure out a way to convert the audio from analog to digital ahead of the bridge. It will then have to be converted back where the bridge terminates at the radio station.

I know the OmniaONE AM has a Livewire out, and I thought that might have allowed me to kill two birds with one stone. I was told by a man with Omnia that the output is uncompressed and would require a T1 connection. I believe the wireless bridge can handle it. However, he advised that you can't feed a transmitter with a processor AHEAD of a CODEC. I said there would still be hard limiting at the transmitter, but he insisted it shouldn't be done that way.

He advised placing a Compellor ahead of the bridge, then the OmniaONE at the transmitter site.

With all of that equipment to take into consideration, would an old-fashioned Marti analog link be cheaper and easier? What are your suggestions?

I look forward to your input. Thanks. ???

 

[NoTimeForSleep]

My recommendation would be to use a compellor at your studio feeding an STL of some sort (to protect the feed and maintain average levels to their studio, output can be analog or digital). You could get away with a Barix box or another type of codec and use them on the bridge between the buildings. Do not use the AM processor at your end, if you want to sound better ask the station if they would be willing to replace their older processing with your equipment. Having older stuff that is hanging problems is not going to be cured by putting something before it, all you could potentially do is aggravate the problem with a higher RMS level. But they have to be willing to allow their staff to install the processor.

 

[cgould]

NoTimeForSleep is correct!

The best sound from any audio processing chain hinges on the performance of its weakest link. In this case, it is the old audio processing
at the transmitter site. Best performance will be realized by replacing the final processing at the transmitter end.

If the client is unwilling to change out the processing, about the best you can do at your end is to try the Omnia.One studio pro software. (will work in any Omnia.One) which will then allow it to serve as a multiband AGC / STL protection processor ahead of your link, and may give you *some* additional control over the final audio product. This would be a band-aid, but better than nothing if they don't want to cooperate.

-Cornelius

 

[ChiefOperator]

Let me add that, within the past year, Radio Guide ran an article regarding the successful combination of a Barix box and a wireless bridge for a STL. The article explained the installation in detail.

I don't remember the date of the issue, but you could go to the website and look it up.

 

[ChiefOperator]

Okay, I just looked it up. See the December 2007 Radio Guide article (page 10).

Good luck..