Japan’s Bay FM radio station has installed a Calrec Artemis Light audio console in its flagship Studio One. The move is part of an upgrade from its prior analogue system, that will enable the station to handle more elaborate broadcasts including live performances and on-air recording.

The installation was handled by Calrec’s Japan distributor, Hibino Intersound.

With five studios in total, Bay FM broadcasts music and news throughout the Chiba Prefecture. Studio One is designed to handle intricate set-ups including live performance. For this, Bay FM needed a console that was more sophisticated than its previous analogue unit, with improved sound quality and greater versatility.

The Artemis can be arranged vertically like an analogue mixer or by using the soft panels across the desk, which made the transition to it very easy, as Bay FM Engineering Division Technical Manager, Koji Anzai explains:

‘Another consideration we made when deciding on a digital console was the amount of I/O and busses because we regularly host musical performances as well as talk shows. The performance and sound quality of the preamps was important to us, and the Artemis comes out on top in both of these areas when compared to other desks we tested. Multitrack playback/recording with Dante is also very easy with the modular Dante card, which has increased our workflow flexibility.’

Anzai also highlighted the stability and reliability of the Artemis Light as crucial in a live broadcasting environment.

‘The radio market in Asia and beyond, is a key growth area for us and this project with Bay FM illustrates the many different uses and applications for our Artemis console,’ says Calrec International Sales Manager, Anthony Harrison. ‘Bay FM had very specific requirements that needed to be fulfilled. We’re very happy that the Artemis console surpassed expectations and has allowed it to produce shows to the the desired standard.’