Broadcasting from the student’s dormitory of Aachen University, University Radio Aachen has been reinvigourated by the installation of a 12-fader Lawo sapphire mixing desk and accompanying VXPanel.
Accompanying its 99.1MHz VHF radio transmission with streaming and cable distribution, the station provides students and university staff with a morning programme with event information and the cafeteria menu, as well as national news every hour, followed by afternoon highlights of Aachen’s theatre and music event calendar, along with some live performances. More focused music shows, along with sports events and game shows make up the evening programme.
Founded about ten years ago, the station struggled to buy a mixing console until Munich-based Radio Energy came to the rescue, when its own renovation allowed an old analogue mixer to be donated to the students’ studio. Having given the station its first lease of life, this console is not only outdated but is becoming unreliable, and needed to be replaced by a modern desk.
The choice of a sapphire from Lawo was made after a Task Force Technology had visited audio console manufacturers at several trade shows, gathering information and attending demonstrations. The sapphire’s technical provisions assured its choice – specifically its modular system core, motorised faders and extensive configuration capabilities.
Particularly appealing were the Visual Extension module and the option of Ravenna networking for a proposed second studio, which is being specified at the moment. ‘The commitment of the Lawo team was extraordinary; many issues were clarified on the spot at the booth. Also, service and support were extremely strong’, explains Andreas Bach, one of the members of the task force. ‘Someone from the Lawo sales staff came to Aachen to clarifying on-site details, and the university team visited Lawo’s headquarters in Rastatt twice for training, and to set up configurations that can be used by ourselves. The mixing console was installed by our own Task Force Technology without any problems.’
Bach studies Mechanical Engineering and regards his involvement in radio as hobby but also as preparation for his later professional career. ‘Even though we are a very small radio broadcaster, we have been taken seriously as a customer by Lawo, he says. ‘There was no attempt to sell us as much equipment as possible, only to find the best possible options for our needs and our budget. This was another reason we chose Lawo.’
More: www.lawo.de
