DHD audio, a globally active producer of broadcast quality studio equipment and systems, reports a year of technical innovation and sustained market success. A highlight addition to the DHD product range introduced during 2024 was the RM1 audio interface. Designed to bridge the gap between podcast and broadcast, RM1 is a mobile audio mixer and multichannel interface with integrated audio processing capability, says Marc Herrman, DHD audio managing director. It inherits the versatility and robust build quality which media creatives naturally associate with DHD, plus automation features that ensure stress-free operation whether in a studio or from an IP-connected location. Setup is very fast.
Applications of RM1 include podcasting, web radio, live streaming and remote or onsite broadcast contribution. Features include integrated audio processing, a 16 channel USB audio interface to support multitrack recording on a connected tablet or computer, and Mic-On signalisation on a Yellowtec m!ka microphone arm. Audio level gain can be set manually or based on a speech sample. It can alternatively be optimised throughout a production by an automatic gain control feature. An AutoMix mode automatically balances all incoming audio channels, managing background music and unwanted distractions. Relevant functions can be accessed and adjusted locally or remotely via a browser based touchscreen control interface. Incoming calls or voice message playback can be managed quickly via Bluetooth, USB or the auxiliary input.
Also introduced in 2024 was the DHD Control API. Forming an integral part of firmware update 10.3, the API allows secure interfacing between DHD's range of audio production systems and third-party devices and software. DHD Control API enables modern and secure communication within media networks, advancing integration and control to a high level of security, Marc Herrmann continues. It opens up many new possibilities which customers can implement. Firmware version 10.3 is available across DHD's entire range of production equipment, including the XC3, XD3 and XS3 IP Cores for audio processing.
System installation projects completed during 2024 included DHD SX2 and TX2 audio mixing consoles chosen by Netherlands broadcaster RTV Drenthe for integration into newly upgraded facilities at its headquarters in Assen. The consoles form part of a production modernisation project centred on the television production control room. The equipment was supplied by Almere-based Media Utilities. The TV production control room was in need of renovation after almost 20 years of intensive daily use, says Martijn Woering, RTV Drenthe technical project leader. We had been using a DHD 4200 console and processing core installed in mid-2004 and our TV show was mixed on it every day. This setup has always proved very stable and is now able to enjoy its retirement. We did a lot of research into latest-generation solutions before deciding on the DHD SX2 and TX2, not least because they integrate well with the rest of our DHD environment; we also have DHD consoles in our radio studios, news editing rooms and video edit suites. DHD consoles are easy to use and all our production and technical support staff are already familiar with their operation.
Italian radio and internet broadcaster InBlu2000 selected DHD DX2 and TX2 audio mixing systems as part of a large-scale studio renovation supervised by Milan-based broadcast technology specialist BVMedia. InBlu2000 operates from studios in Rome and Milan, says Roberto Bellotti, BVmedia CEO. We were commissioned to modernise the Rome facility with three production studios and a master control room. The new system will also handle third party contributions from production studios in Milan which we will build as a second phase. InBlu2000 transmits 24-hour programming throughout Italy via the EuroDAB multiplex. Its content is also accessible via the www.inblu2000.it website, Facebook, Instagram and X, plus a dedicated app.
Israel's Center for Accessible Culture, formerly known as the Central Library for the Blind, chose DHD SX2 radio consoles as the core of a studio modernisation project at its headquarters in Tel Aviv. The system was integrated by Jerusalem-based audio technology specialist Broadcast Design Ltd. A key challenge was how to provide visually impaired members of the production team with a solution that was really easy for them to use, says Broadcast Design CEO Micha Blum. The DHD system is so configurable that we were even able to give each control button a unique identifying sound so that it could be used with confidence by a non-sighted operator.
Mauritius Broadcasting Corporation invested in DHD SX2 audio production mixing consoles and an XC3 IP audio core for installation at its headquarters in Moka near the national capital, Port Louis, and on Rodrigues Island. Paris-based Eurocom Broadcast was selected as project partner following an open invitation for tenders. The project comprised a total of nine studios plus the master control room. We chose DHD SX2 mixers for their ease of operation, physical robustness, versatile configurability and high signal quality, comments Arvind Lobind, MBC technical manager. They are also very space efficient which is an important factor in any broadcast control room or presentation suite.
Radio Televisi n Nacional de Colombia, Colombia's national radio and television broadcaster, chose DHD SX2 audio production consoles for its renovated studios in Barranquilla, capital city of the Atl ntico region. The project was negotiated and completed by Bogota-based broadcast systems specialist ASPA ANDINA. This new system is in line with RTVC's policy of decentralisation and makes the broadcaster's Atl ntico region facility accessible with its studios throughout Colombia via a se
