Calrec Type R takes heart in RRI

INDONESIA: Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) has upgraded its Jakarta facility which hosts the Voice of Indonesia (VOI) channel with IP networking technology based around a modular and expandable Calrec Audio Type R IP-based radio system. RRI is having to compete with on-demand web streaming services by extending its live event coverage. While attempting to broaden its appeal by catering for increasing listener demands, a more cost-effective live production solution was sought as a result of declining lower advertising revenues. In addition to remote IP production and AoIP networked systems, the tender demanded reliability, simplified operation, high audio quality and ease of expansion features.

JAA Systems’ Indonesian partner and system integrator Promidi Audio was awarded the contract to supply a design for the full turnkey project. The audio-over-IP network integrated into the VOI studios and editing rooms are interconnected with IP managed switches that adopt AES67, Ravenna and Dante protocols. A Calrec Type R IP-based radio system plays a central role in the redesign, with dual layer six-fader panels have been integrated into the main on-air and standby studios. While the outside broadcast system also incorporates a Brio36 console, the compact RP1 remote production systems simplify event production and reduce the overall operating costs. In specifying this setup, RRI has become the first broadcaster to deploy it in the ASEAN region.

Primarily specified for off-site events, Calrec’s Remote Production RP1 enhances OB mixing before being transmitted to the VOI studio. The remote audio returns to the studio are enabled with a pair of Prodys QuantumONE codecs networked to Calrec’s RP1 system via a Dante AoIP module. The mix can be further edited on the Dante-enabled Brio36 console. For smaller live events, the Prodys QuantumW is employed as a portable OB IP audio codec.

Edit Suite with Merging’s Anubis and Horus interfaces

Offering flexible IP networking capabilities, Merging Technologies’ Anubis, Hapi and Horus converter and monitor interfaces together with the Pyramix digital audio workstation (DAW) software are being utilised within the RRI production editing suites. Merging’s Aneman (Audio Network Manager) open platform provides management, monitoring, routing and configuration of all the IP-networked audio devices. JAA Systems also added an Ovation event and cue sequencer system. Interfaced to the AoIP network, an Orban Optimod 8700i audio processor ensures consistent audio quality and loudness levels.

Calrec’s Type R solution is becoming widely regarded as the next generation IP radio mixer and routing network among radio broadcasters. “The ongoing transformation and adoption of new IP technology simplifies radio broadcasting and provides ease-of-use operation,” commented JAA Systems director, David Chan. “This leads to greater creativity and productivity when producing radio content. For RRI’s VOI project, Type R adopts AES67 as the main interoperable AoIP network format, but it interlinks with Ravenna in the production studios and Dante that is used for OB operations. This was the first instance of Calrec’s RP1 system being supplied to Indonesia as it allows RRI to facilitate remote mixing and control between the studio and the OB event.”

Despite being well-versed with AoIP technology, the adoption of various protocols and formats operating on the same broadcast network challenged Promidi Audio. “In our adoption of fully-fledged audio-over-IP technology, RRI’s VOI project is a first in Indonesia,” said Promidi Audio MD, Chossy Pratama. “Selecting the right professional IP-managed switches and fully understanding the technical configurations were key factors in our success. With IP technology, JAA Systems supplied and provided efficient remote support to us at a time when no overseas representatives were allowed to enter Jakarta. The transformation in radio technology highlighted by the VOI project serves as both a showcase and a reference for future RRI radio station upgrades throughout Indonesia.”