Radio Botswana has an eye on the future, updating its entire infrastructure to IP with the installation of a Calrec Type R mixing system across its 14-studio complex in Gaborne.
Aiming to increase flexibility, encourage growth and keep its infrastructure viable into the future, Radio Botswana has upgraded its 60-year-old analogue system to IP standard connectivity.
Radio Botswana Project Manager, Rex Mogotsi described their new installation, which speeds up the station’s operations and includes features that will support future expansion. "The shift from analogue to IP was driven by a desire for greater flexibility in our operations," Rex said. "IP simplifies connectivity, reduces the physical footprint of the equipment and enables remote capabilities ─ all of which remove complexity from our workflows.
A central part of the upgrade was the installation of Calrec's Type R mixing system. Working with UK Systems Integrator Dega Broadcast Systems, Radio Botswana took advantage of Type R's modular, customisable features to adapt each studio to meet a specific set of needs and result in smoother workflows for a range of different users.
"Type R makes this possible in several ways. Its IP-based framework saves costs by reducing the need for heavy cabling and equipment maintenance,” said Rex. “Its modular design allows us to scale our operations based on demand, avoiding unnecessary costs. The simpler workflow reduces production time and enhances collaboration, allowing our teams to be more efficient and flexible. All this supports better quality content and quicker turnaround times."
Because Studios 1 to 6 dedicated to live radio broadcasts, the station used Type R's modular devices to equip each one with control surfaces with up to 16 faders. Meanwhile, as their editing and post-production studios require fewer physical facilities, each one has smaller control surfaces of six or eight faders.
"The remaining studios handle news and special programming. We installed 8- to 12-fader control surfaces in these to cater for a variety of program types," Rex said. "In this way, Type R's modularity has made it possible to optimise each studio for specific production demands, and meanwhile its flexible hardware configuration enables smooth, direct transitions between studios."
As each Type R DSP core is able to power up to three independent mix environments, Radio Botswana uses three cores between six studios, adding up to a total of just 11 cores to run all 14 studios across the complex. "The workflow also allows direct routing and resource sharing," Rex commented. "If Studio 1 is handling live broadcast, Studio 2 can simultaneously manage backup recording, with straightforward switching capabilities. This interconnected setup enables cross-studio collaboration and adds resilience against potential equipment failures, and assures us of a smooth, reliable production flow across all studios."
The installation also gives the station the flexibility to develop in the future – and it's not resting on its laurels. "Type R gives Radio Botswana the capacity to develop its infrastructure in line with its needs," said Graham Murray, International Sales Manager at Calrec.
"The station already has plans to launch a new channel, and it's also looking at how they can achieve even more flexibility by distributing production can deliver even more. Type R's IP infrastructure not only helps to develop more diverse programming, but it also enables users to reach wider audiences, both at home and abroad."
Botswana's digital audio landscape is still developing, but Radio Botswana is opening the way for innovation and growth. "We chose Calrec due to its reputation for high-quality sound and robust, scalable solutions, and the Type R system was particularly appealing due to its flexibility, ease of use and agile technology for the future," Rex said. "All of this aligns with our goals for quality and adaptability in Botswana's evolving digital landscape." calrec.com
