Stagetec Asia upgrades Best FM with DHD
Published: ASIA
MALAYSIA: After submitting a tender at the end of last year, Stagetec Asia won a bid for the supply and integration of studio equipment into Best FM station’s main On-Air studio facility in Johor Baru, south of Peninsula Malaysia. The installation included a 12-fader DHD 52/SX mixer and assorted studio accessories.
Best FM is a private commercial regional radio station in operation since 1988, and was the first private radio broadcaster in the country to be located outside of the capital Kuala Lumpur. The station’s primary focus is broadcasting for the country’s Malay speaking audience, however despite its location in Johor Baru, it is also targeting listeners in Singapore.
‘It is part of our rebranding of Best FM that we start with our upgrade of the studio,’ explained Yusry Abu Samah, CEO of Best FM. ‘The rebranding process consists of upgrading the radio facility, extending nationwide coverage and performing aggressive marketing. We are glad to have David Chan and his team from Stagetec Asia to provide technical expertise in addition to supplying the DHD digital audio mixer and other equipment. The upgrade went smoothly and without a hitch.’
Prior to the installation, the audio equipment was aging and no longer capable of fulfilling the broadcaster's expanding requirements. The old analogue mixer had been in use for over 10 years. The studio wanted to transition to a digital desk in part due to the increased functionality, and needed a solution that would be reliable but also at the right budget. According to Mr Chan, the DHD 52/SX was the right choice and ‘suits them perfectly!’
With the new console, the station is able to reduce interference in its transmission lines as well as make use of built-in DSP effects and processors, as well as other features, such as setting snapshots to increase the consistency of broadcasts. In addition to the digital console, the studio was further enhanced with a selection of accessories including a Sonifex delay unit, microphones and headphones for the DJs, and a new console desk and chairs. Significantly for the broadcaster, the latest version of Merging Technology’s Pyramix digital audio workstation was also installed in the studio to enhance recording and editing capabilities, the first time it had been used by the broadcaster.
‘It is our great honour to be part of the Best104 FM studio upgrade,’ said David Chan, managing director of Stagetec Asia. ‘We thank Best FM’s management for having the trust in us to deliver both the system and our professional service support.’