Thursday, 31 May 2018

LO2: Production Technologies

Whether its a public service broadcaster like the BBC or a commercial broadcaster like Kerrang FM or Hallam FM, all radio stations use similar, if not the same equipment. The quality of equipment might vary depending on the how successful the broadcaster is or who it is owned by as a radio station owned by a conglomerate is highly likely to have a good amount of funding. For example, a national and public funded broadcaster like the BBC will have state of the art equipment whereas a smaller, regional broadcaster like Sheffield Live will not.

Microphone

This is the most vital piece of equipment used for creating a radio programme as it allows the presenters to record what they are saying. A microphone processor will also be used to control the volume of the microphone. The processor is what connects the microphone to a computer, allowing it to be digitally manipulated into a digital file (.mp3, .WAV etc).

Mixing Desk

An audio desk is used in all radio productions that have some sort of a budget. It allows for the volume of different audio channels to be controlled quickly. An audio desk is very large and expensive and many of the functions that it was created to perform can be done on a computer for most radio shows. 

Computer

A computer is arguably one of the most important pieces of technology to have when creating a modern, cost-efficient radio programme. Technological convergence has allowed for many of the tasks that would usually be completed on a larger, more expensive piece to be performed by software such as Adobe Audition. 

Phone Talkback System

Some radio shows feature call-ins from their listeners; a phone talkback system allows for the call to be broadcast directly into the main microphone on the show so that listeners can hear what the caller is saying live. The devices often come with echo cancelling technology so the calls are easy to hear.

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