DHD Audio Reports A Year Of Technical Innovation

DHD audio has announced 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," said 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 continued. "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," said 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," said 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," said 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," commented 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 Televisión 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 Atlántico 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 Atlántico region facility accessible with its studios throughout Colombia via a secure digital audio network," said Juan Pablo León, ASPA ANDINA’s technical director, commercial. "We have integrated DHD SX2 audio production consoles into three studios, all of them interconnected via Dante audio-over-IP. These allow RTVC staff and those of the state-owned Radiónica music radio network to share digital media and production resources from any connected location."

DHD-supported exhibitions during 2024 included the Hamburg Open, the Media Production & Technology Show and Podcast Show in London, and IBC in Amsterdam. "The number of visitors to our 2024 IBC booth was overwhelming and for DHD the highest number to date," added Chris Settele, international sales manager. "Positive feedback was received for our latest developments, especially from national and public broadcasters, confirming that we are still firmly in sync with client demands. A high level of interest was shown in our product range for flagship DHD products like the RX2 and our brand new RM1 all-in-one mixing and monitoring solution. The new DHD Control API was much appreciated by our clients, offering a wide array of possibilities such as single remote faders. Our latest NMOS implementation also attracted strong interest as it enables DHD devices to be automatically registered so that defined AES67 sources and destinations become available to the NMOS network."

"On-air television and radio broadcasting continue to play a major role as a source of general news and entertainment, augmented by a growing number of online channels catering for specific audience groups," summarised Christoph Gottert, joint international sales manager. "On-demand podcasting has also gained great popularity over the past two decades with an estimated 3.5 million programme files currently accessible for online access. DHD products are designed to provide the high quality, versatility and ease of operation needed by content creators throughout the media industry."

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