Cadena Melodía de Colombia (Cadena Melodía), a long-established Colombian radio network, has chosen DHD audio SX2 production consoles for integration into the main studios at its headquarters in Bogotá. The project was performed by ASPA ANDINA and encompassed the digitisation of the broadcast facilities.
Founded in 1967 following the merger of Radio Industrial and Melodia FM Estéreo, Cadena Melodía expanded in the 1980s with stations in Bucaramanga, Cúcuta, Cartagena de Indias, Barranquilla, Cali and Pasto. Cadena Melodía also offers its programmes online in HD audio format via https://melodia-stereo-730am-7000.m.letio.com/.
“This upgrade of Cadena Melodía’s studios in the visually striking Glass Building on Bogotá’s 45th Street sets a benchmark as the first station in Colombia to have entrusted its digitisation process to DHD’s SX2 control surface,” says Juan Pablo León, ASPA ANDINA’s technical director, commercial. “The system allows the interconnection of multiple studios via Cat6 Ethernet cable. In addition to their role as production mixers, the SX2 control surfaces can be used to perform audio routing from any available input to assigned outputs, including recording tools, booth monitoring, audio codec returns, and hybrid outputs. Routing is supervised through a 10-inch multitouch screen forming the upper section of each SX2 modular control surface.
“Each of the DHD control surfaces is equipped with motorised faders which have enabled the implementation of a virtual microphone mixer on a second layer. This optimises costs and space in the broadcast master, allowing for automatic mixing. Studio microphones are routed to one of the 16 available programme buses. This is controlled using DHD’s Automix tool, simplifying console operation.
“The DHD system supports a very large number of audio inputs and outputs in all existing audio formats. We also installed headphone jacks with independent level control. This allows independent return audio to each announcer, including specific talkback or commands from Cadena Melodía’s master control room when needed.
“A recently implemented telephone hybrid, fully remotely controlled from the DHD console, is compatible with traditional POTS/PSTN telephone lines and VoIP telephony. Wireless connectivity can also be achieved using smartphones with Bluetooth in two-way communication, allowing listener feedback. The system can also connect to GSM networks.
“In summary, we appreciate the trust of the entire management, technical and administrative team of Cadena Melodía de Colombia for allowing us to continue being part of the technological renewal of radio in the country.”
