DHD audio, specialist in professional digital broadcast studio equipment and systems, reports a productive and successful 2023. Highlight developments announced during the year included the new XS3 IP Core plus an enhanced version of the established XD3 IP Core. Both made their first trade show appearance at IBC 2023 in Amsterdam.

“The modular structure of our digital audio mixing systems allows great flexibility during initial configuration and to support subsequent changes in operational workflow as well as scalability,” comments Marc Herrmann, Managing Director of DHD audio. “Our new XS3 Studio IP Core and XD3 High-Capacity IP Core also meet the demand for local and offsite IP connectivity including applications such as multi-location programme production and live news sourcing.”

Occupying just 1U of rack space, the XS3 Studio IP Core supports up to 20 stereo faders on DHD audio mixing consoles via an accompanying multi-I/O interface module. An integral setup assistant tool allows a system supervisor to choose between default settings with a choice of assignable-button functions and display layouts. More advanced settings can be selected using DHD’s powerful Toolbox configuration software which can be activated via an optional license. 

For larger systems, DHD’s XD3 High-Capacity IP Core supports up to 96 stereo audio faders plus 10,240 x 12,288 channel routing. The latest version has a quad-core CPU capable of running additional features such as Thimeo Audio Technology’s Stereo Tool as a fully integrated option. A demonstration version of Stereo Tool is included in each quad-core-equipped XD3. 

DHD also announced first deliveries of its TX2 ultra-compact audio production console. “The TX2 is designed for daily operation wherever space is at a premium,” Marc Herrmann adds. “Integral to the TX2’s panel are a 10.1-inch capacitive multitouch IPS display, two assignable potentiometers and six silent multicolour hardware buttons. Customers can configure the mixer layout to perfectly match their workflow.”

Among many successful projects completed during 2023 were two supervised by BVmedia. Italian broadcaster RadiOrizzonti chose latest-generation DHD DX2 audio mixing consoles as the control hub of a completely rebuilt production and live transmission studio. Radio Duchessa opted for a DHD SX2 studio production console as the control hub of its newly established free-access online radio channel. “We recommended a 10-channel SX2 solution configured to ensure signal continuity when switched to other locations such as live events outside the main studio,” details Roberto Zeccara, BVmedia Senior Project Manager.

Israeli broadcaster Radio Kol Rega replaced a legacy analog mixing desk with DHD digital consoles. “A key feature was to create a system that is super-easy to operate,” says Micha Blum, CEO of Jerusalem-based systems integrator Broadcast Design. “Together with Yaniv Shwartz, Kol Rega’s CTO, we opted for an integrated system centred around DHD products and Dante audio-over-IP. A 16-fader DHD SX2 console with a DHD TX flexible touch panel was chosen for Studio 1 and a four-faders SX2 with I/O-Core for the news studio.

Colombia’s national radio and television broadcaster, RTVC, invested in eight DHD SX2 audio mixing consoles as the production core of four additions to its network of ‘peace stations’. A major renovation project was also completed at the Bogotá headquarters of Colombian broadcaster Blu Radio. Latest-generation DHD RX2 and SX2 consoles have been installed in the main studio. Both projects were negotiated and completed by Bogota-based broadcast systems specialist ASPA ANDINA.

Belgian public broadcaster Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie (VRT) updated its central Brussels studios with new RX2 and TX mixers. VRT began deploying DHD audio systems in 2003. DHD mixers are integrated into VRT’s central Brussels headquarters and five regional studios as well as the network’s video edit suites and mobile production vehicles. The project was performed on a turnkey basis by Belgian system integrator Amptec.

An IP-integrated production system was adopted at the Hilversum studios of NH Media, radio and television broadcaster for North Holland. Designed in partnership with Dutch broadcast and IT solutions specialist D&MS, it includes equipment supplied via Media Utilities, Almere. “Audio production in our radio and television studios is via DHD audio mixers, chosen because they are easy to operate,” says Edgar van Santen, NH Media Broadcast Coordinator. “Complex audio setups can be preconfigured so that end users never need to worry about details such as clean feeds or voice processing. The audio mixers are a combination of SX2 DHD desks, XC3 Cores and TX panels. We designated key users in advance and made them an integral part of the change process. Everything is running smoothly.”

“Looking back on a successful year, we are very pleased to be supporting an increasing number of happy customers around the globe and accelerating the transition to IP within modern broadcast facilities,” Marc Herrmann summarises.