Standardizing on the RM105 fully-modular on-air console, it recently purchased its tenth, with the upgrade of the mixing facilities in its North Donegal regional studio. Audio Warehouse, Soundcraft's Southern Ireland distributors, supplied the board as a 20-module frame, with three mic and two Telco input modules - and the remainder stereo. In some of the larger regional studios these desks are interfaced with B400 production desks to allow operation in either compere operated or 'support' mode.
"The decision on desk acquisition is made by a user group, consisting of console users and support engineers," explained Cyril Ryan, head of regional facilities, RTE. "The main reason for selection is functionality and reliability, as these desks are used in remote sites, with little technical support."
Audio Warehouse, Soundcraft's Irish distributor, supplied the desk. Audiohead installed it, with assistance from RTE's own regional production engineers. All inputs and outputs were wired to Krone 'off site' with jumpering on-site to minimize studio off time. The RM105 has been modified to allow talkback to an Aux feed - a necessary implementation at RTE, since they use stereo ISDN in and out.
The North Donegal studio is situated in Dore Beaga - the heart of the Irish (Gaelic) speaking community. Aine Ni Chuirain and Ronan Mac Aodha Bhuí used it for the first time on air after minimal training.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
