What Equipment Do You Need for a Low Power FM Radio Station?

So you’ve been dreaming about running your own radio station, and you have a good idea of what you will broadcast, but how do you know exactly what equipment you’ll need?  While there are endless bells and whistles you can purchase for professional radio broadcasting, there are a few key pieces of equipment you’ll need to get up and running.  Here is a breakdown of the basic radio broadcast equipment:

Transmitter

The transmitter is the key component to any radio broadcast.  It takes your broadcast signal, encodes it, and transmits as radio waves that can be picked up by any receiver. There are several different types of Radio Transmitters available from Progressive Concepts. There are large FM Transmitters for full power Radio Stations and there are medium to low power FM Transmitters such as those used on LPFM radio stations.

Receiver

The receiver picks up the encoded broadcast signal, decodes it, and allows for you to hear it. It is the what allow your radio set to pick up signals for playback.

Antenna

The broadcast antenna sends and receives radio signals. Progressive Concepts can help you determine which FM Broadcasting Antenna is best for your particular application.

Transmission Lines

Transmission lines transport your signal locally, from one location to another.  For example from the FM Transmitter up the tower to the FM Antenna. These lines are usually in the form of coaxial cables. There are also short range transmitters used in AM and FM broadcasting. For example, it can take the broadcast from the studio to the location of the transmitter. This is also known as an STL Transmitter or Studio to Transmitter Link.

Audio Processor

The audio processor improves and optimizes the sound quality.  There are a variety of audio processors available from Progressive Concepts. Most are stand alone processors which are connected to the FM transmitter. This component can be replaced by software on computer-based radio broadcasts.

Mixer

A mixer allows the operator to combine multiple audio signals and control various aspects of how they sound, including level and equalization.

Speakers

Monitor speakers will be required to hear the contents of your broadcast.  It is recommended that speakers designed for music studios be used, as they can give you the most accurate representation of the signal.

Cables

Audio cables link various components of your broadcast studio to each other, allowing your signal to flow from one piece of equipment to another.

Audio Playback Component

Depending on what you intend to broadcast on your radio station, there are various options available for audio playback.  These include CD players, tape machines, or vinyl record players.  Most modern radio stations use a computer in conjunction with one or all of the previously mentioned playback devices.

Progressive Concepts is a comprehensive source for all of the necessary equipment required to start your own FM or LPFM radio station.  They offer 30-day guarantees and assistance in setting up and maintaining your equipment.

To learn more about the specifics of any of the previously mentioned radio broadcast equipment, contact Progressive Concepts today!