Wheatstone To Unveil New Low-Cost Broadcast Console, Designer Furniture, at Radio World

Los Angeles, CA. Audioarts Engineering, a division of Wheatstone Corporation, is preparing to introduce a new console at the World Media Expo and NAB Radio Show, which opens on Thursday (Oct.10) at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

The Audioarts R-5 on-air radio console will be available in the fourth quarter of this year for a list price of $5,795 (US). It delivers “better than 16-bit digital audio performance,” and it is targeted to small-market applications.

“With the introduction of this less expensive and feature-rich audio console, Audioarts is expanding into new markets, such as college and smaller market radio stations,” says Ray Esparolini, Director of Sales, Wheatstone Corporation.

“The R-5 is very versatile and can be used in many ways, possibly as the main control console in smaller market stations or as the secondary console in medium-sized markets.”

The R-5 is designed for easy installation. Among its features, the R-5 has two pairs of Sifam™ VU meters for stereo program and audition. All switches are LED illuminated for easy identification and low maintenance. It includes Audioarts exclusive Simple Phone™ mix-minus feature, which simplifies a busy station’s multiple call-in operations; full function tape remote controls; and four microphone pre-amps. The new console also provides electronic switching throughout and two inputs per channel.

Also going on display at the Wheatstone booth at Radio World (booth #2043) will be a new line of studio furniture for radio stations, featuring a designer look. The U-shaped counter array of the new line includes a sweeping curve toward the interview area, and an interview counter that is kidney-shaped. The furniture includes a substantial amount of storage space, as well as generous wire raceways, and hinged punch block panels.

“This new line incorporates a highly stylized approach to radio console furniture,” explained Wheatstone President Gary Snow. “The design is based on a curved style of architecture. It includes a beautiful combination of hardwoods and laminates. The cabinets have hardwood rounded corners. It is extremely refined furniture, the kind an architect would select if he or she were designing the interior of a radio station.”