Hospital Radio Basingstoke (HRB), a radio station associated with Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital in the UK, has upgraded its on-air studio with the installation of the AEQ CAPITOL IP PLUS digital mixing console. The project, carried out by AEQ’s local distributor Broadcast Radio, places AEQ technology at the heart of the station’s new broadcast setup.
HRB provides round-the-clock programming aimed primarily at hospital patients. Its content includes programmes where listeners can request their favourite songs, one of the defining features of hospital radio. Since 2023, the station has also been available via DAB digital radio, alongside its online broadcasts through its website and other online radio platforms.
Following the studio upgrade, AEQ CAPITOL IP PLUS serves as the core of the audio system, managing the signals throughout the installation. The console was selected to meet the station’s operational needs, combining reliable performance, high-quality digital audio and ease of use for its operators.
Digital technology in a compact format
AEQ CAPITOL IP PLUS is a digital audio mixing console featuring 10 physical faders and 12 virtual faders, providing flexible operation in a compact design. Its architecture incorporates an IP connectivity module with 16 input and 16 output channels, while its touchscreen provides intuitive control of the system’s functions.
The console offers a wide range of connectivity options to accommodate different studio configurations: four mic/line inputs, twelve analogue inputs, four AES/EBU (AES3) stereo digital inputs and two USB stereo digital connections. Optional features include two telephone lines, multichannel digital audio links, 16 channels of Audio over IP (AoIP) via two Ethernet connections, or 64 MADI channels over fibre optic.
The AEQ CAPITOL console family is widely used by broadcasters around the world, combining digital audio capabilities and IP connectivity with straightforward operation. These features, together with its robust design, make CAPITOL IP PLUS a suitable solution for studios requiring professional broadcast technology that remains accessible to their operators.
For more information about Hospital Radio Basingstoke, visit www.hrbasingstoke.co.uk.
