Radiotélévision Nationale Congolaise (RTNC) is the main public broadcasting organisation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since its establishment in 1940, it has played a key role in delivering information and audiovisual content throughout the country through its radio and television services. Its programming covers national and international news, politics, social affairs, education, healthcare, sports and culture, as well as broadcasts of major national events.
As part of its ongoing technological modernisation, RTNC has undertaken a project to renovate its three main radio studios in the capital, along with the central matrix responsible for managing signals across its studios. The project was carried out by Studiotech Belgium, the systems integrator responsible for the installation, which selected AEQ technology to provide the digital equipment for the new facilities. The renovation also includes cabling, furniture and accessories, with AEQ FORUM IP SPLIT digital consoles at the heart of the studios and the AEQ XCORE matrix serving as the central audio management and distribution system.
AEQ FORUM IP SPLIT: control and flexibility for the new studios
The new facilities feature AEQ FORUM IP SPLIT consoles, designed to meet the demands of professional radio production and broadcasting environments. These mixing consoles incorporate all the essential functions required for ON AIR operation, including automatic monitor muting, cough muting, fader start, signalling management, external equipment control, communications management and intercom facilities.
Their modular, distributed architecture allows each system to be tailored to different operational requirements, from self-operated studios and control-room/studio configurations to production environments and large-scale installations. The FORUM IP SPLIT version incorporates the modular FR CORE engine, housed in a 3U rack unit, and supports up to six four-fader modules, together with a control and monitoring unit.
In terms of connectivity, the system can be equipped with multichannel audio-over-IP input and output cards, compatible with AES67 through Dante technology. This enables seamless signal exchange with other audio equipment, mixing consoles and routing systems from a wide range of manufacturers. MADI connectivity is also available as an option, and the system can accommodate up to two internal digital telephone hybrids, further expanding its integration and communication capabilities.
AEQ XCORE: centralised audio signal management
The infrastructure is completed by AEQ XCORE, the digital matrix responsible for centralising and managing audio signals from the three new studios and the rest of RTNC's facilities.
Designed for large-scale production and broadcasting environments, XCORE can receive, process, distribute and route multiple audio signals between different areas of an installation. Its modular and redundant architecture provides a scalable solution that can adapt to the size and requirements of each project, offering extensive configuration possibilities for inputs, outputs and signal routing.
Software-based control allows technical staff to configure and modify audio routes flexibly, making it easier to manage different signal sources and destinations. In this way, AEQ XCORE provides a centralised control point for coordinating studio audio workflows and maintaining an integrated production and broadcasting infrastructure.
RTNC, a leading public broadcaster in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Radiotélévision Nationale Congolaise holds a prominent position in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's audiovisual landscape. As a public broadcaster under the supervision of the Ministry of Communication and Media, it fulfils a public service mission through informative, educational and cultural programming, contributing to the dissemination of information and the promotion of the country's cultural diversity.
Its activities encompass both radio and television production and broadcasting, with programming that combines national and international news with content covering social, cultural and educational topics. Its coverage of major national events and its presence on digital platforms further extend its reach and engagement with audiences.
The renovation of its three main radio studios and central matrix represents an important step towards modernising its production infrastructure. The collaboration between RTNC, Studiotech Belgium and AEQ provides the public broadcaster with a digital audio platform designed to meet current production and broadcasting requirements, while offering the flexibility to accommodate future expansions and new technological challenges.
For more information about RTNC: www.rtnc.cd
For more information about Studiotech Belgium: www.studiotech.be
