Selecting the Right FM Processor
by Kevin Clayborn
Scottsdale, Arizona — With a vast array of Orban Audio Processors available, how do you know that you are choosing the one you need? We'll take at look at the Orban line-up of FM processors and see what the differences are, and thus enable you to make the right decision.
First, you must decide what is important to you in regards to achieving a competitive sound. So, how does the competition sound? Do you have several stations in your market? Are you in a large city or a small town? If you are faced with a variety of clean sounding broadcasters in a large city, your processor choice will be different than if you are in a small town or rural area with less competition.
Second, how important are various features and the possibility to upgrade to you? Is having a digital input as standard more important than having multiple composite outputs? Is the ability to download software upgrades for free important?
Third, what is your budget? In these trying times, this factor may be more important to you than it was just a year ago. Also, it may dictate how many features you may be able to afford.
Fourth, how important is the company's reputation for solid engineering to you? Does 30+ years of research and development in audio processing for all types of broadcasters and formats count for anything?
The Orban line of FM processors has the power to stand up to the toughest competitor, the features to make the operation as easy as possible, the price to make the decision financially viable, and the rock solid reputation that is envied the world over.
As an example, let's take an urban formatted station in a large metropolitan area. Two other stations in town play similar music. This station will want to use the 8600, which advances the state of the art by using Orban’s newest and most advanced processing algorithms. It is the only choice for stations, regardless of their market position, that want the best possible sound. The processing power and flexibility provided by the Advanced Settings will enable this station to fine tune any preset and create a sound that will grab and hold listeners. If at any time the station changes formats, there is a preset for the new format. Digital or analog I/O, multiple composite outputs, and the ability to be upgraded on the fly with new firmware make this unit feature-rich. The computer remote control, for example, enables the Program Director or Engineer to make changes to settings from the office down the hall or at a venue across town.
To use another example, a public news and information station with classical or folk music formatted for the evenings and weekends, but still in a large market, should consider the 8500. Ease of setup and ability to control the station remotely will enable even those with limited technical knowledge to keep the station sounding clean and clear...even when compared to some of the more powerful stations in the same market. The ability to daypart the station is also a big plus. The 8500 offers most of the features that the 8600 does, but at a lower cost.
In another sample case, a medium sized market (75-200 ranked) station with no large metropolitan area nearby has live morning and evening drive time shows but goes automated for midday and overnights. The station needs to upgrade due to technology advances, but has limited budget to do so and desires to retain the clean, big sound they had with an older processor. This station should consider the 8300. With 5 bands of processing like its bigger brothers, the 8300 can deliver on the sound at a price equal to that of lesser processors made by other companies. Together with remote control, digital or analog I/O, dual composite outputs and multiple presets, the 5300 is ready to go to work with minimum setup.
Finally, a small station serving a rural area needs a new processor due to equipment failure. They need something that is reliable, clean sounding and easy to setup. They also need it to be inexpensive. The 5500 is a perfect match in this situation! With five Bands of processing, they will be able to deliver a clean and clear signal and choose a preset just right for them. With analog I/O (as well as digital) the 5500 is ready for the rack and will fit with whatever equipment the station already has. As the station upgrades other equipment, the 5500 is able to keep
up - reliability, low cost and flexibility; just what this station needs.