Modernizing a FM radio station - I need help!!

[filoandperi]

Hey guys,
I have been asked to modernize the Croatian FM radio station here in nyc by some of my mom's friends who are in charge there. They currently record and broadcast via cassette tapes and want the option to record to a hard disk (PC), plays songs from the computer, and broadcast shows. I've listened to the station and it sounds pretty stale...its mostly volunteer run and no real engineers there. Everything is in the same room (unfortunately) and I think this part of the problem ...I'm going to ask what my options are about isolating a live room/control room. However, they do have some worthwhile stuff and I have the option of selling it for something more practical if need be. They also have some money to spend if I need it...lets say 2 grand to work with.

Current Setup:
Audio Technica 4060 ($1,000 Tube mic - Cardiod only) ->
Soundcraft RM 100 (8 channel - no assignable busses/outputs - no eq - only 1 stereo out...pretty minimal) -> Some unit that’s connected to a telephone line for broadcasting.

My Ideas:
Most of the people operating the station have a very basic knowledge of computers so simple = better. They want to use windows media player to play tracks..fine. I think the best thing to do is install 2 sound cards - 1 dedicated to windows media player and the other one to sonys acid software. They will record, edit, and play back from sony's acid. I want to ditch the soundcraft due to its lack of routing and get something cheap - maybe a yamaha 01v w. assignable outs and busses. This way I can set up the system to be able to record to tape (they way they are comfy with, just in case) and HD simultaneously, amongst other things.

What should I do about the mic situation w. my current options? Should I sell the AT for a better-suited dynamic? They use no compressors @ all and something simple would def make the voice sound better. An older dbx 166a does the job decently on vox (for radio) and for real cheap. What would be some cheap 2bus compression options for everything before sending it out to broadcast? Nothing too harsh...

Thank you all in advance for suggestions. Much appreciated!

Bo

www.myspace.com/filoandperi

[minister]

MICS:

HEIL PR 20 OR PR 40 (highly recommend and cheap!)
Heil Sound - Recording Live Sound Broadcast - Products
SHURE SM7b
EV RE 20

dbx 16x would be fine.

if i can get the display fixed (part on order due here soon) i have a Yamaha 03D i would sell cheap.

why not iTunes for PC?

phone unit - JK Audio

JKAUDIO Inline Patch Audio Accessories & Misc.

[Stephen Muir]

Beware basing the entire station's playback and recording capabilities around one computer, especially if its connected to the internet.

Make sure that in the event of a catastrophic computer meltdown you won't be left with dead air until the IT technician arrives.

Add a pro CD player or two, and back up as much of the music and programming library as possible to CD.

While you're at it, make sure there is an easy to follow backup procedure that will leave you with daily redundant backups of new data.

[filoandperi]

Originally Posted by Stephen Muir

Beware basing the entire station's playback and recording capabilities around one computer, especially if its connected to the internet.

Make sure that in the event of a catastrophic computer meltdown you won't be left with dead air until the IT technician arrives.

Add a pro CD player or two, and back up as much of the music and programming library as possible to CD.

While you're at it, make sure there is an easy to follow backup procedure that will leave you with daily redundant backups of new data.

Absolutely! I forgot to mention that they already have CD players & a CD recorder. I agree w. you 100% - thats why Im considering the Yamaha O1V. It's routing options would make everything you mentioned a snap. They will be able to record & play back from tape or HD at anytime.

[jowillie]

I concur with Tom above. You may consider investing in simple "do-all" boxes like: Software Products
...or even: The WorldVibrations Radio Station & Podcaster - Internet Radio and Podcasting Device

The simpler, the better.
WE