The relocation to new studios was carried out with the integration expertise of Broadcast Design Ltd., an audio technology specialist based in Jerusalem.

Equipment Overview

The new setup includes four DHD SX2 consoles—two with 16 faders and two with 22 faders—and 11 TX2 compact multifunction touch panels. These devices have been strategically assigned across the station’s production environments. Six of the TX2 mixers are designated for use by the host and producer in each studio, with additional units for edit booths, supervisors, and the TV control room. DHD XC3 cores handle processing and network interfacing.

Station Background

Established in 1996, Radio Kol-Chai operates two audio and video content channels: Radio Kol-Chai FM and Radio Kol-Chai Music. The station’s FM channel delivers news, live discussions, podcasts, and music, broadcasting six days a week on 93.0 FM in central Israel and 92.8 FM in the Jerusalem district. Online listeners can access live and on-demand content via the station’s website, www.93fm.co.il.

Studio Configuration

Micha Blum, founder and CEO of Broadcast Design Ltd., explained the studio arrangement. Studio 4 is designated for video production and equipped with a 22-fader DHD SX2 console. Studio 1 serves the general channel, while Studio 2 is for Kol-Chai Music. Studio 3 is set up for recording and can function as a backup presentation studio. Each studio and voiceover booth can be assigned to any channel, and one of the editing booths is also equipped for Top of the Hour news presentation.

Technical Integration

The new studios allow for complex talkback and codec management between multiple locations, including the station’s Jerusalem studios and remote hosts. DHD audio consoles were selected for their capability to manage feeds, codec assignment, monitoring, talkbacks, alarms, and silence detection, all within a single system. This eliminates the need for third-party equipment.

Operational Flexibility

The DHD system allows seamless reassignment of control room mixing consoles to any studio. The main studio has a dedicated control room that can be utilized for live broadcasts or recordings simultaneously in different productions. Automatic routing manages bidirectional talkbacks between hosts, producers, and technicians independently, with clear status indicators to prevent errors.

Future-Proofing and Training

The relocation provided an opportunity to integrate a more advanced interconnection architecture, improving operational efficiency and simplifying future expansions. The studio feeds are sent to the master control room via DHD’s APC Audio, enabling multiple audio channels to connect over standard network cables. The system is also designed for visual radio productions. Broadcast Design Ltd. provided training to the Radio Kol-Chai operations team and support technicians.

Endorsement from Radio Kol-Chai

Assaf Klein, project manager at Radio Kol-Chai, emphasized the effectiveness and reliability of DHD audio consoles, which have been in use for the past decade. The consoles feature intuitive controls, onscreen status, and signal level displays, which provide operators with confidence during live broadcasts. Technical staff benefit from the ease of configuration and the IP-connected help available through DHD’s Assist WebApp, which allows remote support and system management.

DHD Audio Technology Features

The DHD SX2 console is based on a four-fader central module with options to expand up to 20 channels. The console includes a 10.1-inch multi-touch display, and its features can be extended through optional license codes. The TX2 is a compact multitouch mixing console designed for daily operation in various environments, including news desks and edit suites. It connects to a core processor or concentrator via a single network cable that carries all audio and control signals, plus power, for up to 100 meters. The TX2 can operate as part of a larger system or as a standalone device without the need for a PC.