Cable access in the studio is hidden behind panels below the console.

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Future planning

Redundancy was a key factor in the rebuild plan. There was some level of redundancy in the old studios, but it was far from easy to use when needed. This redundancy starts in the Audiovault Express servers. Each room has a server, and each station's audio is copied to the other systems. The IP-audio system also allows every source to be available on any console surface, and any studio can feed either transmitter.

The three rooms are also nearly identical. The AM and production studios are the same layout, while the FM studio is a mirror. Each studio has three monitors that show the audio editor, Wheatstone status/meters and Audiovault.

While all the audio is stored and played from the Audiovault, there are three reel-to-reel machines still in place for occasional use. One local program is archived on reels, so they are mainly for transferring that archive into the Audiovault. There are rare occasions when audio is sent on reel as well. A cassette deck and CD player are also in each studio if needed, but see little use.

The store-front studios of KMXL and KDMO.

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One eco-friendly upgrade is the studio lighting. Rather than use hot incandescent lights, the station opted for LED lighting. Each studio has two lighting tracks with six lamp modules. Each module uses 3W, for a total lighting draw of 18W. Despite the low draw, the rooms have plenty of lighting for regular use. For additional work light there are recessed incandescent light fixtures in the corners if needed, but they are rarely used.

The complete facility occupies three adjoining store fronts. Nearly one-third of the total space is dedicated to the studios. There is a fourth room that could be used for a studio later. Currently used by the station manager for his office, the walls are finished like the other studios and it faces the street.

While budgets everywhere are tight, it's refreshing to see a local owner reinvest in his efforts, and to do so in a way that shows a dedication to radio. The new studios of KMXL and KDMO are on par with studios in much larger markets, and they're built with the latest technology, which will let the stations keep a competitive pace for many years to come.

Equipment List
Yellowtec Mika
Wheatstone Evolution 4, ip88ad, ip88e, WheatNet-IP Navigator
Vorsis VP-8, M1
Telos 1A2 Interface, One
Syntrillium Cool Edit Pro 1.2
Samson Servo 1200
Sage Endec
RF Specialties equipment dealer
Radio Systems DA-4X4B
Omnimout speaker mounts
O.C. White mic booms
Moseley SL9003Q
Marti STL10
Henry Engineering Multiphones Minipod
Heil PR40
Gepco D61801EZGF
Designcraft studio furniture
Broadcast Tools ACS8.2+
Broadcast Electronics AV Express
Behringer B2031P
Audiovault Express
AirTools 6100

More photos, including shots of the studios before the remodel are on page 4.