M2 : Explain the processes and technologies involved in producing a radio broadcast

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Equipment

standard equipment

microphones

the microphones which radio presenters will used are for announcements and voiceovers. the disc type thing on it is to make the persons voice sound a lot clearer and to block out any major background noise.

headphones

the headphones used in a radio station would be to closely listen to the audio which you are broadcasting, and would be connected to the same channel as the speakers.

speakers

these speakers will be used to listen to the content you have created, but without headphones. so, for example, if a group project is being worked on and each person is doing it separately, to share what they have done they can simply use the speakers. however, when going back to using the headphones, once they are plugged back in the speakers will stop automatically.

workstation

workstations in radio stations would be used for running the radio software, which allows AM and FM broadcasting to create music and voices from the computer itself rather than using a tape recorder or CDs. part of this can also be to see how loud / quiet the noise going into the microphone will be.

mixing desk

mixing desks, or just mixers, are used to shift radio signals from one frequency to another. they also can combine different sounds, like pre recorded or ones from sources like instruments and microphones, and play them at different points in a recording.

studio equipment

digital cartwalls and playlists

these are part of a pre-loaded software system, and contains all audio assets from a playlist. they would be used to play the jingles and other bits of audio in the radio show when necessary, and also would have all of the songs that will be played on the show.

digital playout system

these are what will play out the songs and other sounds on the radio, as this is a playlist which is scheduled and time accurate so will play when it is necessary. within this there is also the pre-recorded portions and advert breaks.

Pre-Production

arrange the script

the script for the show must be arranged in advance to it being recorded in order to avoid rush directly prior. it also should include directions to where the jingles would be played, where in the show the adverts or songs might come on, and other things like this would be useful to be on the script. 

create audio assets needed

these assets will be used to create different or even the same tone throughout the radio show. this is important in pre production because it would give the opportunity to choose the right things for the final recording instead of having to make these choices last minute.

load up music to be played / audio bites

the easiest way for the music to be played in the preferred order would be to have them in a playlist ready for the show so there is no messing around trying to find the right songs to play when the show has already started.

set up equipment

as usual, it is easier to have the necessary equipment ready to use before the radio show starts. this would mean that there would be more time to get other things prepared before the show starts that may be more important than the equipment.

Production

recording of the radio production

This stage of a radio show involves the use of various tools and techniques to create a final product. It requires a lot of planning and attention to detail.

Post-Production

editing of the product

The editing process of a radio show is a phase that involves the use of audio software like adobe audition to perfect the final product. It requires the ability to work creatively with sound effects and music.

audio adjustments

The adjustments made during this stage are essential to create a good final product. It involves adjusting audio levels and compression to ensure that the sound is balanced and clear.