The project involved the creation of radio presentation control desks, along with related facilities designed to offer dimensions and radio-specific features necessary to accommodate extra programme participants or studio guests.
Custom Consoles, in a collaborative effort with Dega Broadcast Systems, has announced the completion and installation of 20 control room desks and auxiliary technical furniture at the studios of Radio Botswana in the national capital. This extensive project marks a significant component of the comprehensive system upgrade undertaken by Dega Broadcast Systems.
Commenting on the deal, John Cleaver, Director of Dega Broadcast Systems, said: “The assignment encompassed the design and installation of radio presentation control desks and associated facilities, tailored to accommodate the specific dimensions and features required for additional program participants or studio guests. Many of the desks feature noise-reducing worktop surfaces and concealed ducts for audio, mains, and related control cables. Several instances also specified electrically powered height adjustability, offering presenters the flexibility to work either seated or standing.”
Gary Fuller, Sales Manager, Custom Consoles, added: “Among the desks delivered for this project are central control and production studio control room workstations, a hub desk, a news studio control desk, an assignable control suite, and a listening room console. Additionally, we produced an acoustically treated studio guest table. Leveraging our extensive experience in designing and constructing radio and TV studio control desks, we collaborated closely with Dega during the design phase, pre-build at our UK headquarters, and the actual installation at the network’s studios in Gaborone.”
The on-air console, comprising two crescent-shaped sections spanning approximately 3.8m in width, stands out as a focal point. The central section accommodates a single presenter/operator facing five guests seated at an outer, similarly curved section. Embedded audio mixing panels, support for loudspeakers, and computer monitors are integrated into the inner section, with individually adjustable booms for microphones provided to both presenter and guests. A 14U high equipment pod is positioned to the left of the inner desk, with the worktop level of this and other height-adjustable desks ranging from 695 to 1,195 mm.
Matching in size and shape to the on-air console, the production control room console and hub desk feature embedded audio mixing panels, loudspeaker mounts, and computer monitor arms.
The listening room control console boasts a 1.8-m x 750 mm worktop with curved corners, designed for use by a single operator. It accommodates desktop loudspeakers, a communications panel, and a computer monitor.
For the news studio and assignable control suite, Custom Consoles selected desks from the M-Desk Technical series, along with desks from the established Modular-R series. The news studio control desk spans 2.7m, comprising a rectangular structure spanning four bays and an integral 13U high equipment pod. Similarly, the assignable control suite desk spans two bays with an integral 13U equipment pod, forming a total width of 1.8m.
Botswana, renowned for its media excellence, particularly showcased through its early adoption of digital technology by the national television network (BTV), continues this legacy with Radio Botswana. Established in 1965, Radio Botswana broadcasts in the Setswana language, offering a diverse programme lineup encompassing news, parliamentary debates, education, culture, and general entertainment. A sister channel to Radio Botswana 1, RB2, focuses on music and sports with commercial funding.
