Generic Radio Best Practices

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Best Practices for Community Radio Station Operations

Essential Guide: Professional standards and best practices for reliable, high-quality radio broadcasting. These guidelines help prevent downtime, improve audio quality, and ensure compliance with broadcasting standards.

Table of Contents

Power Protection & Redundancy

UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) Requirements

Critical: Every broadcast facility should have UPS protection for essential equipment. Even a 5-second power outage can knock you off-air for minutes.

UPS Sizing Guidelines

Equipment Typical Power Draw Priority Min Runtime
Streaming Encoder PC 150-300W Critical 30 minutes
Audio Mixer 50-100W Critical 30 minutes
Network Equipment 50-150W Critical 30 minutes
Audio Processors 20-50W each Important 15 minutes
Monitoring Speakers 100-200W Optional N/A

UPS Best Practices

  • Calculate Total Load: Add all critical equipment wattage × 1.3 for headroom
  • Runtime Target: Minimum 15-30 minutes for graceful shutdown
  • Line-Interactive or Online: Choose topology based on power quality
  • Network Management: Get UPS with SNMP/network monitoring
  • Automatic Shutdown: Configure connected systems for auto-shutdown
  • Regular Testing: Monthly self-tests, annual battery replacement
  • Surge Protection: UPS should include surge suppression

Generator Backup

For stations requiring 24/7 uptime:

  • Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) for seamless switching
  • Weekly generator tests under load
  • Fuel monitoring and contracts
  • UPS bridges the gap during generator startup

Audio Signal Chain Best Practices

Balanced vs Unbalanced Audio

Rule: Use balanced audio connections wherever possible to eliminate noise and interference.

Balanced Audio (XLR/TRS) Advantages

  • Noise Rejection: Common-mode rejection eliminates interference
  • Long Cable Runs: Can run 100+ feet without signal degradation
  • Professional Standard: +4dBu line level
  • Ground Loop Immunity: Prevents hum and buzz

When Balanced Audio is Essential

  • Microphone connections (always use XLR)
  • Mixer to processor connections
  • Any cable run over 10 feet
  • Connections between rooms
  • Studio to transmitter links

Proper Gain Staging

Stage Target Level Peak Maximum
Microphone Preamp -18 to -12 dBFS -6 dBFS
Mixer Channel 0 VU (-18 dBFS) +6 VU
Main Output 0 VU +3 VU
Streaming Encoder -12 to -6 dBFS -3 dBFS

Audio Processing Chain

  1. Input Stage: Proper mic placement and gain
  2. EQ: Corrective first, then creative
  3. Compression: 2:1 to 4:1 for voice
  4. De-esser: Control sibilance (if needed)
  5. Noise Gate: Set threshold below voice level
  6. Limiter: Final protection at -1 dBFS

Broadcast Redundancy Systems

Silence Detection & Failover

Essential: Silence detection prevents dead air - the cardinal sin of broadcasting.

Implementing Silence Detection

  1. Detection Threshold: Set to -40dB or appropriate level
  2. Duration: Trigger after 10-30 seconds of silence
  3. Action Options:
    • Switch to backup audio source
    • Play emergency playlist
    • Send alert notifications
    • Restart encoder/software

Failover Audio Sources (Priority Order)

  1. Primary live studio feed
  2. Backup studio feed (different path)
  3. Automation system/playout
  4. Emergency MP3 playlist
  5. Looped station ID/music bed

Multiple Encoder Setup

  • Primary Encoder: Main streaming computer
  • Backup Encoder: Secondary PC on standby
  • Hardware Encoder: Barix/dedicated device as tertiary
  • Cloud Backup: Virtual server with emergency content

Network Redundancy

Component Primary Backup
Internet Connection Fiber/Cable 4G/5G Failover
Router Main router Backup router (VRRP/HSRP)
Stream Server Primary Icecast Backup server/relay
DNS Primary DNS Secondary DNS

Monitoring & Alerts

Essential Monitoring Points

Stream Health Monitoring

  • Stream Status: Up/down state
  • Listener Count: Unusual drops/spikes
  • Bitrate Consistency: Verify stable bitrate
  • Audio Levels: Peak and average levels
  • Silence Detection: Dead air alerts

System Monitoring

  • CPU Usage: Alert above 80%
  • Memory Usage: Alert above 85%
  • Disk Space: Alert below 10% free
  • Network Latency: Alert above 100ms
  • Temperature: Equipment temperature sensors

Alert Configuration

Multi-Channel Alerts: Don't rely on a single notification method.
Alert Type Priority Notification Methods
Stream Down Critical SMS, Phone Call, Email
Silence Detected Critical SMS, Email
High CPU/Memory Warning Email, Dashboard
Low Disk Space Warning Email
Certificate Expiry Info Email (30 days advance)

Preventive Maintenance Schedule

Daily Tasks

  • Check stream status and quality
  • Review overnight logs for errors
  • Verify backup systems ready
  • Check studio temperature/environment

Weekly Tasks

  • Test backup audio sources
  • Review listener statistics
  • Check disk space on all systems
  • Test UPS battery status
  • Clean studio equipment (dust filters)

Monthly Tasks

  • Full backup system test
  • Update software and security patches
  • Review and clean up log files
  • Test emergency procedures
  • Check all cable connections
  • Calibrate audio levels

Annual Tasks

  • Replace UPS batteries
  • Deep clean all equipment
  • Review and update documentation
  • Renew SSL certificates
  • Audit software licenses
  • Professional equipment calibration

Documentation Standards

Essential Documentation

Technical Documentation

  • Network Diagram: IP addresses, VLANs, routing
  • Audio Signal Flow: Complete chain from mic to stream
  • Equipment List: Models, serial numbers, purchase dates
  • Software Inventory: Versions, licenses, keys
  • Vendor Contacts: Support numbers, account info

Operational Procedures

  • Startup Procedures: Step-by-step system startup
  • Shutdown Procedures: Proper shutdown sequence
  • Emergency Procedures: What to do when things fail
  • Troubleshooting Guide: Common issues and fixes
  • Contact Tree: Who to call and when

Password Management

  • Use password manager (e.g., Bitwarden, 1Password)
  • Unique passwords for each service
  • Regular password rotation (quarterly)
  • Two-factor authentication where available
  • Secure backup of recovery codes

Legal & Compliance Requirements

Broadcast Compliance

  • Music Licensing: PRS, PPL, or regional equivalents
  • Broadcast License: Ofcom (UK) or regional authority
  • Copyright Compliance: Proper attribution and permissions
  • Advertising Standards: Follow regional guidelines
  • Content Warnings: Appropriate for time of day

Technical Compliance

  • Audio Loudness: EBU R128 / ITU-R BS.1770 standards
  • Peak Levels: -1 dBFS maximum
  • Metadata Accuracy: Correct song/artist information
  • Stream Geoblocking: If required by licensing

Data Protection

  • GDPR compliance (EU/UK)
  • Listener data protection
  • Secure storage of recordings
  • Privacy policy compliance
  • Cookie consent for web players

Emergency Procedures

Complete System Failure

  1. Immediate: Switch to backup encoder/source
  2. Notify: Technical team and management
  3. Diagnose: Check power, network, hardware
  4. Communicate: Update website/social media
  5. Document: Log all issues and actions taken

Emergency Contact List

Service Contact Available
Stream Provider (Canstream) Support ticket/phone 24/7
ISP Support Business support line 24/7
Chief Engineer Mobile number On-call
Station Manager Mobile number Business hours
Equipment Vendor Support number Business hours

Studio Hygiene Best Practices

Equipment Care

  • Microphones: Use pop filters, regular cleaning
  • Faders: Monthly cleaning with appropriate cleaners
  • Computers: Dust filters cleaned monthly
  • Cables: Proper coiling and storage
  • Headphones: Regular pad replacement

Environmental Control

  • Temperature: 18-22°C (64-72°F)
  • Humidity: 40-60% relative humidity
  • Dust Control: Regular vacuuming, air filtration
  • Acoustic Treatment: Maintain and replace as needed

Performance Optimization

Computer Optimization

  • Disable unnecessary startup programs
  • Regular disk cleanup and defragmentation
  • Disable automatic updates during broadcast hours
  • Dedicated broadcast user account
  • Disable screen savers and sleep mode
  • Regular malware scans during off-hours

Network Optimization

  • QoS prioritization for streaming traffic
  • Separate VLAN for broadcast systems
  • Bandwidth monitoring and management
  • Regular speed tests and documentation
  • Firewall rules optimization

Quick Reference Checklist

✓ Essential Best Practices Checklist:

  1. ☐ UPS protecting all critical equipment
  2. ☐ Balanced audio connections throughout
  3. ☐ Silence detection configured and tested
  4. ☐ Backup audio source ready
  5. ☐ Monitoring alerts configured
  6. ☐ Documentation up to date
  7. ☐ Emergency procedures posted
  8. ☐ Regular maintenance schedule followed
  9. ☐ Compliance requirements met
  10. ☐ Backup systems tested monthly
  11. ☐ Password security implemented
  12. ☐ Environmental controls maintained

Remember: The best time to implement these practices is before you need them. A well-maintained, properly configured broadcast facility rarely experiences unexpected downtime.

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