KUT Begins Studio Upgrade Project

KUT is hoping to avert disaster, improve efficiency and increase production capacity by replacing aging analog broadcast studio equipment with modern digital technology while connecting all studios to a digital network. Here's what we've done to take proactive steps in fixing the problem:

• Applied for and received a Department of Commerce Grant for $97,000
• Researched new equipment and discovered upgrading will allow KUT to produce more local content
• Established a timeline for construction to minimize on-air effects (see below)

KUT is seeking an additional $180,000 to match the Department of Commerce grant and to purchase additional equipment to increase our production capacity and maintain our reliability and sound quality. Make a donation today by clicking here or on the microphone below.

There is a sense of urgency associated with the studio upgrade project. There are three key reasons why KUT is beginning this project, and asking for your financial assistance.

• The equipment that allows KUT to switch between different studios is technology produced by a 1970s era manufacturer that no longer exists.
• Currently it is very difficult to maintain consistent audio quality and standards between studios with varied equipment.
• Because we have no backup air control studio our main equipment cannot be properly maintained without going off the air. This exacerbates the problems of age and "wear-and-tear" on this console.
• A new production booth will be installed as a backup to master control for increased day to day production.

Images of KUT studios

This piece of equipment is what Latino USA uses to produce its stories. It is more than 27 years old and does not interface with any other KUT equipment. It takes enormous skill and flexibility to produce any stories.

While we agree that Duct Tape is useful for all sorts of projects, we would rather not rely on it to control the sound that comes out of KUT! The manufacturer of this equipment is no longer in business, so KUT cannot order spare parts or ask for maintenance assistance.

David Brown and the Texas Music Matters staff use this board to create the Song of the Day and the Friday afternoon show. It is not similar to any other boards at KUT which means they must go through a series of several extra steps to even create compatible sound to air on 90.5 FM. Different equipment decreases consistent air quality.

Construction Timeline

1. Installation of network infrastructure complete (1-28-08)
2. Begin construction of Wenger Booth, a movable sound booth to be used during construction (2-1-08)
3. Production booth finished, a portable sound booth to be used during construction (4-4-08)
4. Air control studio begins construction (4-6-08)
5. Air control studio construction complete (5-9-08)
6. Construction begins on Studios 1C and 1D (5-12-08)
7. Studios 1C and 1D complete (6-13-08)

Construction will continue after June 13 on Studio 1A, Studio 1B and the Latino USA Studio. This project will enhance the content KUT is able to provide.

It is a major undertaking, but one that is necessary to ensure KUT can be the most trusted source for news and music in Central Texas.

Please pledge now to help KUT upgrade equipment, improve sound and maintain public service. Click on the microphone below. Thank you very much.