WPBT Miami Upgrades With Second Calrec Console

Miami PBS station WPBT has installed its second Calrec console in its new HD control room known as Studio B. The station uses the studio to produce its own local programs and can rent it for client productions through its for-profit facility, Comtel.

WPBT also supplies the production facilities for public broadcasting’s Nightly Business Report. The new Omega console with Calrec’s Bluefin HDSP technology is being used on this live production Monday through Friday, 52 weeks a year.

The Omega console replaces another aging console and complements WPBT’s existing Calrec Sigma console that has been in place in its Studio A for about eight years.

“The new Calrec console is an enormous upgrade for us. We now have the ability to mix 5.1 audio, which is a selling point,” said Graham Simmons, SVP of engineering and operations at WPBT. “Calrec is well-known for its products and is an easy sell when trying to attract clients. It’s definitely a competitive advantage when potential clients tour our studios.”

Simmons said his experience with Calrec products was a major driver in his decision to purchase another Calrec desk.

“I love the Calrec products and decided early on that another Calrec was what I wanted,” Simmons said. “From the time that I purchased our first Calrec console, the service and support have been outstanding. That is one of the main reasons I have continued to be a loyal Calrec customer over the years.”

Bexel Inc., Calrec’s distribution partner in the region, provided training and ongoing support for the WPBT installation.