How to resolve AdBlock issue? Lawo Diamond for Radio Eswatini
Picture: EBIS
Eswatini Broadcasting and Information Services (EBIS) radio, the national broadcaster of the Kingdom of Eswatini, has embarked on a major technology upgrade with the installation of Lawo’s diamond Modular Broadcast Consoles. This installation, managed by South African systems integrator B&I (Broadcast & Installation Engineering (Pty) Ltd.), marks the start of a comprehensive shift to IP-based broadcasting, enhancing operational efficiency, broadcasting flexibility, scalability and preparing Eswatini’s radio infrastructure for a digital future.
In keeping with its forward-thinking spirit, EBIS radio has invested in a setup of two Lawo diamond consoles, a robust, modular solution that allows for maximum customization to meet EBIS’s needs. Each of the IP-native diamond consoles supports RAVENNA/AES67 audio-over-IP standards and is compatible with ST2110-30/-31 protocols, providing a strong foundation for IP-based integration. “The diamond console’s intuitive interface and modular design have made it easy for our team to adapt,” says Mr. Sabelo Dlamini, Director of Broadcasting and Information Services. “This upgrade brings new creative possibilities and a fresh motivation for our team.”
Built to enhance productivity, the diamond console offers a user-friendly control layout with customizable fader-adjacent color displays and motorized faders. Mr. Mabandla Bhembe, a presenter at EBIS, praises the console’s ease of use: “The diamond is incredibly intuitive. You can work quickly and comfortably - it becomes second nature in no time. The quality of the controls is obvious, from the smooth faders to the responsive buttons.”
B&I Engineering, based in Johannesburg, won the tender to install the consoles and provide staff training. Some Radio Eswatini team members even traveled to Lawo’s headquarters in Rastatt, Germany, to train with the equipment - where they saw snow for the first time. Gunther Becker, CEO of B&I, notes, “The training and installation went smoothly, and the response from the EBIS team has been extremely positive. The diamond console’s streamlined interface and high-quality build were very well received.”
Equipped with Lawo’s Power Core mixing engines, which provide expandable I/O connectivity including AES67, MADI, analog, AES3, and Dante, the diamond consoles offer Radio Eswatini a highly adaptable solution that will support the station’s growth in the years to come. The next phase of the modernization includes installing a centralized IP router, which will unify workflows across EBIS’s network and enable seamless content sharing between facilities.
This IP-based infrastructure is a game-changer for our broadcasting capabilities,” says Mr. Dlamini. “It ensures that we’re not only equipped for today’s demands but ready for future expansion and innovation.” Radio Eswatini’s investment in Lawo technology sets a foundation for sustainable, flexible growth and a high-quality broadcasting future.