What supplemental software is a MUST have for your station?

[BWorld]

We all know about the variety of broadcasting/playout software - what about your MUST have software to compliment and make your station run? Audio editing, producing, etc? What do you use and why? Why is it needed/helpful to you?

[GKIye]

To many stations, both FM and internet, ProppFrexx is used as software to broadcast. StereoTool as VST on the output chain to achieve a superb sound processing. 

ProppFrexx is German and offers both a none commercial and professional version. To a lot of projects it became a standard in the making of voicetracks who can be uploaded to the server of the station ... The playlist of the show is downloaded to the home PC, loaded into ProppFrexx, voicetracks are recorded & inserted ... Once finished they are uploaded to the server ready for broadcast. Details : https://www.proppfrexx.radio42.com/ ... Notice : The demo version can be used at anytime to discover the software. 

StereoTool is based at The Netherlands and offers a full sound processing software (depends on the license). At first it can look too much of the best, however by making some tests with the wide range of STS files (config files of the software) You can get an insight to the do and donts. This software comes with different licenses. However the "Basic + the option Declipper & Natural Dynamics" gives honestly superb results. Important to know is : Do You have a FM station or internet project ? Than You have to choose the right license ! To internet only stations StereoTool gives the best results once You are streaming 160kbps or higher. Details : https://www.stereotool.com/ 

RODECaster pro is a product of RODE who is most famous for their MICs (eg RODE NT1A, Broadcaster ...). A while ago they have launched RODECaster pro, a hardware who makes it possible to connect upto 4 MICs, AUX, input smartphone and other devices. The sound processing of the MIC can be fully managed and their is no need anymore for any hardware sound processing. It offers several buttons to insert short samples, IDs / jingles, backings who can be used in between Your broadcast. In fact its a kind of "mini" hardware mixer, however with everything who is needed to make a show (live or recorded). At first it was launched to make and record podcasts, but since, many radiostations have discovered the wide range of possibilities. It comes also with regular updates to upgrade the mixer (offcourse updates are done by connecting the device to Your PC). Details : https://www.rode.com/interfaces-mixers/rodecaster-pro 

[djgary72]

I have to BIG UP Audacity. I've used audacity pretty much since its inception and I've used it to record edit and create stuff.

https://www.fosshub.com/Audacity.html

Its a piece of software I wouldn't be without I know a lot of people use it to record shows with without issues.

BTW Audacity is a free program If you've foolishly paid for it from eBay them MORE FOOL YOU!

 

[djgary72]

I also wouldn't be without mp3Tag its helped me sort my tags without too much effort.

https://www.mp3tag.de/en/