The Nihal European University in Sudan

Installing a university radio station and its programming cannot be the task alone of a singular training project. Its importance, dimension and desired maintenance demand not only the assistance of various experts in the Department of Media Studies and Communication Design and the Technical Faculty, but also the inclusion of ideas and energy from all faculties, the university leadership and the cooperation of external partners.

A radio-appropriate set of equipment is to be acquired, i.e. the relevant audio and computer technology, sound-proofed rooms for recording music and speech. Needed as well are production and pre-production rooms (for music and speech).

For technical advice and service relevant to audio and AV technology, two technicians will have to be hired. The position of studio head will also have to be filled. Two postings should be obtained for the partial areas of computer supported processing. Positions for scientific-artistic employees as well as lecturers in radio technology should also be designated. The local Music Conservatory will be an important partner for cooperation. The Department of Media Studies and Communication Design should establish a lectureship for “Experimental Radio Work”.

• Speech education
• Assistance
• Management of Public Relations

The conception of technology proceeds from the following assumptions:

• Consideration of the long-term complex needs of audio production at the university not only for radio technology but also for high-quality video dubbing and experimentation in the sound laboratory
• Acquisition of a high-quality universal studio for audio production
• Professional equipment, future security, compatibility, dependability, redundancy
• An orientation toward digital pre-production with computer editing systems
• Digital and hard-disk recording
• Mobile reporting technology
• The audio-server as an Internet distribution form for global (extra regional) circulation
• Internet access

Here we are proceeding from the following positioning:

• General technology:
  Apple Pro (EUR 2500,–)
  Digidesign Mixer (8 Channel & Firewire) incl. ProTools Light (EUR 2500,–)
  TC Finalizer (EUR 1500,–)
  Editing Software
• Backup System:
  Riad
• Microphones Radio:
  3x Rode NT2A for radio moderator and guests (ca. EUR 1000,–)
• Microphones for the Recording Studios:
  2x Rode NT2A for singing (EUR 330,–)
  Neumann KM184 Stereo Set (EUR 1100,–)
  6 Shure PG56-XLR for percussion (EUR 450,–)
  2 Sennheiser MD421 for blowers (EUR 660,–)
  1 AKG D11 / XLR CCS for bass and bass drum (EUR 95,–)
• Playing devices:
  2 turntables
  2 CD players
  2 MP3 players
  1 cassette deck
  1 DAT
  1 Minidisc
• Listening:
  Klein and Hummel playback direction (active) (EUR 700,–)
  8 Sennheiser headphones HD 485 (ca. EUR 60,–)
  Headphone amplifier Behringer Pro 8 (EUR 150,–)
• Instruments:
  Arabic keyboard
• Equipment:
  Cables
  Microphone stands

For the radio project various preparation and studio rooms will have to be provided. Among them are:

• A broadcasting room – studio production
• Recording room
• Editing room
• Office
• Meeting room

The space needs of a standard studio environment with additional rooms is approximately 200 m², or 80 m² at a minimum. Special requirements will come about through the necessity of having spaces which are next to one another, in particular the sound proofing of studio rooms. Readily available speaking booths can be used for this.

For Radio Nihal diverse levels of cooperation will be important. In addition to existing contacts (to be expanded) other linkages are planned and are necessary in the interest of obtaining sponsors.