Arrakis ARC-10U 10 Ch. Unbalanced Broadcast Console

A 10 Channel Unbalanced Radio Console Built For Everyday On Air Use The Arrakis ARC-10U is a 10 channel, 10 input broadcast console designed for general purpose on-air and radio production work. It's built for stations that want a console handling most day to day studio needs without unnecessary complexity or a high price tag. Two channels are dedicated high performance mic inputs for a host and guest setup, seven channels handle stereo line level sources like CD players and network feeds, and the tenth channel is a dedicated telephone interface for taking calls live or off-line. This model uses unbalanced RCA connections throughout, which makes it a natural fit for studios running consumer-type source gear rather than professional balanced equipment. Setup is straightforward since sources plug in with standard off the shelf RCA cables, similar to connecting components in a home stereo system. For stations that don't need onboard USB computer audio, this base configuration keeps the console simple while still covering the core functions a working studio depends on. It's a practical choice for internet stations, Part 15 broadcasters, small commercial studios, or anyone building out a production room on a working budget. Reliable Construction Meant To Handle Daily Studio Wear This console is built around socketed ICs, which makes repairs and component swaps far simpler for a technician than consoles with soldered-in parts. The switches are LED illuminated and rated for roughly five million operations, so channels that get switched on and off constantly during a shift aren't going to wear out or fail prematurely. Faders use conductive plastic construction for smooth, accurate control that holds up over years of regular use, with dust covers included to help protect them from debris. All audio signal paths are electronically switched rather than relying on mechanical contacts, which improves long-term reliability in a console running many hours a day. The physical chassis is compact, measuring 15 inches deep, 6 inches high, and 24 inches wide, so it fits into most existing studio furniture without a major redesign. Combined with an auto-sensing 110 to 220 VAC power supply, the ARC-10U is built to be dropped into almost any studio environment, domestic or international, with minimal fuss. For stations that need a board that keeps working shift after shift with low maintenance overhead, this construction approach is a major selling point. Program Bus Monitoring Headphone And Cue Systems Built In The ARC-10U includes two separate stereo Program output buses, each with a mono mixdown option, giving a station flexibility for feeding a transmitter, a streaming encoder, or another destination simultaneously. Outputs are available in both balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA formats, so the console can connect to a range of downstream equipment without needing external converters. Real VU meters give staff visual monitoring of on air levels, and they're switch selectable between both Program outputs for quick reference during a shift. A built-in headphone system includes a stereo amplifier suitable for 8 ohm or high impedance headphones, so on-air talent gets a proper monitoring path without external gear. The cue and talkback system comes with its own built-in amplifier and speaker, letting staff preview audio off-line or talk back to a caller without going out over the air. Each channel also includes a trim pot, giving operators fine control over gain staging for whatever source is plugged into that input. Together, these systems mean the console can function as a complete on-air hub without requiring a rack full of supporting outboard gear. Telephone And Talkback Features For Live Call In Segments Channel ten on the ARC-10U is a dedicated telephone interface designed to connect to an external phone hybrid for handling live callers or off-line contest calls. This channel supports a mix-minus feed to the caller, so the person on the phone hears the program audio without hearing their own voice looped back, which is standard practice for clean call handling. A talkback button lets staff speak to the caller privately before putting them on air, and the cue button allows a caller to be previewed off-line first. Channel one also includes a talk button that connects to a studio monitor, useful for communicating with an announce booth or a separate talent area. For stations that want wireless connectivity on this channel, the optional ARC-Blue external Bluetooth accessory connects to the mix-minus bus, letting staff pair a phone or tablet directly to the console for calls or wireless playback. This gives a station a clear upgrade path if Bluetooth functionality becomes useful later without needing to replace the console itself. These call handling tools are aimed squarely at stations running talk formats, request shows, or any programming that regularly brings callers on air. Free Software Included For Live Assist And Basic Automation Every ARC-10U purchase comes with Digilink-Xtreme software running in ARC console mode at no additional cost, giving the board live on-air, basic automation, and production capability right out of the box. This means a station doesn't need to buy separate automation software just to get a functional on-air workflow running alongside the console. APEX-Live, the current live assist software from Arrakis, is also included free with the console purchase, giving staff a modern, customizable on-air interface with hot key pages, playlist tools, and multi-monitor support. Because both software packages are included, a station can choose whichever fits their workflow better, or use them together depending on how a shift is structured. This bundled software approach lowers the real cost of getting a studio fully operational, since the console and the software running it don't have to be purchased and licensed separately. It also gives newer stations an easier on-ramp into Arrakis automation, since staff can start on the included software and later expand into the fuller APEX platform if the station's needs grow.