Arrakis ARC-8 8 Channel Analog Broadcast Console

An 8 Channel Console Built For Broadcast Radio And Remote Applications The Arrakis ARC-8 is an 8 by 2 audio mixing console built for internet radio, broadcast radio, remote broadcasts, production work, and station backup situations. It's designed as a single stereo mixing bus board that handles fast paced live on-air work without unnecessary complexity, making it a practical middle ground between an ultracompact console and a larger multi-bus board. Two mic channels support a standard host and guest talk format, seven line level inputs cover everything else a studio typically needs, and a dedicated phone mix channel handles caller audio through an external hybrid. Both balanced RJ45 and unbalanced RCA connections come standard, so the ARC-8 fits into studios running professional gear as well as those using simpler consumer-type sources. This flexibility makes it a strong option for a station's main studio, a backup board kept ready in case the primary console goes down, or a console packed up for remote broadcasts and on-location production. For stations that want a reliable, full-featured board without paying for channels or buses they won't use, the ARC-8 covers the core requirements of daily broadcast work. Two Mic Channels Built For A Host And Guest Talk Format Channels one and two are dedicated high-performance mic channels with XLR inputs, giving the ARC-8 a natural fit for shows built around a host and guest format. Both channels include high-performance mic preamps, with 48 VDC phantom power available as a separate add-on for studios running condenser microphones. Channel one includes a talk button that feeds the studio mic directly to a caller while simultaneously routing the caller into the console's cue system, which speeds up handling calls during a live segment. LED illuminated switches on the mic channels give clear visual confirmation of channel status, useful during fast moving live shows where a quick glance needs to confirm what's on and off. This setup covers the most common talk radio configuration without requiring extra mic channels that would go unused in a typical two-person studio. Seven Line Inputs With Balanced And Unbalanced Connectivity The ARC-8 provides seven total line inputs, giving a studio enough channels to connect CD players, media players, network feeds, and other common studio sources without running out of room. A/B inputs on channels three and eight effectively double up on connection options, letting an operator switch between two sources on the same channel without repatching cables. Every ARC-8 comes standard with active balanced RJ45 connections as well as unbalanced RCA, so the board connects easily to both professional and consumer-type equipment. A single stereo output bus is available in both balanced and unbalanced formats, giving flexibility for whatever gear sits downstream of the console. This combination of balanced and unbalanced connectivity also helps the ARC-8 resist RF interference, keeping the broadcast signal clean even in studios located near transmission equipment. Phone Hybrid Channel With Mix Minus For Clean Call Handling A dedicated phone mix channel on the ARC-8 connects to an external phone hybrid, complete with audio and logic connections for proper caller integration. The cue button lets an operator listen to a caller off-line before deciding to put them on air, while the talkback button allows private communication with the caller without broadcasting that conversation. A mix-minus feed sends the caller a mix of the program output rather than their own audio looped back, which is standard practice for eliminating echo and keeping calls sounding clean. Combined with the talk button on channel one, this gives the ARC-8 a genuinely functional call handling workflow, making it a solid choice for stations running talk formats, listener call-in segments, or regular phone interviews. Built In USB Sound Card For Direct Computer Play And Record The ARC-8 includes a built-in USB sound card, connecting directly to a Windows or Mac computer with the included standard USB cable. Audio can be played from the computer straight onto the board and out over the air, while console audio can be recorded back onto the computer using any third-party production or automation software already in use. Because the connection functions as a standard USB audio device, setup doesn't require complicated drivers or proprietary software installations. For stations running automation, voice tracking, or production work through a connected computer, this built-in USB channel keeps the console and the computer working together as one system rather than two separately wired components. Durable Construction Built For Daily Broadcast Reliability The ARC-8 uses high-quality switches and faders engineered to endure multi-million operations, built to hold up under the kind of constant channel switching that happens during a normal broadcast day. Conductive plastic faders provide smooth, accurate control and are fitted with dust covers to help protect them and extend their working life. Mechanical latching switches are LED illuminated and rated for extremely long service life, cutting down on the need to replace switches or indicator bulbs over time. Headphone output includes both a balanced stereo line level output for an external amp and a dedicated headphone amp output for driving low impedance headphones directly. An auto-sensing 110 to 220 VAC power supply, certified UL, CE, CS, and CB, allows the console to be used safely and reliably anywhere in the world. With accessible internal components, a technician can perform repairs or maintenance quickly, keeping downtime to a minimum for a board that's meant to be running every day.