Arrakis ARC-8-blue 8 Channel Analog Broadcast Console with Bluetooth

An 8 Channel Console With Bluetooth Calling Built In The Arrakis ARC-8-Blue is an 8 channel, 10 input broadcast console built on the same reliable ARC-8 platform, with Bluetooth connectivity added directly to channel seven. This gives a station wireless calling and audio streaming capability without needing an external phone hybrid or a separate Bluetooth accessory sitting outside the board. Two mic channels support a standard host and guest talk format, seven line level inputs cover the rest of a studio's audio sources, and the Bluetooth-enabled channel handles callers and wireless playback in one place. Both balanced RJ45 and unbalanced RCA connections come standard, so it fits studios running professional gear as well as those using simpler consumer-type equipment. This console is built for internet radio, broadcast radio, remote applications, production work, and station backup situations where wireless connectivity adds real convenience to a daily workflow. For stations that want the flexibility of taking calls or streaming audio straight from a phone or tablet, this built-in Bluetooth option removes an extra piece of gear from the signal chain entirely. 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-Blue 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 routing the caller into the console's cue system at the same time, speeding up call handling during a live segment. LED illuminated switches on the mic channels give clear visual confirmation of channel status, which matters during fast moving live shows. This setup covers the standard talk radio configuration without requiring extra mic channels a smaller studio wouldn't use. Seven Line Inputs With Balanced And Unbalanced Connectivity The ARC-8-Blue 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 short. A/B inputs on channels three and eight let an operator switch between two sources on the same channel without repatching cables. Every ARC-8-Blue 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. This mix of balanced and unbalanced connectivity also helps the console resist RF interference, keeping the broadcast signal clean in studios located near transmission equipment. Bluetooth Calling And Wireless Streaming On Channel Seven Channel seven on the ARC-8-Blue functions as a Bluetooth-enabled phone channel, letting any Bluetooth device such as a cell phone, tablet, or MP3 player pair directly to the console. Incoming calls are handled with a Call button to accept and a Drop button to reject or end a call, working just like a standard phone hybrid without needing one physically connected. The caller receives a mix-minus feed of the console output, meaning they hear the program mix without hearing their own audio looped back, which keeps calls sounding clean and free of feedback. Calls can be taken off-line first using the cue system, with a talkback button on channel one letting staff speak privately with the caller before putting them on air. Beyond phone calls, the same channel supports streaming audio wirelessly from a paired device, letting a DJ play a personal playlist or a reporter record and immediately play back an interview without any cabling. The Bluetooth connection is built around a BlueCore 5 Multimedia chip, engineered to handle full bandwidth, high quality A2DP stereo audio rather than the lower fidelity streaming typical of basic Bluetooth accessories, and it operates in the 2.4GHz spectrum with strong resistance to RF interference. Built In USB Sound Card For Direct Computer Play And Record Channel eight on the ARC-8-Blue includes a built-in USB sound card, connecting directly to a Windows or Mac computer using a 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 specialized software. For stations running automation, voice tracking, or production work through a connected computer, this built-in USB channel keeps the console and the studio computer working together as one integrated system. Durable Construction Built For Daily Broadcast Reliability The ARC-8-Blue uses a 0.059 inch steel chassis finished with two part epoxy paint, giving the console a rugged build that holds up to daily studio use. Front panel graphics sit behind a polycarbonate overlay for scratch resistance, and switches are LED illuminated for clear status indication during a live shift. High-quality switches and faders are engineered to endure multi-million operations, standing up to the kind of constant channel switching that happens throughout a normal broadcast day. Conductive plastic faders provide smooth, accurate control and are fitted with dust covers to extend their working life. An auto-sensing 110 to 220 VAC power supply, certified UL, CE, CS, and CB, allows the console to be used safely anywhere in the world. With accessible internal components, a technician can perform repairs quickly, keeping the board running with minimal downtime.