There’s radio… and then there’s whatever comes after radio. Jacaranda FM has officially stepped into that next chapter with the launch of its brand-new, state-of-the-art flagship studio – a fully digital, future-focused space designed to supercharge its feel-good content across audio, video and digital platforms.
For one of South Africa’s leading commercial stations, this isn’t just a cosmetic refresh. It’s a serious technological evolution.
A Studio Engineered by a Broadcast Veteran
The ambitious project was led by Andrew Pike, Technical and IT Manager at Jacaranda FM, whose name carries serious weight in broadcast engineering circles. A Hall of Fame inductee at the Telkom Radio Awards, Pike brings more than four decades of experience to the table.
That depth of expertise matters when you’re redesigning the technical backbone of a major station. The goal wasn’t just shiny new gear – it was building a rock-solid, future-proof foundation for years of feel-good broadcasting to come.
A First for South African Radio
Here’s where things get interesting.
Jacaranda FM has become the first radio station in South Africa to implement a fully virtual mixing desk – known in the industry as “mixing on glass.” Instead of relying on traditional physical consoles packed with knobs and faders, the system operates entirely digitally.
The entire audio chain runs in a seamless digital path from microphone to transmitter. Cleaner workflow. Cleaner sound. Fewer physical limitations.
And because the system is software-driven, future upgrades can be rolled out via firmware updates rather than expensive hardware overhauls. In tech terms, that’s called future-proofing. In business terms, it’s smart.
Jacaranda FM is now Broadcasting Without Boundaries
The new studio isn’t just advanced – it’s flexible. Built for a hybrid world, the entire broadcast chain is online and remotely accessible. Every aspect of the system can be monitored and controlled off-site. That means presenters can seamlessly broadcast from home, from an outside event, or from anywhere on the planet with a stable connection.
Radio used to mean “be in the studio or you’re off air.” Not anymore. For a station that thrives on consistency and connection, that kind of operational agility is a serious advantage.
Radio Is Now a Visual Medium
Modern audiences don’t just listen – they watch, stream, scroll and share. Jacaranda FM’s new studio leans fully into that reality.
The space features six cameras, including three remote-controlled 4K units and three dedicated POV miniature cameras focused on presenters. A powerful new computer system allows the video team to record all feeds simultaneously for post-production while streaming live content across up to three social media platforms at once.
In other words: radio, but cinematic.
Lighting has also been designed with both broadcast and photography in mind. Five individually controllable lighting sections and dynamic multicolour washes illuminate the main stage area, ensuring in-studio performances and live moments look as polished as they sound.
Built for Performance – Literally
Comfort and ergonomics were clearly part of the brief. Both the main presenter and co-presenter desks are electrically height-adjustable, allowing talent to customise their setup during live broadcasts.
The studio also includes a permanently installed live band front-of-house digital mixer, dedicated to supporting in-studio performances and special live music segments. That means when artists walk in, the infrastructure is already performance-ready.
This isn’t just a talk box. It’s a stage.
A Bold Investment in Feel-Good Broadcasting
According to Managing Director Vuyani Dombo, the new flagship studio represents far more than a technical upgrade. It’s an investment in how audiences engage with the station across multiple platforms — on air, online and across social media.
With its fully digital backbone, virtual mixing technology and integrated visual capabilities, Jacaranda FM’s new studio sets a new benchmark for South African radio.
The future of broadcasting isn’t just something you hear anymore. It’s something you see, share and experience – and Jacaranda FM has clearly decided to build for that future rather than chase it.
Watch this space for updates in the Entertainment category on Running Wolf’s Rant.
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