Look inside a COBALT

Why People Think All FM Transmitters Are the Same – But They’re NOT!

When it comes to FM transmitters, many people assume they’re all the same, but the truth is, the technology behind them varies drastically. If you’re thinking that every FM transmitter on the market operates in the same way, you might be surprised to learn that’s far from the case.

To truly understand the difference, let’s look inside the technology that powers these devices. When you open the lid of older, less advanced transmitters, you’ll notice certain features that reveal the age of the technology inside. Here’s what you might find:

Messy Cables and Big Components

Older transmitters often feature tangled wires and large, bulky components. This outdated design doesn’t just make the device harder to maintain, but it can also lead to inefficiency and space issues. This is technology that’s decades behind modern solutions.

Analogue Modulation (Non-DDS)

Another hallmark of old FM transmitters is the use of analogue modulation, often without Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS). Non-DDS systems are much less precise and efficient, leading to lower quality transmission and increased risk of signal distortion.

No SNMP Web Interface

Most legacy transmitters don’t offer the convenience of SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) for monitoring and controlling devices remotely. In today’s world, where remote management is crucial, the lack of a web interface is a major limitation.

Customized PSU 

Older transmitters often require custom power supplies that are specific to the device. This means higher costs and complicated maintenance. Modern transmitters use more standardized, cost-effective PSUs that are easier to replace and maintain.

No Digital MPX

Digital MPX allows for more efficient transmission and higher-quality audio. Many older transmitters still rely on analogue MPX, which limits the audio fidelity and bandwidth, making them less effective than their modern counterparts. Digital MPX as an input lets you receive a multiplex input complete with processing, RDS and pilot meaning you can use these externally should you want to.

No Automation, No Notifications, No Scheduler

Many transmitters don’t come with automation features that can handle tasks like scheduling, notifications, or even adjusting output power based on listener demand. This outdated approach often leads to higher energy consumption and requires more manual intervention resulting in downtime and a strain on engineer resource

The COBALT Difference: Fully Featured FM Transmitters

Once you upgrade to COBALT's Fully Featured FM Transmitters, you’ll quickly realize the significant benefits of modern technology. Here’s what sets our transmitters apart:

Money Saving on Hardware

COBALT transmitters eliminate the need for additional hardware like Audio processors, RDS encoders Silence detection and failover. COBALT optional IP codecs, and MicroMPX also enhances the capability by eliminating the need for additional and expensive STL solutions. With integrated features that are built in, you save money by reducing the number of devices required in your setup.

Money Saving on Electricity

Thanks to its’s built-in scheduling features, COBALT transmitters can automatically lower output power when fewer listeners are tuning in. This leads to significant energy savings, making your operation more efficient and cost-effective.

Money Saving on Maintenance & Repair

The cost of maintenance and repair is a major concern with older transmitters. With COBALT, you benefit from affordable, easily replaceable parts such as PSUs, main boards, and even Raspberry Pi modules. This results in lower repair costs and less downtime.

Always On Air

With COBALT's fast protection system, the transmitter keeps running with minimal output power instead of shutting off entirely during faults. This feature ensures your station stays on air, even in the event of minor issues.

Full Redundancy

COBALT FM transmitters can be equipped with full redundancy, including dual PSUs, AC power failover, and automatic failover automation. This means that you can rest assured knowing your transmitter has backup systems in place to keep things running smoothly without interruptions.

 

Conclusion

So, the next time you hear someone say that all FM transmitters are the same, you’ll know better. The difference between outdated, legacy technology and modern, fully featured FM transmitters like COBALT’s is clear. From money savings on hardware and electricity to superior reliability and redundancy, upgrading to the latest technology ensures you get more for your investment and a much more efficient broadcasting experience.