Question 1

What is a cloud-based radio playout system?

Accepted Answer

It is playout software that runs in a web browser instead of being installed on one studio PC. Playout-Pro comes in two editions: Live runs on your own studio machine, and Cloud keeps an always-on cloud master on air 24/7 that any studio on the account can remote-control and hand back. Your library, playlist, audio wall and settings live in your account either way, so you can sit at the studio machine, a laptop at home or a tablet at an outside broadcast and be on air with the same station.

Question 2

Do I need a mixing desk to run a radio station with Pro-Cast Studio?

Accepted Answer

No. Playout-Pro gives you virtual touch-screen faders for every player plus a mic channel, so a laptop or tablet with a microphone is enough to go on air. If you already have a desk you can use it, and MIDI controllers can drive the on-screen faders.

Question 3

How do I do a broadcast-quality outside broadcast or remote link?

Accepted Answer

Use Pro-Link. Send your reporter or guest a browser link, they type your six-digit Network ID and they are connected straight into the playout mix with two-way PPM metering, mic alerts and a clean mix-minus return. It works from any phone, tablet or laptop and is installable as an app.

Question 4

Can I use just the processor or just the links?

Accepted Answer

Yes — every app works on its own in its own right. Pro-Link can bring guests into another playout system, and the standalone processor will take any sound card in and send processed audio out, so it can polish an existing station's output without changing anything else.

Question 5

What do my listeners need to tune in?

Accepted Answer

Nothing but a browser. The Radio Player is a page you brand with your station name and logo; listeners open it, type your station code once and it remembers them. Command Cast can also split your output to FM, DAB, online streams and smart speakers.