The New Prague-Based EDU Radio Bets on the State-of-the-Art AEQ Capitol IP Plus Console

The media world is changing at a breakneck pace, and keeping up with professional standards is absolutely crucial. That is why EDU Radio, Prague’s brand-new educational broadcasting station that launched on the digital DAB+ network on April 1st, left nothing to chance. For its brand-new studio, created in cooperation with Audiopro s.r.o., the station chose the next-generation Capitol IP Plus digital mixing console from the renowned Spanish manufacturer AEQ.

This step elevates the practical training of future presenters, sound engineers, and podcasters to a whole new level.

The Right Console for the Job

“One of the main reasons we chose the AEQ Capitol IP Plus console is its intuitive operation, which even a less experienced presenter can easily handle,” says Petr Žáček, EDU Radio’s owner and morning show host. “We use the console in ON-AIR mode during the live morning broadcast, and with the press of a single button, we switch it to OFF-AIR mode for recording educational programs and discussions.”

The Capitol IP Plus console is purpose-built for ON AIR control while seamlessly adapting to diverse workflows. Its compact ergonomic surface features 10 faders and an integrated touchscreen, coupled with professional audio processing tools—a 4-band parametric equalizer, advanced filters, and dynamics control. The console supports up to 32 sum-buses for program outputs, ancillaries, monitoring, and clean feeds, while its multi-format connectivity includes analog inputs for microphones, Dante networking for playout software and DAB+ distribution, and USB for simple SIP phone integration.

Built on an ergonomic 10-fader surface with an integrated touchscreen, the console features advanced audio processing with a 4-band parametric equalizer, filters, and dynamics. It features up to 32 summing buses for program, auxiliary, monitoring, and clean feeds, while its local IP connectivity and Dante/AES67 capabilities position it as a modern and scalable solution.

Additionally, CAPITOL IP PLUS offers the Virtual Capitol option for remote operation from a PC, Bluetooth connectivity for communications management, and all the features required for broadcast operations: on-air signaling, cough suppressor, fader start, talkback, and automation of external equipment.

“We chose the Capitol IP Plus console for EDU Radio because of its excellent price/performance ratio,” adds Ivan Lehký from Audiopro s.r.o., the official representative of the AEQ brand in the Czech Republic. “We take full advantage of its wide range of audio interfaces—analog inputs for microphones, Dante for linking with playout software and distribution path to DAB and internet radio providers, and a USB interface for very simple connection of a SIP phone.”

Additional features include integrated hybrid modules for telephone calls, cough muting for on-air safety, automatic monitor muting, and optional Virtual Capitol software for remote control from a PC. The silent convection cooling system ensures reliable operation without noise interference—ideal for both live broadcasts and training environments.

“Offering features usually found in larger consoles while maintaining small, compact dimensions, it is the ideal solution for small and medium-sized radio studios,” concludes Ivan Lehský. “It is the perfect balance between professional-grade capabilities and ease of use for learners.”