KUCO digital studio overview

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The design goal for the new studio project was to create a more efficient and professional broadcast space in a visible and accessible location for Classical KUCO (formerly KCSC,) a University of Central Oklahoma public radio broadcaster on the air for more than 50 years.  Establishing a visual connection to the public and to the listening community was also an aim and Beck Design was tasked with creating a space that would engage both staff and visitors in an environment which would translate in both audio and visual elements.  Relocating the station into the heart of downtown Oklahoma City at Santa Fe Plaza, the design effort showcased the full-height glass exterior façade which punctuates the Suite 4 space with natural light and allows passers-by to observe the

interworking facets of this state-of-the-art facility. The exterior glass façade also permits staff and station guests to enjoy the beauty of the completed Banc First tower and concourse renovation on the west side which includes architectural focus and landscaping.   The addition of glass windows in the main broadcast studio offers hosts a view to the outside environs and allows both station guests inside and the public outside to view broadcasting operations. 

The space floorplan consists of a circular corridor with three interior studios for broadcasting and production, two reception areas, five offices, library, breakroom,  restrooms, and rooms designated

for engineering, electrical, supply and janitorial.  The interior was designed as a modern yet inviting and cohesive space supporting both independent and collaborative work and features a nuanced gray-blue color scheme reflecting University of Central Oklahoma branding.  The hard floor surface areas feature Calibre LVT in a beautiful washed gray wood finish and cable suspended light fixture by Delray Lighting.  Kitchen cabinets were made by Contract Fixtures and Cabinets in Oklahoma City in a complimentary “steel mesh” laminate color. Automatic dimming controls react to natural lighting, and ultrasonic and infrared occupancy sensors offer smart use lighting from Hubbell Lighting Inc.   The furnishings provide staff with custom designed storage and office furniture from WorkSpace which support job functions and provides attractive and comfortable seating for reception and work break use.  This new contemporary design encourages and supports the broadcaster’s professional mission to its listening community across Oklahoma. 

Integral to the station’s operations, production and broadcasting is the installation of state of the art Wheatstone Intelligent audio IP studio networking and routing blades and consoles for each of the three studios complete with ergonomically designed Wheatstone furniture, brand new RE 27 N/D Electro Voice microphones, studio speaker systems and Samsung smart TV for weather and emergency communications.  ESE precision timing GPS analog master clocks hang in each of the three studios which also feature industry standard setting applied Auralex Acoustical room treatments and Black mesh drafting chairs for hosts and guests.  Engineering build and ongoing maintenance and support is provided by RF Solutions of Tulsa and engineers Tim Diehl and Chris Stevens.  Currently divided into one broadcasting and two production studios, the three rooms are configured as replicates, offering interchangeable broadcasting and production operations.   Ten custom designed metallic silver satin cabinets with gray mica tops made by the Can-Am Corporation of Canada sit in the station’s especially designed open library space and house KUCO’s ever growing audio library of 16,000+ CDs. Long time automation software provider WireReady, a technology company located in Lincoln, Kansas has partnered with KUCO engineering to create new software interfacing with the state of the art Wheatstone Technology and KUCO broadcasting. 

KUCO continues to utilize its 800 foot broadcasting tower location at 1501 NE 101^st in Oklahoma City, the studio transmitter link now sending the audio signal back via fiber optic cable and receiving radio waves from a communications satellite via a newly installed dish at the tower location. 

Classical KUCO 90.1 FM is the only public locally programmed and hosted classical music station in the state of Oklahoma, the station’s airwaves extending across central Oklahoma, much of southeastern and northwestern Oklahoma via repeaters, KBCW 91.9 FM in McAlester and KCSC 95.9 FM in Woodward and across the world via an acclaimed and quality driven AAC audio stream at kucofm.com and across many notable and popular online audio platforms.  A Corporation for Public Broadcasting station, KUCO offers a format showcasing classical music and fine arts programming and supports performing and visual arts organizations across Oklahoma, serving over 47,000+ listeners each week.  The station and several hosts are also the recipients of four Governor’s Arts Awards in Media and have received commendations from the Oklahoma City Mayor, the Oklahoma Governor, a number of public and private entities and have been featured in articles published by the Daily and Sunday Oklahoman, The Journal Record, The Edmond Sun, Edmond Life and Leisure, University of Central Oklahoma publications and Oklahoma Today.