AMSTERDAM — Calrec has introduced its most compact self-contained digital broadcast console, combining the surface, processing, monitoring and audio connections required for radio, podcast and smaller television productions in one fanless tabletop unit.
The new Type RT was unveiled September 11 at IBC2026. It is available with 6, 12 or 18 motorized faders, but Calrec says the three surface sizes provide the same core capabilities and licensing choices.
The console integrates digital signal processing, control processing, I/O, monitoring and USB audio. Its silent, fanless design makes it suitable for environments where the equipment may sit close to open microphones, including radio studios, podcast rooms and commentary positions.
A smaller entry point into broadcast IP
Type RT can operate as a ready-to-use standalone console while offering optional connections to broader Calrec systems. Available interfaces include ST 2110, Dante and MADI, along with Calrec’s True Control 2.0 remote-production system and ImPulseV virtualized processing.
The surface provides dedicated displays beneath its faders, as many as 138 assignable buttons and 24 rotary encoders. Its processing supports as many as 80 input channels and includes tools such as automatic mixing, automatic fader control and de-essing.
Calrec also introduced Apex M6, a modular 1RU I/O platform supporting ST 2110-30, AES67, Dante and MADI. The company says Apex M6 can operate independently of a Calrec console, which could help facilities connect older and newer audio systems during a gradual IP transition.
The practical test is total ownership
The announcement addresses a real gap. Smaller broadcasters often need dependable broadcast controls and mix-minus routing but cannot justify the cost, space or complexity of a large production console. A compact desk may also work for temporary studios, remote broadcasts and facilities that need an additional control position.
Important purchasing information has not yet been established publicly. Stations should ask for the complete price after required licenses, I/O cards and support are included—not merely the cost of the control surface.
RNN also wants to know how quickly an operator can build a mix-minus feed, how configurations are backed up, what functions continue after a network failure, whether non-Calrec Dante and ST 2110 devices are discovered automatically and what technical support is included.
A console should be tested as an operating system
Modern broadcast desks are no longer isolated mixers. They control routing, processing, monitoring, remote users and networked equipment. That makes recovery time, permissions, software support and interoperability as important as the number of faders.
Calrec’s compact design is promising, particularly for radio and podcast operations, but its value will ultimately depend on how well it handles an ordinary operator’s shift and an engineer’s worst day.
Sources: RadioToday’s September 11 product report and Calrec Audio.