Flirt FM Selects Calrec Type R for Its First Digital Broadcast Console
Flirt FM 101.3, Galway City’s award-winning Student, Community and Alternative station has chosen the Calrec Type R as its first digital mixing console.
Based at the University of Galway, the station has been broadcasting since September 1995 and recently celebrated over 30 years on air. As part of the Community Radio Ireland network, Flirt FM operates with a small core team supported by interns and a large volunteer base, delivering a wide range of student-led and community-focused programming.
The station’s decision to invest in Type R followed discussions between Calrec and Station Manager Paula Healy.
Paula explains the reasoning behind the purchase:
“We chose the Calrec Type R as our first digital desk for a number of reasons; the state broadcaster RTE has a number of them – that means our volunteers gain experience on the same surface as the staff use in national radio. We also considered flexibility, modular setup, the potential to add another set of surfaces into the live studio, and crucially, how approachable the interface is for new users.
“volunteers gain experience on the same surface as the staff use in national radio”
“We can have up to 50 different student bookings in Studio 2 during the week, then a band session or a drama group might record dialogue and foley in the same studio over the weekend. The desk handles it all – and we’re not even using its full potential yet. We’ll be adding live video streaming into the mix over the summer too.”
The flexibility and scalability of Type R make it particularly well suited to a busy student radio environment. Its modular IP architecture allows for future expansion, while maintaining an intuitive workflow for new presenters and volunteers.
With up to 96 shows and as many as 150 volunteers involved in programming each week, reliability and ease of use were key considerations in the station’s upgrade.
Investing in Skills and Future Growth
The Calrec Type R is a modular, expandable, IP-based Radio and TV mixing system designed for modern, flexible, and remote-production workflows. Built on a SMPTE 2110-compliant backbone, Type R allows for cost-effective networking using standard COTS IP hardware.
The addition of Calrec’s Type R marks a significant upgrade to Flirt FM‘s studio capabilities. Alongside improved operational flexibility, the system gives students direct experience with industry-standard IP broadcast technology, aligning training with real-world professional workflows.
The upgrade supports the station’s long-term commitment to innovation, community engagement and high-quality broadcasting.
Listeners can tune in to Flirt FM at the following times:
- 11am–4am Monday–Friday (out of term)
- 24 hours Monday–Friday during term time
- 1pm–10pm Saturdays
Find out more about the Calrec Type R
Volunteers at Flirt FM, City of Galway, Ireland
If you’d like to know more about the Calrec Argo M, Brio, Type R and True Control 2.0 (or would like to arrange a practical demonstration), give us a call on 01727 821 870 to speak to one of our team, or contact us here.