The air hums with a quiet energy. This is the Nouvelle Maison de Radio-Canada. Before you stands a modern marvel a testament to Canadian broadcasting.
This isn’t just a building. It’s the beating heart of Radio-Canada’s French-language network. For decades Radio-Canada served Canadians from a 1970s building. That building no longer met the needs of a 21st-century broadcaster. The old workspace and production infrastructure were outdated. So they built this. Right across the street.
The Nouvelle Maison de Radio-Canada boasts thirteen radio studios. Fifteen audio booths ensure privacy and quality recordings. A state-of-the-art master control room manages the flow of broadcasts. This facility represents a bold leap into the world of Audio over IP or AoIP. Radio-Canada is one of the first broadcasters worldwide to use IP technology end-to-end. This reduces the environmental footprint. Less space is needed. Energy consumption is lower.
The construction began in 2017. The first radio studios opened in August 2020. The move from the old building was gradual. ICI RDI Radio-Canada’s French all-news network was among the first to relocate.
Integrating equipment from different manufacturers proved a challenge. Slight differences in standards required collaboration. Discussions with developers improved device compliance. This collaborative effort resulted in better integration and improved compatibility. It pushed towards better standards for AoIP equipment. The goal was better integration of equipment from different manufacturers.
The studios are designed around Lawo’s Ruby audio consoles. They run on the Power Core platform. Larger studios have physical controllers with faders. Smaller booths use touch monitors and virtual faders. The system is highly efficient. Critical systems are mounted under the operator’s table. Other devices are in a server room. This keeps the studios clean and organized. Neumann BCM 705 microphones and Genelec speakers ensure top-quality sound. The playout system is Dalet. Studio displays are from IDS Digital.
The Nouvelle Maison de Radio-Canada. It’s not just a building. It’s a symbol of innovation. It represents Radio-Canada’s commitment to quality broadcasting. It showcases Canadian ingenuity and its dedication to serving the public. As you stand here you are witnessing a piece of Canadian history in the making.