Slovak Radio in Bratislava was the first, in the early 1990s, to embark on the path of digital audio processing. In the Experimental Studio of Slovak Radio, the Sonic Solutions system began to be used for digital editing and CD mastering, and in the mid-1990s, the multi-channel recording and editing system Digidesign Pro Tools II with the Sound Designer II software was added. In the following years, all spoken-word and music control rooms of Slovak Radio were gradually reconstructed, transitioning to a digital audio processing system. Of all the studios and control rooms, the large concert studio with control room R1 stood out for its purpose and equipment. In 2002, the company SUNTEQ supplied this facility with a complete multi-channel Pro Tools HD system, thereby completing the process of digitalization of Slovak Radio’s spoken-word and music control rooms. Using the original technology, thousands of hours of classical and popular music were recorded in control room R1. After 22 years, the technical management of Slovak Radio announced a public tender for the reconstruction of control room R1. The project included the delivery of a digital mixing console, acoustic treatment of the control room, new technological furniture, and entirely new recording technology. In 2025, the company SUNTEQ successfully completed this project, and today, the facility ranks among the top recording studios, particularly for demanding recordings of the Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Basic technical requirements for the new technology:
- Minimum 128-channel recording system compatible with Avid Pro Tools
- Compatible with a digital console at the level of signal and control data
- Minimum 128 MADI channels
- Capable of synchronization from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz within a range of ±8 cents
- Workstation and accessories
- Signaling and communication equipment
- Appropriate cables, connectors, and mechanics
- Technical support and training
Given our experience with the Pro Tools system (SUNTEQ became an authorized reseller of Digidesign Inc., later Avid Inc., as early as 1995) and our detailed knowledge of Slovak Radio’s requirements, the selection of components was not difficult, and we chose proven and reliable products.
Given our experience with the Pro Tools system (the company SUNTEQ became an authorized reseller of Digidesign Inc., later Avid Inc., as early as 1995) and our detailed knowledge of Slovak Radio’s requirements, the selection of components was not difficult, and we chose proven and reliable products. An unusual requirement was the selection of components that allow “retuning” (changing the sampling frequency) within a range of ±8 cents. This function is used when recording instruments that cannot be tuned to the standard A=440 Hz (for example, traditional flutes, piano, bagpipes, etc.). If such an instrument is tuned, for instance, to A=432 Hz, the rest of the production (including digital instruments) must be adjusted accordingly. The delivery also included a programmable controller for controlling lights and output channels, which we developed according to the requirements of Slovak Radio
Why Pro Tools Ultimate?
The selection of the multi-channel system was based not only on technical requirements (number of channels, editing capabilities, choice of plug-in modules, etc.) but also on practical considerations, such as compatibility with the existing project format created in R1, the skills and knowledge of Slovak Radio’s technical staff, the availability of spare parts, and so on. The remaining components were designed to best meet the requirements of Slovak Radio. For controlling the light signaling system, we supplied our own control unit.
Key components:
- Pro Tools Ultimate
- Pro Tools HDX
- Pro Tools | MTRX
- Grace Design M905
- Apple macStudio
Information about the products and technologies used:
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