Our journey began in March this year kicking off a campaign to raise funds for the renovation of KBACH’s digital equipment.
In the beginning, our generous Leadership Society member, Deeann Griebel, agreed to match all sustaining gifts up to $230,000. Hundreds of you stepped forward. Then Leadership Society members who were not only inspired by the match but also had a lifelong dedication to public radio gave with unprecedented generosity.
We not only made the match; together, we reached our $1.3 million goal!
Work on the project will begin in late October/early November. Plans are underway and the equipment has been ordered. The renovations are scheduled for completion in mid-January 2022. The impact of this project will last us at least another 20 years, if not more.
THANK YOU!
1) Main Console
KBACH’s main audio console in the master control room combines multiple streams of audio into what you hear on 89.5 FM, the KBACH mobile app, streaming online, or your smart speaker. KBACH’s hosts use this console to select their microphone when announcing musical works, a guest microphone when interviewing artists, all the music that comes from our automated system, remote sources, and local programs like Arizona Encore, ASU in Concert, or the Phoenix Symphony.
2) Studio Furniture
KBACH’s current audio console sits semi-recessed into a custom countertop. But a new audio console will have different requirements, so we will need to replace the current desktop with a new, resin-based one.
3) Speakers
These speakers play KBACH in the control room but are muted when KBACH hosts put on headphones and go live to bring you information about the music you just heard or updates on the weather or traffic reports. These speakers are bulky and outdated and will be replaced with more energy-efficient models.
4) Automation System
Our automation system is a critical piece for making KBACH the place that’s always there for you, playing classical music without any commercials or interruptions. KBACH hosts use this platform to craft balanced playlists of classical music that suit the time of day, whether first thing in the morning or late at night. Replacing outdated hardware with a new automation system would also allow us to upgrade to a more secure, modern operating system.
5) Floors & Wiring
Did you know that KBACH has floating studios? If you’ve ever gone on a tour of the KBACH studios, you may remember walking up a gentle incline. That’s because our production studios sit on an elevated floor, beneath which run audio cables that link together the on-air control room, the recording studios, and broadcast facility. These miles of data cables have been in service for two decades and will need to be entirely replaced—all while keeping Classical KBACH on the air.
