In spring 2004, subsequent to a previously issued Europe-wide invitation to tender, the BBC settled on a system policy which specified DHD On-Air consoles. The result of this decision is that Thum + Mahr has been awarded the prime contract to deliver and configure all the DHD mixing console systems for the new Broadcasting House in West London.

Behind the unassuming acronym "West One," the BBC has been developing one of the most ambitious media projects in Europe to date. The whole of Broadcasting House in the heart of London is being completely rebuilt. The art neuveau façade built in 1932 however, which is admired and so well-known throughout the world, will remain untouched. With the decision to specify DHD technology, Thum + Mahr now finds itself at the focus of this project.



In a written communication, the BBC confirms: "The new W1 centre will be a dynamic new home for all the BBC's national radio networks, as well as a focus for the BBC's national and international news operations, bringing the World Service and the domestic news service together in one venue for the first time."

The decisive factor underlying the BBC’s choice of sytem was the great flexibility of the DHD mixing consoles, together with their proven robustness and high operational availability. This is the first occasion in the history of the BBC that “home grown” technology has not been used. “The perfect adaption of the DHD consoles, to incorporate the BBC-specific operational requirements and unique features, presented the main challenge for both Thum + Mahr’s engineering team and DHD” commented Operations Director Stefan Mertens, who is in overall charge of the project.

In the first phase to be completed by the end of the year, Thum + Mahr will deliver and configure more than 20 consoles for the new BBC On-Air studios. The first studios, to be equipped with the RM4200 series, will be BBC Radio 3 and the Radio 4 Network Radio studios in the BH Tower. BBC Radio 2 and 6Music studios in the adjoining part of the Western House complex will then follow on.

Besides the contract for the On-Air mixers, the BBC’s decision to standardise on the DHD RM 4200 consoles also requires all the BBC Radio sound editing rooms to be fitted with Audio Workshop Mixers, and the refurbishment of all the "small" GP Studios with DHD consoles. Thum + Mahr will deliver the 15 additional Audio Workshop and Small DHD GP mixing console systems by the end of this year.