Aqua Broadcast Cobalt C‑100 100W Digital FM Transmitter

Product Overview

The Aqua Cobalt C-100 is a fully featured 100W digital FM broadcast transmitter designed for LPFM, regional stations and use as a high‑quality exciter in larger systems. Running on a customised Linux OS, its direct‑to‑channel DDS modulator delivers exceptionally clean audio, precise deviation control and excellent RF stability. An integrated stereo encoder, dynamic RDS/RBDS generator and 4‑band audio processor create a complete on‑air package in a compact 1U chassis, while analogue stereo, AES/EBU and digital MPX (AES192) inputs provide flexible signal paths from studio or STL.

Aqua Cobalt C-100 Key Features

• • 100W solid‑state FM stereo transmitter using direct‑to‑channel DDS modulation for low distortion and superior spectral performance.

• • Adjustable RF output typically from 5–100W with N‑type RF connector, around 56% AC‑RF efficiency and temperature‑controlled fan cooling.

• • VHF Band II operation from 87–108MHz with 100kHz steps and ±1ppm frequency stability from an internal 10MHz reference.

• • Integrated stereo encoder supporting stereo, mono L+R, mono L and mono R modes with 20Hz–15kHz ±0.02dB response and up to 75dB stereo separation.

• • Dynamic RDS/RBDS generator with support for RDS2, advanced data, UECP/ASCII control and multi‑port Ethernet/USB connectivity.

• • Analogue stereo, AES/EBU digital audio and analogue/digital MPX inputs with precise level trim; wideband MPX I/O optimised for external processors.

• • Onboard 4‑band audio processor with ITU‑R BS412 limiting, loudness presets and optional upgrade paths for more aggressive processing.

• • GPS sync and SFN‑ready operation with scheduler, automation, audio failover, silence detection and USB backup audio player.

• • Remote management via secure HTTPS web interface, SNMP v3, email alerts and intelligent GPIO so engineers can monitor and control the C-100 from anywhere.

• • Mono performance from 20Hz–15kHz ±0.02dB, mono SNR ≥75dB (AES/EBU) and THD+N down to 0.001% on digital MPX input.

Applications

Use the Aqua Cobalt C-100 as the main transmitter for LPFM and community stations, as a regional 100W site in larger networks or as a clean, feature‑rich exciter driving external RF amplifiers. Its combination of DDS exciter, integrated processing, dynamic RDS and SFN‑ready GPS sync makes the Aqua Cobalt C-100 an excellent choice wherever 100W output, premium audio quality and robust remote control are required in a compact 1U package.

Pair the Aqua Cobalt C-100 with suitable antennas and RF amplifiers in our FM Antenna Packages and FM Amplifier categories to build scalable systems from 100W upwards. To explore more Aqua Broadcast products related to the Aqua Cobalt C-100, visit our Aqua Broadcast brand page and the main FM Audio Processors categories for compatible processors and STL codecs.