Aqua Broadcast Cobalt C‑30 30W Digital FM Transmitter

Product Overview

The Aqua Cobalt C-30 is a robust 30W digital FM broadcast transmitter designed for LPFM, community stations, drive-in events and as a high-quality exciter for larger amplifier chains. Direct-to-channel DDS modulation running on a customised Linux OS delivers exceptionally clean audio and tight RF stability, while the built‑in stereo encoder, dynamic RDS generator and 4‑band audio processor provide a complete on-air solution in a compact 1U chassis. With analogue stereo, AES/EBU and digital MPX inputs plus Ethernet, USB, GPIO and GPS sync, the Aqua Cobalt C-30 integrates easily into both traditional and AoIP-based facilities.

Aqua Cobalt C-30 Key Features

• • 30W solid-state FM stereo transmitter using direct-to-channel DDS modulation for low distortion and excellent spectral performance.

• • Adjustable RF output typically from 5–30W with N-type RF connector, high AC efficiency and low power consumption.

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

• • Integrated stereo encoder and fully dynamic RDS/RDS2/RBDS generator supporting ASCII, UECP and multi-port Ethernet/USB control.

• • Analogue stereo audio, AES/EBU digital audio and digital MPX (AES192) inputs, plus wideband analogue/digital MPX I/O on BNC for external processors.

• • Onboard multi-band audio processor (4‑ or 6‑band depending on options) with bass enhancement, ITU‑R BS412 limiter and loudness presets.

• • 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 v1/v2c/v3, email alerts and intelligent GPIO for full off‑site monitoring and control.

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

Applications

Use the Aqua Cobalt C-30 as the main transmitter for LPFM, community or campus stations, for drive-in cinemas and sporting events, or as a clean exciter driving external RF amplifiers. Its combination of DDS exciter, integrated processing, dynamic RDS and SFN-ready GPS sync makes the Aqua Cobalt C-30 an excellent choice wherever 30W output, premium audio quality and reliable remote control are required in a compact 1U package.

Pair the Aqua Cobalt C-30 with suitable antennas and RF amplifiers in our FM Antenna Packages and FM Amplifiers categories to build scalable systems up from 30W. To explore more Aqua Broadcast products related to the Aqua Cobalt C-30, visit our Aqua Broadcast brand page and the main FM Audio Processors section for compatible processors.