Aqua Broadcast Cobalt C‑300 300W Digital FM Transmitter

Product Overview

The Aqua Cobalt C-300 is a robust 300W FM broadcast transmitter designed for LPFM and regional stations or as a high-quality exciter in larger systems. Its direct-to-channel DDS modulator, running on a customised Linux OS, delivers exceptional audio quality and tight RF stability with minimal processing artefacts. An integrated stereo encoder, dynamic UECP-compliant RDS/RBDS generator and 4‑band audio processor turn the Aqua Cobalt C-300 into a complete on-air package, while analogue stereo, AES/EBU and digital MPX (AES192) inputs ensure flexible studio and STL integration.

Key Features

• • 300W solid-state FM stereo transmitter using direct-to-channel DDS modulation for low distortion and excellent spectral performance.

• • Adjustable RF output typically from 50–300W with N-type RF connector and high AC efficiency for reduced operating costs.

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

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

• • Dynamic RDS/RDS2/RBDS encoder with UECP/ASCII control over Ethernet and USB for full programme-related data and station branding.

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

• • Built-in 4‑band audio processor with bass enhancement, pilot protection, wideband AGC and modern loudness presets, with options for enhanced multi-band processing.

• • GPS sync and SFN-ready operation, with scheduler, automation, silence detection, audio failover 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-300 from anywhere.

• • Mono performance 20Hz–15kHz ±0.02dB with mono SNR ≥75dB (AES/EBU) and THD+N as low as 0.001% on digital input.

Applications

Use the Aqua Cobalt C-300 as the main transmitter for LPFM, community and regional services, as a 300W node in SFN or translator networks or as a clean, feature-rich exciter driving external RF amplifiers. Thanks to its DDS exciter, integrated processing, dynamic RDS and SFN-ready GPS sync, the Aqua Cobalt C-300 delivers premium audio quality, flexible connectivity and reliable remote control in a compact 1U package.

Pair the Aqua Cobalt C-300 with suitable antennas in our FM Antennas and Antenna Packages categories to build scalable systems. To explore more Aqua Broadcast products related to the Aqua Cobalt C-300, visit our Aqua Broadcast brand page and the main audio processing section for compatible FM Audio Processors.