Aqua Broadcast Cobalt C‑50 50W Digital FM Transmitter

Product Overview

The Aqua Cobalt C-50 is a robust 50W digital FM broadcast transmitter designed for LPFM services, community radio, drive‑in events and as a high‑quality exciter in larger systems. Running on a fully customised Linux OS, its direct‑to‑channel DDS modulator delivers exceptionally clean audio and rock‑solid RF stability, while an integrated stereo encoder, dynamic RDS generator and 4‑band audio processor provide a complete on‑air package in a compact 1U chassis. Multiple inputs including analogue stereo, AES/EBU and digital MPX (AES192), along with Ethernet, USB, GPIO and GPS sync, make the Aqua Cobalt C-50 easy to integrate into both traditional and AoIP-based facilities.

Aqua Cobalt C-50 Key Features

• • 50W solid-state FM stereo transmitter using direct-to-channel DDS modulation for low distortion and excellent spectral performance.

• • Adjustable RF output typically from a few watts up to 50W with N-type RF connector, around 30% AC–RF efficiency and temperature‑controlled fan cooling.

• • VHF Band II operation from 87–108MHz with 50/100kHz steps and ±1ppm frequency stability from an internal 10MHz reference.

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

• • Analogue stereo audio, AES/EBU digital audio and digital MPX inputs, plus wideband analogue/digital MPX I/O with adjustable level for external processors.

• • Onboard multi‑band audio processor with ITU‑R BS412 limiter, loudness presets and optional upgrade to a 6‑band processor for more aggressive sound.

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

Applications

Use the Aqua Cobalt C-50 as the main transmitter for LPFM, community and campus stations, for drive‑in cinemas and sports 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-50 an excellent choice wherever 50W output, premium audio quality and reliable remote control are required in a compact 1U package.

Pair the Aqua Cobalt C-50 with suitable antennas and RF amplifiers in our FM Antenna Packages and FM Amplifiers categories to build scalable systems from 50W upwards. To explore more Aqua Broadcast products related to the Aqua Cobalt C-50, visit our Aqua Broadcast brand page and the main FM Audio Processors category for compatible FM processors.