Sport Nation unveils new studio powered by Lawo and Densitron

Sport Nation in Auckland has unveiled a brand-new broadcast studio, powered by Lawo and Densitron technology, delivered by Professional Audio & Television (PAT). The project marks a major leap forward for the station, combining a new audio infrastructure with intuitive studio control and a sleek look designed for modern multiplatform broadcasting.

At the heart of the new installation are Lawo’s diamond radio consoles. Sport Nation’s studios feature 18-fader desks that bring motorised precision, high-resolution displays and flexible configuration options, giving operators and presenters a fully customised workflow. These consoles are supported by Lawo’s Power Cores, which provide the DSP horsepower and extensive I/O to handle mixing, routing and audio processing across the facility. For maximum flexibility, the studios also feature Lawo’s VisTool touchscreen interfaces and crystal clear virtual consoles, enabling intuitive control and remote-ready operations from any workstation.

Studio control and branding have been elevated with a Densitron IDS system, which manages everything from studio signage and lighting to clocks, countdowns and camera triggers. To give presenters fast and tactile control, Densitron ProDecks were installed, allowing on-air talent to adjust microphones, headphones and talkback channels instantly, without breaking the flow of a live show.

Behind the scenes, PAT designed and delivered the technical backbone that ensures the new studios are future-ready. Arista switch fabric now underpins the IP infrastructure, providing resilient, high-bandwidth connectivity. And iHSE KVM systems give operators seamless, low-latency access to critical computers and applications from anywhere in the facility.

For Michael Tompkins, head of technology at Entain Media, the operators of Sport Nation, the collaboration has been invaluable: “We are extremely pleased with the outcome of this project and the collaboration with Professional Audio & Television and its manufacturers. Having a trusted local technology partner on the ground in New Zealand who understands both our requirements and the solutions has been invaluable in ensuring a smooth and successful implementation.”

For those working day to day in the studio, the upgrade has been transformative. Riccardo Ball, radio host and executive producer at Sport Nation, said the difference is like night and day.

"Mike, Steve and the crew at PAT have done an amazing job in our new studios, such an upgrade to our previous facilities. Not only does it look killer but it enables us to create content that wouldn’t have been possible before. The content we're creating, and the technology solutions we're using are on-par with any studio anywhere. Seamless integration between traditional radio, social media and even TV content, is now possible. This is huge for the brands we represent in New Zealand."

For PAT, the project is another milestone in their ongoing collaboration with Entain. Mike Heard, head of technology at Professional Audio & Television, sees the relationship continuing to grow.

“This project represents yet another chapter in the highly successful collaboration between Entain and PAT. We are proud to have supported Sport Nation with world-class technology and services that will enhance their broadcasting capabilities for years to come.”

With the new studios now fully operational, Sport Nation is equipped not only for radio, but for content creation across multiple platforms.