The Government's proposal to provide licenses to 790 new FM channels in Phase III of FM expansion is expected to boost the audio mixers and console market.

The market for professional audio mixers and consoles has been slow but steady. 2009 is poised to witness multifold increase in controller console sales and that is the reason why even traditional console manufacturers are modifying their existing consoles. The on-air consoles should be digital but the design should be similar to analog consoles for operation convenience. The consoles meeting these criteria are now available and can be already seen in operation in a few broadcast facilities in India, and this trend is likely to continue. The migration from analog technology to digital is inevitable in professional audio console market as the deadline to change the equipment and broadcast facilities into completely digital and HD format worldwide has been fixed between 2011 and 2015.

In the next few years, all traditional consoles will be replaced by controller consoles that cost half the price and are much more efficient, ultimately making them the best product/price match with value for money.

Some of the major players in this segment include Allen & Heath, Digidesign, Horizon Broadcast Electronics Private Limited, Telos-Axia-Omnia, Mackie, Otari, Samson, Soundcraft, and Studer.

Major brands in audio mixers include Audio Technologies, Aviom, Axia Audio, Calrec Audio, Dixon Systems, Eletec Broadcast Equipment, Euphonix, Fairlight, Graham-Patten Systems, Harrison Consoles, Innovason, JK Audio, Klotz Digital, Mark Systems, LAWO, Logitek, Mackie, Renegade Labs, Solid State Logic, Soundcraft, Studer, Studio Technologies, VTP Professional & Broadcast Video Equipment, Ward-Beck Systems, Wheatstone, Yellowtec, and Zaxcom.

Allen & Heath specializes in the manufacture of professional audio mixing consoles for recording, live sound, studio, broadcast solutions, pre/post production, club and installation, and DSP systems. Allen & Heath is represented by Sun Infonet in India.

Digidesign provides professional music, broadcast, multimedia, and film industries with tools for audio creation, post production, collaboration, and distribution.

The major customers for Horizon Broadcast Electronics Private Limited include Big 92.7 FM, Radio Mirchi, Radio City, Midday, My FM, Red FM, and Sun Group.

Telos sold 700 units of Axia IP-based professional audio consoles in 2008-09 that are used across the world. About 150 console are being used in India, with major clients being Big FM (45 stations), Malayala Manorma, Positive Radio, and Matrabhaumi.

Mackie offers professional audio products, from loudspeakers and mixing consoles to studio and recording equipment. In India, Mackie is represented by Aditya Infotech.

Otari is represented in India by Setron India Private Limited. Otari manufactures professional audio products for the music recording, broadcast, post-production, film, and live sound markets.

Samson's audio products include MDR mixers and L-series mixing consoles. In India, Samson is represented by Pro-Musicals for providing its mixing consoles solutions. Soundcraft provides a range of mixers which are designed for use in live sound, recording, post-production, TV and radio production, and disco applications. Studer is represented in India by AVF Distributors.

Yamaha provides professional audio mixing solutions. In India, Yamaha is represented by Modern Radio House Private Limited.

2009 looks good for the broadcast console market in India as the Information and Broadcast Ministry has proposed to provide licenses to 790 new FM channels in 210 additional locations in the Phase III of FM expansion. The attempt is to further liberalize the terms and conditions of permission to provide more freedom to the industry and to ensure expansion of these services and better off take in the North East, Jammu & Kashmir, and island territories by providing special incentives. The business for professional audio consoles is expected to increase by about 20-25 percent. Broadcasters need to understand that the quality of their channels is as much dependent on audio as on visuals and investing in high quality consoles can not only improve the quality of their channels but also improve their overall operation and migration path.