Gagl is a cloud-based service that enables users to send and receive audio through common web browsers* while connecting to a Comrex hardware IP audio codec.
With just a computer or smartphone plus a headset, high-quality audio can be transmitted bidirectionally from up to five remote participants with minimal latency. The audio from all participants is “Gagl’d” together and delivered to an ACCESS or BRIC-Link at the studio. Everyone can hear each other as well as the return audio from the studio codec.
It’s a simple way to get anyone on the air – no expertise required.
*Gagl + Hotline allows for one participant to join by dialing a phone number. Available within the U.S. only.
Gagl was designed with an audio-first mindset unlike many conferencing applications currently available that prioritize video and relegate audio to the background. Gagl utilizes the Opus audio encoder and connects to Comrex IP codecs, meaning that you’ll get the best possible sound quality with professional audio I/O connectors on the studio end. Error correction and dynamic buffering tools are working hard in the background to ensure reliable and pristine audio transmission, and minimal latency allows for use in talk radio applications.
Gagl takes advantage of the Opus audio encoder – a low-latency encoding algorithm that reliably delivers high-fidelity audio – which is readily available in modern web browsers. Assuming a stable Wi-Fi or cellular connection, Opus can be used to send high-quality audio through compatible web browsers using any smart device. Gagl leverages this open source technology which can be found almost anywhere and enables real-time communications (RTC) from browser to studio.
Gagl can connect up to 5 remote contributors simultaneously, making it perfect for round-robin reporting or a morning zoo style program. It can also simply be a portal for a single contributor to connect to the studio – whatever you need for your remote production. Plus, Gagl simplifies operations by handling mix-minus and consolidating multiple audio feeds for busy engineers.
Participants can connect and send audio by simply clicking a link using any common browser (or with Hotline, by dialing a phone number – more on that below). There’s no need for your guests to install an app, download software, or figure out how to use specialized equipment. This makes Gagl easily accessible for anyone to use – including those who aren’t tech savvy.
*Because audio is paramount for Gagl, it requires the use of headsets by guests on computers or smartphones. This removes any distortion that can be caused by acoustic echo cancellation. Read our technote on why headsets are essential for Gagl (access the Spanish version here).
Gagl offers several roles from which Moderators can choose – Participant, Silent, and Producer (to be added in a future release). Moderators are also able to restrict capabilities for guests or give a contributor more control – you’re in charge of what each person can do.
Gagl can turn any Comrex IP audio codec equipped with firmware 4.5p11 or higher into a hub from which an entire radio show can operate. All current studio IP audio codec models ship with native Gagl compatibility, while older/retired models can upgrade their firmware for compatibility at no cost. Tech support is available (in both English & Spanish) if assistance is required.
With tens of thousands of ACCESS & BRIC-Link codecs in circulation around the world, Gagl opens up new possibilities for broadcasters using gear that might already be in your studio.
Gagl is a low-cost, subscription service and you can sign-up now for a free, two-week trial at the links below. At the conclusion of the trial period, you’ll be billed $35 USD per month on your credit card, or you can save $70 USD off an annual subscription – just $350 USD with code.*
*Codes are provided by your favorite broadcast equipment supplier or you can request a coupon code from Comrex directly by clicking HERE.
A new Gagl feature will soon be available for U.S. clients called Hotline.
Historically, mobile calls have always been cut down to “old telephone” quality when connecting to the studio for compatibility purposes, and there was no way to preserve the high-quality of the call all the way down the chain – until now. Hotline preserves the wideband audio people are accustomed to on Mobile-to-Mobile calls and brings that clean, clear, high-fidelity audio straight into your studio codec.
A ten-digit telephone number is included with each Gagl + Hotline subscription. Mobile phone calls made to or from your designated Hotline number will sound dramatically improved with higher fidelity than a normal phone call. Participants can call using an AT&T, T-Mobile or Verizon cell phone. The caller’s audio will be presented within the Gagl UI in HD Voice quality for on-air use. Since they just dial a number, Gagl + Hotline is truly simple enough for guests and reporters of any and all backgrounds to connect to the studio without sacrificing quality.
Gagl + Hotline can be used in a conference with other participants or you can set it up to simply answer phone calls and transfer them to your codec (using an optional security PIN). It’s a great way to upgrade your caller audio while also making it as accessible as possible for the end user.
2024 US Election:
Comrex will be offering a FREE one-month Gagl + Hotline subscription (a $50.00 value) between now and Nov. 5th, 2024. Contributors can connect to your Comrex codec by dialing a phone number and will sound significantly better than a typical cell phone.
Please fill out this form and a Comrex representative will be in touch.
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