Localised Radio Just Got Personal: Introducing Split Voice Tracking in Myriad Playout & Automation

Localized content is the undisputed king of modern broadcasting. While national networks provide high-quality programming and a sense of scale, the strongest connection a station has with its audience is through local relevance. Listeners in Manchester want to hear about Manchester, while those in Cardiff want to feel their specific community is being represented.

Until now, providing truly localized voice content across multiple transmission paths was a labor-intensive process, often requiring multiple recording sessions or complex manual file management. Myriad Playout & Automation is changing that narrative. With the introduction of Split Voice Tracking, we are bridging the gap between high-efficiency automation and deep local engagement.

This new feature allows you to maintain the efficiency of a centralised core program while delivering a personalized experience to every region in your network.

The Evolution of Voice Tracking

Voice Tracking (VT) has long been the backbone of modern radio automation software. It allows presenters to record their links between songs and sweepers, creating a seamless "live" feel without the need for the presenter to be in the studio 24/7.

In Myriad Playout & Automation, Voice Tracking is more than just recording a clip. The system provides professional-grade tools to ensure every link sounds perfect:

• Automatic Envelope Management: Myriad Playout & Automation automatically handles the volume "ducking" of the outgoing and incoming tracks.
• Precision Timing: You can adjust the exact start and end points of your voice link relative to the music markers.
• Visual Waveform Editing: Presenters see exactly where their voice sits in the mix, allowing for tight, punchy transitions.
• Rapid Production: Presenters can burn through a four-hour show in a fraction of the time, maintaining high energy without the fatigue of a live marathon.

The goal has always been to make automation indistinguishable from live broadcasting. However, as networks grew, the challenge shifted from "sounding live" to "sounding local."

Understanding Split Playout

To appreciate the power of Split Voice Tracking, you must first understand Split Playout. This is a common practice for stations that broadcast to different geographic regions or via different platforms (such as FM vs. DAB).

In a standard Split Playout scenario, the main content: the music, the main features, and the primary presenter links: is shared across all "splits." However, at specific points in the clock, the system triggers different content for different regions.

• Regional Advertising: The most common use of split playout, allowing local businesses to advertise to their specific audience.
• Localized Branding: Different jingles for "Hot Radio London" vs. "Hot Radio Birmingham."

While this has been highly effective for commercial breaks and branding, the presenter links remained "one size fits all." If the presenter mentioned the weather in London, the listeners in Scotland just had to deal with it. Split Voice Tracking solves this disconnect.

Introducing Split Voice Tracking

Split Voice Tracking is a revolutionary new feature coming to Myriad Playout & Automation that combines the creativity of voice tracking with the power of split playout. It allows a single presenter to record unique, localized voice tracks for every split region within a single, streamlined session.

Imagine a presenter hosted in a central London studio. With Split Voice Tracking, they can record a link about a national news story for everyone to hear, but then immediately record a follow-up link that is specific to the local traffic or events in three different cities.

How it works in practice:

• Multi-Region Recording: When the presenter reaches a "Split VT" point in the log, the interface allows them to record a separate link for each enabled split.
• Shared Content Options: You are not forced to record unique content for every region. You can choose to record one link and "share" it across multiple splits while keeping another region entirely unique.
• Unified Interface: Everything happens within the standard voice tracking window. There is no need to jump between different logs or stations.
• Intelligent Timing: Because split playout requires all paths to eventually re-sync, Myriad Playout & Automation assists the presenter by showing target durations for VTs, ensuring the show stays perfectly timed across the entire network.

This feature transforms Myriad Playout & Automation into a localized powerhouse, giving your station a competitive edge by sounding like it’s based in every town it broadcasts to.

Maximizing Efficiency with Split VT Placeholders

We understand that radio broadcast software needs to be fast. If a feature adds too much complexity, it won't be used. That’s why we’ve introduced the "Split VT Placeholder " in the log.

This is a dedicated log item that acts as a signal to the presenter that a localized link is required. It offers several workflow advantages:

• Production Notes: Stations can add specific notes for the presenter within the Play Holder. For example, "Mention the local festival in the Manchester split."
• Rapid Navigation: Presenters can use "Jump to Next" buttons to quickly fly through a long log, specifically hitting the points where localized content is needed.
• Visual Cues: It is immediately obvious in the Myriad Playout & Automation log where splits are occurring, reducing the risk of missing a localized link.
• Status Tracking: The system clearly indicates which splits have a recorded link and which are still pending, providing a clear to-do list for the talent.

Remote Localism with Myriad Anywhere

In today's industry, talent isn't always in the building. Whether your presenters are working from home or from a different city, they need access to these advanced features.

Split Voice Tracking is fully supported in Myriad 6 Anywhere. This means your presenters can record localized, split-region links from a browser anywhere in the world.

• No Specialist Hardware Needed: Presenters can use their existing home studio setup.
• Real-Time Sync: As soon as a Split VT is recorded in Myriad Anywhere, it is available for playout on the main studio system.
• Collaborative Workflow: Production teams can set up the Split VT Placeholders in the Schedule, and the remote talent simply logs in to their shows and record their VTs.

Why Localized Radio Content Matters

The radio landscape is more crowded than ever. Between streaming services and podcasts, listeners have endless choices. The one thing those platforms struggle to replicate is local human connection.

By using Split Voice Tracking in Myriad Playout & Automation, you are able to:

1. Increase Listener Loyalty: People listen longer when the content feels relevant to their daily lives.
2. Boost Commercial Value: Advertisers are more likely to invest in a station that can provide localized context around their commercials.
3. Optimize Talent: You can use your best "big market" talent across your whole network without sacrificing the local feel of individual stations.
4. Reduce Costs: You don't need a separate presenter for every region. One person can do the work of many, localized and targeted.

Cost and Availability

At Broadcast Radio, we believe in providing our users with the tools they need to succeed without hidden costs.

Split Voice Tracking will be included at no extra charge for all Myriad Playout & Automation customers who have the Split Playout module enabled.

• Version Required: Myriad Playout & Automation v6.9 onwards.
• Beta Release: Expected in April 2026.
• Licensing: Requires an active support or subscription plan and the Split Playout feature enabled on your license.

This represents a significant value add for stations looking to maximize their divergent transmission paths in a time-efficient and cost-effective way.

See it in Action

The best way to understand the power of this new feature is to see the workflow for yourself. We have prepared a short demonstration video that walks you through the recording process, the Split VT Play Holders, and how the audio sounds on air.

Watch the Demo Video: https://youtu.be/SDI91izA3tQ

If you haven't yet explored the world of split broadcasting, now is the perfect time to start. You can learn more about the technical requirements and benefits of Myriad Split Playout here.

Whether you are a national broadcaster looking to tighten your regional focus, or a local station group wanting to share talent more effectively, Split Voice Tracking in Myriad Playout & Automation is the tool you've been waiting for. We can't wait to see how you use it to bring your station closer to your listeners.

Need Help Setting Up?

Our team is ready to assist you with upgrading to v6.9 or configuring your split playout environment. You can find technical guides and support at Myriad Playout Support or visit our Community Forum to see how other broadcasters are leveraging Myriad technology.