Nautel Brings Two Low-Power AM Transmitters To Life

Why It Matters

The launch brings high‑end digital AM capabilities to the low‑power segment, enabling small stations to upgrade without sacrificing performance, which could revitalize AM listenership and attract new advertisers.

Key Takeaways

• NX1 delivers 1 kW low‑power AM with full digital features
• NX2.5 offers 2,500 W output, supporting HD Radio and DRM
• New 250 W RF module enables ultra‑linear modulation at low power
• Hot‑pluggable RF modules provide on‑air serviceability and high efficiency
• Advanced UI gives remote monitoring and built‑in spectrum analysis

Pulse Analysis

AM radio has long been dominated by high‑power transmitters, leaving smaller stations with limited options and outdated analog gear. As the industry grapples with audience fragmentation and the need for higher audio fidelity, the low‑power market has become a focal point for innovation. Nautel, a veteran in broadcast transmission, leverages its NX Series architecture—already proven in more than 40 MW of global deployments—to bridge the gap between legacy AM and modern digital standards.

The newly announced NX1 (1 kW) and NX2.5 (2,500 W) models incorporate a purpose‑built 250 W RF power module that preserves the ultra‑linear modulation and digital precorrection that characterize Nautel’s flagship units. By supporting HD Radio’s all‑digital MA3 mode and all current DRM configurations, the transmitters enable broadcasters to deliver clearer sound and data services on a modest power budget. Their modular, hot‑pluggable design simplifies on‑air maintenance, while the HTML‑based Advanced User Interface offers real‑time spectrum and impedance monitoring without external test equipment, cutting operational costs.

For the broader broadcast ecosystem, these low‑power transmitters could spark a resurgence of AM stations that were previously constrained by cost or technical limitations. The ability to run high‑efficiency, digitally‑enabled AM at 1‑2.5 kW opens doors for community, niche, and regional broadcasters to compete for ad revenue and audience share. With the devices slated for a showcase at the 2026 NAB Show, industry stakeholders will be watching closely to gauge adoption rates, which may set a new benchmark for digital AM transmission in the years ahead.