NextKast

Pros: Layout of system.
Ease of use.
Integrated Music Scheduling Software.
Remote Voicetracking.
LineIn/Live feature.

Cons: Really cannot think of any once I figured out how to use the system.

Overall: Overall I am very pleased with the NextKast system, it is very easy to use, and the remote voice tracker is great and simple. I like the fact that it is very easy to learn the system, use the integrated music scheduler, and utilize the LineIn/Live portion of the system. Winston has also been great to work with and helped me out numerous times when I got started.

Pros: I love NextKast! It was so easy to learn and totally worth the price. By using voice tracking, I can record a week in advance and sound like I'm live!

Cons: Adding music can be a little challenging. The steps are easy but the music doesn't always end up in the correct folder.

Overall: NextKast was exactly what I was looking for. Now I'm able to create a 3 hour radio show as an Mp3. The show is sent to a community radio station to air on the correct day. Even though I record a week ahead...I sound like I'm live.

Pros: Once you get used to the way it works, it works every time! The program is simple and easy to use. The migration from one automation to another was smooth and seamless. It did require manual manipulation of the rotations, but that was an easy thing to overcome. The MobileVT is truly an amazing feature. It allows for me to manage my station from anywhere I am with a few clicks. In fact, on a recent cruise, I was able to remotely log in and edit a playlist on the fly quickly and easily. We are going to be using the GoLive feature very soon!

Cons: The only con to the program at this time is not having the ability to have just a dedicated playout only screen for the studio. Letting the jocks have access to everything could pose an issue.

Overall: As the Operations Director for a small radio group, my job is to assess and implement new technology to the company. I researched different options before choosing NextKast. Winston was easy to work with and very responsive to any of my questions regarding the operation of NextKast. Once the system was fully operational on one station, we were able to move on to another station. The migration does take some time to complete and Winston was helpful during the entire process.

Any time we have found a bug or a problem with NextKast, a kind email request for support was quickly handled. Winston has responded to all requests for support during normal business hours with a fix or letting me know he would work on a fix. All fixes have been implemented very quickly.

One of the most exciting parts about NextKast is its ever evolving updates. Winston implements new updates quickly and efficiently and has them tested rigorously before sending them out to stations. Our radio group is looking forward to all the new features and functions of NextKast!

Pros: Ease of Setup.
Audio Quality without using and external DSP.
Straight froward in its presentation of the Dashboard and operation of the radio automation program.
Excellent Customer Service.
Upgrades are free.
Full service for running a radio station live, in the cloud or remotely from your smart phone.

Cons: None.
There have been no issues with NextKast Setup and the daily operation of the program.

Overall: Local US Based support with all the functionality of much higher priced Radio Automation programs all in one package. Easy to upgrade to the next level of NextKast also.

All and all a great program with fantastic local support. It works!

Pros: This program, once set up, runs so smooth. We are a 24/7 southern gospel streaming station. Our station is run completely through the NextKast system with 8 off-site DJs. The automation side, for pre generating hours and for the DJs to do their voice tracks (VTs) via the web based login, works great. Though there have been some minor issues that occur when the program has an upgrade, the customer service team at NextKast were very quick to respond, find the problem/issue and resolve it. NextKast continues DAILY to improve their program and works great for our station.

Cons: I have to make sure songs are tagged perfect so they work with our streaming service rules (i.e., not to repeat a song in a certain time frame, not to play the same artist within a certain time frame, etc.) It does take a little extra behind the scenes work on our end, but once it is all finished the system works seamlessly.
Regarding the program itself, the only thing I would like to see would be a few cosmetics on volume sliders. But that is just a personal preference, not an issue with the program.

Overall: For over 5 years, I have used NextKast. The first 2 years were as an off-site DJ and these last 3 have been as an owner of a station. We have rules set for the station in auto-generating programs for each DJ, which there are a total of 10. We have numerous categories for our songs - fast - slow - medium- hymns - current top charting songs - past top charting songs, etc. We have multiple live DJs as well as the pre-recorded programs. I have always been impressed with the updates and customer service. The program designer(s) are always looking for ways to keep the program current as well as ideas from the station owners, like myself, on how to improve the program for our needs. Though years ago I had worked in radio at a brick and mortar station, when I joined as a DJ at a different streaming station 5 years ago, I knew next to nothing about streaming radio and/or how to set it up. The team at NextKast have always been available to help me when an issue or question arises. One specific instance stands out, my first remote broadcast. We were at a campground and had a bandwidth problem which the customer service was quick to diagnose the issue and increase the bandwidth for my station and boom - just like that - we were up and running for the rest of the weekend. Overall, I would highly recommend NextKast.

Pros: The light-weight nature of the automation is perfect for most any use. I like that you can use any reasonable hardware and the application flawlessly. Its stable and dependable and I love how its a single application that does the work of many. I LOVE that updates are regular and are always awesome improvements! Love their support, WOW!

Cons: I have had great experiences with NK. I don't know what I would change at this point.

Overall: I would wholly recommend this product. It out performs many products that are many times more expensive. If you want to have a successful station with maximum features, and minimal intervention, then buy this! You will never be sorry you did.....