At NAB Show 2026, Nautel introduced two important additions to its AM transmission portfolio, the new NX1 and NX2.5. Designed as compact, modern AM transmitters for broadcasters who need efficiency, serviceability and flexibility, both units bring the architecture of Nautel’s larger NX series into smaller, more practical form factors.
For broadcasters looking to modernise AM infrastructure without the footprint and complexity of traditional high-power systems, the NX1 and NX2.5 offer a cleaner and more serviceable path forward.
A New Entry Point for Nautel’s NX Platform
The new NX1 is a 1 kilowatt AM transmitter and the natural successor to the long-serving J1000. It takes the core design philosophy of Nautel’s larger NX systems and brings it into a compact 12 rack unit chassis, making it far easier to deploy in smaller facilities, regional sites and constrained rack environments.
What makes the NX1 notable is that it is not a stripped-back entry model. It shares the same technical foundation as the larger NX3, giving smaller broadcasters access to the same core platform, control structure and digital transmission capabilities found higher up the range.
That means users are not stepping into a simplified product. They are stepping into a smaller version of a proven broadcast platform.
Designed for Practical Serviceability
One of the strongest design decisions in the NX1 is how clearly it has been built with field serviceability in mind.
The transmitter uses four 250 watt hot-swappable power modules, all accessible from the front of the chassis. If a module fails, the transmitter continues operating, reducing the risk of off-air events and simplifying maintenance.
Nautel has taken the same approach with the rest of the serviceable hardware. The power supply is front-accessible, and even fan replacement has been designed to avoid unnecessary downtime. Each fan can be removed and replaced without needing to access internal panels, which is a practical advantage for engineers servicing transmitters in the field.
For remote or lightly staffed sites, this matters. Faster maintenance and easier module replacement directly reduce operational overhead and risk.
Compact Without Compromise
The NX1’s physical footprint is one of its biggest advantages.
At just 12RU, it fits comfortably into installations where space is limited, but the more important point is that Nautel has managed to reduce the form factor without removing the features broadcasters expect from the NX line.
The unit includes full front-panel control and monitoring, matching the operational style of larger NX transmitters. That means engineering teams already familiar with Nautel’s workflow will be able to deploy and manage the NX1 with minimal retraining.
Nautel has also introduced a new HTML5 GUI, modernising the remote management experience and giving operators more flexible browser-based access to control and monitoring.
Ready for Digital AM Workflows
The NX1 is not just designed for conventional AM transmission. It is also built to support modern digital radio workflows.
At NAB, Nautel demonstrated the unit operating in all-digital MA3 mode, and confirmed support across DRM modes and HD Radio. That makes the NX1 relevant not just as a compact AM transmitter, but as a platform ready for the next stage of digital AM deployment.
For broadcasters planning future digital migration, that matters. It allows infrastructure decisions made today to remain relevant as transmission standards continue to evolve.
Introducing the NX2.5
Alongside the NX1, Nautel also previewed the NX2.5, a 2.5 kilowatt rack-mount AM transmitter that extends the same design philosophy into a higher power class.
The NX2.5 expands the platform to 17 rack units, increasing output power while retaining the same general interface and serviceability model. It uses 10 power modules and dual 65 volt power supplies, giving operators a familiar service and control experience across both products.
Like the NX1, the NX2.5 is designed for practicality. It supports single-phase operation from 185 to 264 volts AC, making deployment easier in facilities where three-phase power may not be readily available.
This is a useful addition for broadcasters who need more output power than the NX1 can provide, but still want the benefits of a compact rack-mounted design.
Built for Real-World Broadcast Operations
What stands out most about both the NX1 and NX2.5 is that they are clearly designed around real operational needs.
These are not just smaller transmitters. They are purpose-built systems designed to reduce complexity, simplify maintenance and improve deployment flexibility.
For broadcasters, that translates to clear benefits:
- smaller rack footprint
- front-access serviceability
- reduced downtime during maintenance
- easier deployment in regional and remote facilities
- support for digital AM transmission standards
- a consistent operating experience across the NX platform
This is where the value sits. Nautel has taken the core strengths of its larger AM systems and packaged them into more accessible, more flexible transmitter platforms.
Final Thoughts
The NX1 and NX2.5 are practical additions to Nautel’s AM portfolio and a strong signal of where compact AM infrastructure is heading.
For broadcasters maintaining regional AM networks, upgrading ageing transmitter infrastructure, or planning for digital radio transition, both units offer a modern and highly serviceable alternative to legacy systems.
The NX1 gives smaller sites a compact, digital-ready transmitter with the operational DNA of Nautel’s larger systems. The NX2.5 builds on that with more power, the same serviceability, and broader deployment flexibility.
Both are well worth a closer look for broadcasters planning the next phase of AM transmission.
To learn more about Nautel AM transmission solutions in Australia, contact the team at OnAir Solutions via sonifex.com.au.