Orban Labs transitions to Linux-based processing using Raspberry Pi clusters

Orban’s shift to a Linux-driven, co-processed architecture signals the end of the standalone DSP era for mission-critical audio. By adopting Raspberry Pi clusters for secondary tasks like streaming and watermarking, Orban maintains the 'bulletproof' reliability required for 24/7 broadcast while matching the scalability of cloud-native competitors. This hybrid approach addresses the low-latency demands of local processing while providing the connectivity needed for modern hybrid-radio ecosystems and internet-based distribution. For the broader market, it validates the use of standardized, off-the-shelf compute modules for high-complexity signal processing. Watch for similar architectural consolidations in the video encoding market as ARM-based clusters replace aging dedicated ASIC hardware.

The transition to software-defined architectures is gaining momentum across the audio ecosystem. Per Jeff Geerling (April 2025), Orban's latest 5000-series processors are utilizing three-node Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 (CM4) clusters internally. These modules are assigned specific tasks: one manages the web UI and remote control, a second handles multi-stream audio processing, and a third is dedicated to watermarking for Luminate or Nielsen ratings data. This architecture, retailing between $6,000 and $15,000, reflects a shift from custom SoCs to well-supported, long-lifecycle Linux platforms. In the broader market, this trend is mirrored by recent hardware developments. Per NXP Semiconductors (May 2026), the launch of the SAF9800 processor aims to consolidate fragmented infotainment systems by integrating AM/FM reception and AI-driven audio processing onto a single software-defined chip. Similarly, Xperi reported (January 2025) that its DTS AutoStage platform, which leverages software-defined radio to bridge broadcast and streaming video in-car, has reached 10 million vehicles. These developments highlight a systemic move away from discrete hardware components toward integrated systems that can be upgraded via firmware. Simultaneously, U.S. audio listening trends underscore the stakes of this technical evolution. Nielsen research (February 2025) found that audio now accounts for 20% of Americans' daily media time, with radio still capturing 67% of the ad-supported share. As streaming audio gains market share among younger demographics (18-34), the ability of traditional hardware manufacturers like Orban to integrate native HLS and MPX-over-IP capabilities becomes critical for preserving the broadcast industry's reach in a increasingly digital-first environment.