NPR puts a bunch of broadcast and IT gear up for auction

As the result of an “IT refresh” at its Washington headquarters, NPR is offering the public a chance to bid on rafts of broadcast, audio, video and computer equipment.

Rasmus Auctions is handling liquidation of hundreds of items ranging from mixers, microphones and speakers to laptops, monitors and printers.

A video that the company put together provides a look at the equipment up for sale; you can view it at the bottom of this story. The bidding is open and runs until the morning of July 24.

An NPR spokesperson has not replied to a request for comment about how this equipment is being replaced, but the auction website provides the basic info for purchasing.

For broadcaster interest, there are multiple Yamaha 01V digital mixing consoles, two Dixon NM250 newsroom consoles and multiple Mackie SR244 and Behringer XR16 digital mixers, as well as assorted microphones, amplifiers and compressors. (Here’s your chance to get a Neumann mic that was used by National Public Radio.)

Some of the gear provides a trip down memory lane. There are a few legacy RoadRunner ISDN Codec units and multiple Telos Zephyr digital audio transceivers. Dolby Model 363 noise reduction modules are part of the lot. There are even a few reel-to-reel machines that can be repaired or used for parts.

In the IT and computing realm, there are many Dell Optiplex i7 desktop towers and Dell Latitude i7 laptops. The stock includes several Cisco wireless access points. There are several MacBook Pro and MacBook Air laptops available that appear to be models from 2015 to 2020. (The Rasmus video warns that power cords are first-come, first-serve.) Speakers from JBL and Fostex are up for grabs. TVs as large as a 90-inch Sharp model can also be had. And there are many computer monitors.

The bidding on the equipment is auction-style. If you are a lucky winner, you’ll need to arrange a pickup time on July 26 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in Washington, D.C., upon receiving an invoice. Rasmus does advertise available delivery within 150 miles through a third party.

An 18% buyer’s premium is added to each purchase. Bidders must register through the Rasmus system to gain access. All items are sold “as is, where is,” with no warranties. Radio World