Auction of Radio Free Asia Equipment Hits Pause in D.C.

Rasmus Studio Auction in Washington, D.C. — One of Radio Free Asia’s broadcast studios where equipment is being auctioned. Credit: Rasmus Auctions

A wide array of broadcast, audio, video and computer equipment used by Radio Free Asia was to be auctioned by Dec. 1.

Subsequent to the publication of the original version of this article, Rasmus Auctions now says that at the request of the seller, the bidding has been halted in this auction until a future date.

But when it does take place, someone might be getting some good deals.

Rasmus Auctions is handling liquidation of four floors worth of gear at a Washington, D.C., radio and TV network location that is undergoing “a substantial operation reduction.” We must note here that Rasmus has declined to name its client; but we spotted the RFA logo in some of the photos, and a Fox News report confirmed it to be Radio Free Asia’s.

The Washington Business Journal reported that the D.C. office building where RFA is a tenant was ordered into receivership.

Radio engineers will recognize plenty of the equipment up for bids, including brands like Angry Audio, Barix, Comrex, EV, Mackie, PreSonus, Shure, StudioHub and Telos.

From audio and video to furniture

You can browse through 30 categories of items here. Rasmus said this inventory might even outdo the NPR auction it liquidated last year that Radio World reported.

This Axia console system up for auction 0 channel console, Element GPIO Power Supply Module, Livewire 8x8 Analog Audio Node, Livewire Studio Engine, and Cisco Systems Catalyst 2960G Series w/24 port network switch, with a bid right now of $22. — This radio broadcast console system up for auction includes an Axia 10-channel console, an Element GPIO power supply, a Livewire 8×8 analog audio node, a Livewire studio engine and a Cisco Systems Catalyst 2960G Series w/24 port network switch. When we looked it had a bid of $24. Credit: Rasmus Auctions

There are broadcast consoles, microphones (lots) and recorders. Networking options include servers and patch panels.

If you’re seeking to go multiplatform, there are cameras and studio light panels. There are also multiple studio desks, racks and even this worldwide backdrop, pictured below.

This backdrop can be yours, as part of the Rasmus liquidation. — The backdrop can be yours, as part of the Rasmus liquidation. Credit: Rasmus Auctions

The auctions was originally to run through the morning of Dec. 1. Some equipment had opened at very low starting bids. A MovinCool Climate Pro X20 portable air conditioner unit, for example, had a current bid of $62 USD when we looked.

A Shure SM7 Studio Microphone w/ mounted adjustable boom arm is among the auction offerings. Credit: Rasmus Auctions

An 18% buyer’s premium will be 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.

In October, RFA announced it was pausing its work following budget cuts at the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America, RFE/RL and RFA.

Radio World will continue to follow this story and will report when and if the auction resumes.

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