Lawo's HOME management platform for IP based media infrastructures, is natively built on a cloud-ready microservices architecture, enabling users to connect, manage and secure networked production setups from the ground up. Furthermore, it provides centralized access and control for all Lawo gear within a setup. HOME helps broadcast professionals address some of the most demanding requirements of modern IP infrastructures, including automated discovery and registration of devices, connection management, flow control, software & firmware management, scalability and security.

HOME features: Discovery and Registration (IP complexity solved with automatic plug & play discovery of IP audio and video devices), Device Management (speedy, unified device configuration routines; save and recall of configurations), Operability (simple, user-friendly UI allows users to organize and access processing services), Security (variety of security strategies like quarantining of unknown devices, authentication strategy, arbitration of devices and individual streams), Scalable Architecture (cloud-native by design – architecture is built to run detached from hardware constraints and scales on demand).

Lawo’s HOME platform is based on open standards eg. ST2110, NMOS, IEEE802.1x and RADIUS and follows LUX, Lawo’s unified experience design principles, which provide a consistent workflow across all Lawo IP products.

The mc²36 (MkII) mixer raises the audio production bar by more than doubling the DSP channel count of the original, as well as introducing an ultra-compact 16-fader version that delivers big performance in the smallest mc² footprint ever. And a major new feature, IP Easy, makes managing IP network devices simpler and more intuitive than ever before.

“When we introduced the mc²36 in 2014, its small form-factor and its price-point quickly made it a favorite with customers we’d never been able to address before – venues like houses of worship, performing arts centers or smaller OB trucks – anywhere a small, powerful live mixer was required,” says Lucas Zwicker, Senior Technical Product Manager, Audio Production.

“New capabilities in the mc²36 provide customers who need a small console something they’ve never had before — an IP-native mixer, with outstanding DSP power and comprehensive I/O connectivity. Furthermore, the new console does not only provide best in class IP connectivity, but also Lawo-grade microphone inputs and line outs, and also AES3 and a built-in MADI port for legacy equipment.”

“And,” adds Zwicker, “Moving the mc²36 to the A__UHD Core means that all developments in the future will happen on a single platform and that Lawo continues to provide production file compatibility between all mc² consoles. Imagine the possibilities… a production file from an mc²36 could be used on an mc²96 for post-production! The A__UHD Core platform opens the door to a lot of very cool developments. It’s a whole new level of performance.”

Outstanding features of the new mc²36:

• DSP more than doubled. 256 processing channels, available at both 48 and 96 kHz.
• Immense I/O. A new I/O capacity of 864 channels, with local connections which include 3 redundant IP network interfaces, 16 Lawo-grade mic/line inputs, 16 line outputs, 8 AES3 inputs and outputs, 8 GPIO connections, and an SFP MADI port.
• Native IP. mc²36, powered by A__UHD Core, natively supports ST2110, AES67, RAVENNA, and Ember+.
• New super-compact frame size. New 16-fader frame is the smallest, most lightweight mc² ever built! Perfect for mobile use or any tight mixing space. A 32-fader version is also available.
• Small on size, big on power. Don’t let the size fool you; mc²36 is still a full-fledged mc² mixer – with all the features and capabilities you’d expect, like Button-Glow and touch-sensitive rotary controls, color TFT fader-strip displays, LiveView™ video thumbnails, and super-precise 21.5” full HD touchscreen controls.
• Built-in loudness metering. Full loudness control compliant with ITU 1770 (EBU/R128 or ATSC/A85) standard features peak and loudness metering can even measure individual channels as well as summing busses.
• Remote Desktop integration. Seamlessly add third-party solutions like recording systems, effects engines, etc. running on external PCs into the mc²36 user interface. Applications display in the console’s screen while the console’s keyboard, touchpad and touchscreen provide control.
• Waves® Plugin Integration. mc²36 offers best-in-class integration of Waves SuperRack SoundGrid, providing operators with access to Waves’ extensive plug-in selection of real-time signal processing in addition to the console’s internal processing engine. No additional screens or control devices are needed.

IP Easy: Finally, IP Management As Simple As Analog.

Lawo’s “Phase II” development of the A__UHD Core includes Lawo’s innovative new IP Easy functionality based on HOME, Lawo's management platform for IP-based media infrastructures, making IP setup as simple as analog. IP Easy simplifies the management of IP devices, which makes connecting audio I/O devices as easy as if they were baseband. The console automatically detects new devices and makes them available at the touch of a button. IP Easy even manages IP addresses, multicast ranges, and VLANs, and includes security features like access control and quarantining of unknown devices to protect your network.

A Stellar Advancement to the State Of The Art

Christian Struck concludes: “Lawo has always been known for innovation and performance, as well as maximum redundancy and reliability. With the simultaneous introduction of the new software package for A__UHD Core and the new mc²36, audio professionals will find themselves enjoying a whole new world of power, flexibility and ease-of use. This flexible, software-defined architecture is the platform from which many new and exciting developments will be launched.”

During a Special Launch Event on November 16, 2021, streamed live from its studio at the company’s headquarters in Rastatt/Germany, Lawo unveiled its all-new diamond broadcast console for radio and TV applications. This IP-native mixing system is based on the open AES67/RAVENNA Audio-over-IP networking standards and also complies with ST2110-30/-31 and ST2022-7. Powered by the Lawo Power Core Engine, diamond provides expandable I/O, accommodating AES67, MADI, analog, AES3 as well as Dante® audio sources and destinations.

Modular by design, diamond is available in configurations from 2 to 60 physical faders, either as desktop or flush-mounted build. Fader-adjacent color displays give extended source information, and two fader layers allow operators to instantly switch between multiple tasks. Silent, motorized faders and precise encoders inherited from Lawo’s acclaimed mc² audio production consoles permit flawless integration with program automation and playout systems — perfect for multiple-layer operations involving voice tracking, remote production, or DAW control. Programmable, color-coded LED button and encoder lighting highlights common control functions.

Much more than helpful meter bridges, optional Virtual Extension modules feature HD color TFT displays for extended information and touch control. Ember+ and HTML5 integration enables control of third-party hardware and software.

diamond is the first Lawo console for radio applications to feature Lawo’s Unified Experience user interface that puts users first thanks to a familiar and consistent interface across the entire Lawo product portfolio.

Based on a holistic concept, diamond is a completely modular production system that enables broadcasters to build exactly the console they envision, tailored to the specific requirements of users and workflows. Several module types are available for customer-specific arrangements of hardware controls and sections.

diamond employs smart algorithms that speed up production workflows. A host of assistive mixing technologies enable diamond operators to produce compelling, engaging programming. The AutoMix function automatically maintains the balance of multi-mic productions, and AutoMix Grouping allows this intelligent automatic mixing to be applied to multiple independent source groups. AutoGain, an automatic gain setting function, optimizes guest and host mic levels with a single button press.

IP-based studio infrastructure makes it very easy to control devices remotely and share information between studios. The diamond display apps take maximum advantage of IP studio networking, giving users the ability to operate their console remotely with complete access to every function from a PC with a LAN / WAN connection.

Thanks to an unlimited number of snapshots and DSP profiles that can be stored and recalled from any networked console, individual talent profiles or customized show setups are available anywhere — even to operators working remotely from home studios, OB setups, etc.

A sophisticated rights-management system gives engineers the power to tailor access to console features based on multiple user groups, or on a user-by-user basis.

diamond furthermore integrates with HOME, Lawo’s management platform for today’s complex IP-based media infrastructures. HOME helps connect, manage and secure all aspects of live production environments, providing centralized microservices for swift, effective interaction of engineers with their tools. HOME turns an array of devices, setups, sites, hubs and data centers into a powerful, agile network — quickly and in a perfectly secure way.

“With diamond, Lawo is making a bold statement regarding the radio landscape of the future,” said Johan Boqvist, Lawo’s Senior Product Manager, Radio. “In addition to being entirely user configurable and flexible with respect to fader count, diamond sets a new standard for hardware and software integration on a true, native IP platform.”

Lawo's IP-native crystal versatile console for broadcast applications is based on the open RAVENNA/AES67 Audio-over-IP networking standards and complies with SMPTE ST2110-30/-31 for audio, and ST2022-7 for redundancy. Powered by the Lawo Power Core Engine, crystal supports expandable I/O, accommodating AES67, MADI, analog, AES3 as well as Dante® audio sources and destinations.

Available with 6, 8 and 14 faders, and with two distinct modes of operation — Power Core and Controller — crystal is the perfect companion for a variety of broadcast applications that straddle radio and a variety of audio production workflows: small to mid-sized on-air studios; regional studios; news and commentary suites; smaller production studios; MCR control and OB vehicles; podcast recording studios; remote production applications; backup and disaster recovery sites; DAW control and integration as well as workflow uniformization.

Firmly rooted in Lawo’s acclaimed diamond philosophy, crystal’s design feels instantly familiar and straightforward, giving professionals a highly intuitive mixing console. The new crystal is the seamless synergy of physical and virtual operation with intelligent, context-sensitive controls that fall naturally to hand. crystal allows users to summon the power of diamond from a more compact and cost-effective package and leverage Lawo’s high-quality audio and workflow expertise.

The IP-native crystal is available in both a light and a dark finish. Both versions offer a wealth of shades and hues that allow users to tailor the desk to their exacting needs. Adding optional Virtual Extensions increases the availability of immediate information for every function.

Silent, motorized faders inspired by Lawo’s acclaimed mc² audio production consoles and precise encoders permit flawless integration with program automation and playout systems — perfect for multiple-layer operations involving voice tracking, remote production, or DAW control. Programmable, color-coded LED button and encoder lighting highlights common control functions.

Much more than helpful meter bridges, optional Virtual Extension modules feature full-HD TFT displays for extended information and touch control. Ember+ and HTML5 integration enables control of third-party hardware and software.

Like diamond, crystal features Lawo’s LUX user interface that puts users first with a familiar and consistent interface across the entire Lawo product portfolio.

crystal employs smart algorithms that speed up production workflows. A host of assistive mixing technologies enable operators to produce compelling, engaging programming. The AutoMix function automatically maintains the balance of multi-mic productions, and AutoMix Grouping allows this intelligent automatic mixing to be applied to multiple independent source groups. AutoGain, an automatic gain setting function, optimizes guest and host mic levels with a single button press.

Thanks to an unlimited number of snapshots and DSP profiles that can be stored and recalled from any networked console, individual talent profiles or customized show setups are available anywhere — even to operators working remotely from home studios, OB setups, etc. Shared user rights and snapshot management across all studios involving crystal/diamond/virtual interfaces is also available.

True to its name, crystal’s Power Core mode allows operators to use the console in combination with a Power Core engine, Lawo’s software-defined, high-density DSP mixing engine and modular I/O device. In this mode, crystal supports the Power Core Compact license for single 6-fader or extended 14-fader setups, and the Power Core MAX license. Accommodating up to four consoles, one Power Core with the MAX license allows four studios to share its processing power and business logic in a variety of configurations.

Controller mode caters to requests for a small IP-native extension panel for mc² audio production consoles. A crystal Main or Fader module can be used as a control panel for an mc²/A__UHD Core-based back-end. In Controller mode, crystal is the perfect tool for second-row/grams mixer applications, as a dedicated control surface for an otherwise headless system, and for leveraging the shared processing options of a single A__UHD Core via a Pooling 4/8/16/32 license. This opens up new possibilities in distributed production workflows, or for backup purposes. When used as a companion in an mc² system, literally any console strip can be mapped to the crystal surface.

A sophisticated rights-management system gives engineers the power to tailor access to console features based on multiple user groups, or on a user-by-user basis.

crystal obviously also integrates with HOME, Lawo’s management platform for IP-based media infrastructures. HOME helps connect, manage and secure all aspects of live production environments, providing centralized microservices for swift, effective interaction of engineers with their tools. HOME turns an array of devices, setups, sites, hubs and data centers into a powerful, agile network — quickly and in a perfectly secure way.

Lawo’s mc² 56 mixing console is - like its siblings - renowned for its superior sound quality. It therefore comes as no surprise that mc² consoles are used by the world’s most discerning recording studio, opera houses, concert halls, theaters and events. Available in frames from 16 to 144 faders, mc²56 supports a massive 1024 DSP channels, 256 summing buses and 128 Aux buses at 44.1 - 96kHz operation.

The mc²56 MkIII is optimized for today’s IP-video production environment, designed from the ground up for networking in complex production infrastructures, with full native support for SMPTE 2110, AES67 / RAVENNA, DANTE and MADI audio streams. Its renowned, best-in-class networking performance rises to even greater heights thanks to unique new capabilities such as IP-Share gain compensation and DSCA Dynamic Surface to Core Allocation. The flexibility of an IP infrastructure leaves ample room for additional applications, like low-latency conductor’s cameras, closed-circuit video distribution in the entire venue and lightning-fast hookups of outside broadcast trucks.

The latest iteration of the mc²56 – a console that virtually dominates the audio production industry – rises to even greater heights, incorporating groundbreaking capabilities drawn from Lawo’s flagship mc²96 while retaining the compact size, flexibility and versatile design that have made it the worldwide choice for applications as diverse as broadcast trucks and studios to live performance and recording.

Its native-IP A__UHD Core is Lawo’s new console core for mc² consoles and takes a decisive lead in processing power per cubic centimeter by delivering an astounding 1,024 channels of mc²-quality audio processing in just 1RU, while dramatically cutting power consumption — performance that previously required 5x the power and 10x the rack space.

Because reliability is paramount, the console’s local I/O provides dual-redundant IP network interfaces to deliver two simultaneous, identical, connections to the Nova73 router, following the SMPTE 2022-7 “Hitless Merge” standard for stream and port redundancy. Comprehensive local I/O includes 16 Lawo-grade Mic/Line inputs, 16 Line outputs, eight AES3 inputs and outputs, eight GPIO, and a local MADI port (SFP).

In addition to Button-Glow and colored touch-sensitive encoders, new color-TFTs provide clearer color-coding of channel strips for enhanced visibility and faster access in low light conditions, while Lawo’s revolutionary LiveView provides thumbnail previews of video streams directly in the fader strip.

mc²56 is well-suited for broadcast applications, with such highlights as multi-user operation, advanced mix assist systems (AutoMix, upmix, downmix and optional Lawo KICK), comprehensive Audio-Follow-Video functionality, integrated 3D/Immersive mixing tools and parallel compression.

For recording applications, mc²56 provides dynamic time-code automation, Lawo-grade mic preamps and processing, DAW remote control and a customizable signal chain with four independent dynamic modules. Features tailored to the performing arts include Selective Recall, Oversnaps (relative trim-sets), a comprehensive theater automation cue list including multiple triggers (MIDI, GPIO, LTC), Waves SoundGrid and Neumann DMI-8 digital microphone integration, and mirror-console operation.

Built-in loudness metering completes the package, giving full loudness control in broadcast, live, theater and HoW applications. mc²56 loudness metering adheres to ITU 1770 (EBU/R128 or ATSC/A85) specifications, and can monitor peaks and loudness separately, or in combination.