Lawo launches mc²96 at NAB2017

The Lawo mc²96 console, available in frame sizes with 24 to 200 faders with the same legendary quality known from Lawo’s mc²90 series, is designed as Lawo’s most visual broadcast console ever. The mc² 96 features 21.5“ full HD touch-screens as well as multiple mini color-TFTs in channel strips and touch-sensitive color-coded encoders, providing fast overview and user-friendly operation.

In a world’s 1^st Lawo’s new production console features LiveView™ video thumbnails. In addition to standard channel labeling via channel numbers, individual text labels and static pictures or icons, the mc²96 can display real-time video thumbnails right at the fader’s mini TFTs for intuitive channel identification. Touching a fader changes the LiveView™ thumbnail to full-screen mode, providing a more detailed view of that channel’s video source, such as a camera or a replay machine.

Designed for networking in complex IP production infrastructures, the Lawo mc²96 employs Lawo’s unique IP-Share™ Network Gain Compensation when using shared DALLIS I/Os to prevent unexpected changes on up to eight networked consoles when individual users adjust their gain settings. The DALLIS I/O communicates with all networked consoles, and its IP-Share™ algorithm sets the optimum analog gain for multi-client requirements. IP-Share™ also ensures that the corresponding gain compensation is applied to the digital gain stages of all consoles when the analog gain of the preamp is being adjusted.

Reflecting today’s requirements for 3D/immersive audio productions, the mc²96 provides not only superb tools for surround sound mixing, but also a dedicated elevation controller as standard. Furthermore, the mc²96 offers Lawo-grade integrated Loudness Metering with full loudness control in accordance with ITU 1770 (EBU/R128 or ATSC/A85). ln addition to program buses, Lawo Loudness Metering can also measure individual channels, which allows fast and convenient “visual” mixing of multiple-microphone setups.

Lawo’s new flagship can also be operated in Multi-User Mode, with 96 rotary encoders in each 16-fader bay giving direct access to all parameters, effectively creating an additional central control panel. Color-coding of the encoders, coupled with the high-res color TFT displays, guarantees a perfect overview and users can now create, save and recall multiple personalized free control layouts directly in their own bay.

Addressing live broadcast and performing arts applications, the mc²96 offers many innovative mix-assist systems enabling the sound engineer to concentrate on the overall balance and sound quality of the production. In addition to Lawo’s renowned Audio-follow-Video functionality, the desk’s automated mixing capabilities include an Automix function that automatically adjusts the Ievels of active and inactive microphones, while maintaining a constant, natural-sounding ambient Ievel. The console also features Lawo’s highly-acclaimed AMBIT Upmix function, which guarantees perfect conversion of stereo signals for amazingly authentic surround sound and supports KICK 2.0, Lawo’s automated close-ball mixing solution for sports such as football, hockey and basketball.

For ultimate flexibility in I/O requirements the console offers plug and play interfacing to all Lawo DALLIS modular stageboxes including AoIP options and the Lawo A__line interfaces and NOVA central routers. In addition, as the mc²96 surface includes local I/Os that feature comprehensive connectivity with 16 Lawo-grade Mic/Line inputs, 16 Line outputs, 8 AES3 inputs and outputs, 8 GPIOs plus a local MADI port (SFP). A built-in switch provides 4 Ethernet ports with network connectivity via two redundant SMPTE2110 / AES67 / RAVENNA ports with seamless protection switching.

About Lawo

Lawo designs and manufactures pioneering network, control, audio and video technology for broadcast and post production, as well as live performance and theatrical applications. Products include control and monitoring systems, digital audio mixing consoles, routers, video processing tools as well as solutions for IP-based A/V infrastructures and routing systems. All products are developed in Germany and manufactured according to highest quality standards at the company’s headquarters in the Rhine valley town of Rastatt, Germany.