Lawo mc²36 Mobile Kits for Japan’s NHK

The broadcaster NHK, running two terrestrial and two satellite television services, three radio networks plus NHK’s World Service, is the biggest user of Lawo equipment in Japan: they are using around 20 mc² systems – studio and mobile installations using mc²90, mc²66, mc²56 as well as mc²36 audio mixing consoles. NHK and Lawo nurse a long common R&D history in which they have been working together to develop the tools and practical applications needed to create an immersive audio experience with 3D surround audio (22.2), and both companies are committed to developing further technical innovations.

The mc²36 all-in-one mixing desk as it is utilized also in the NHK mobile kits provides a comprehensive feature set that covers broadcast, theater, house of worship, live and install applications. Along with uncompromised sound quality and Lawo-grade mic preamps, it offers unprecedented value for money. A powerful 96-DSP-channel micro-core with internal 512x512 port audio matrix, and integrated I/O make it ideally suited to mobile and permanent installations with limited space. As it is natively equipped with RAVENNA/AES67 technology, the mc²36 integrates seamlessly into IP infrastructures. And for operational security, the console not only has redundant power-supplies but also DSP redundancy.

In terms of connectivity, the console’s interfaces include 32 mic/line inputs, 32 line outputs, eight digital AES3 inputs, eight digital AES3 outputs, eight GPIO ports, one MADI (SFP) port, three RAVENNA/AES67 channels, and a headphone jack. In addition to the onboard I/O, a MADI tie-line connection and three RAVENNA/AES67 Audio-over-IP ports provide future-proof connectivity for up to 384 external inputs and outputs, offering a total capacity of 496 physical inputs and outputs.

And if plenty is not enough, the Lawo Compact I/O is a convenient and cost-efficient way to expand the mc²36’s connectivity and to provide a distant stagebox solution in addition to the on-board I/O. Connected via CAT5 or fiber (optional), the ruggedized 5RU stagebox provides 32 Mic/Line inputs, 32 Line outputs, 8 digital AES3 inputs, 8 digital AES3 outputs, 8 GPIO and a MADI (SFP) port. The mc² 36 allows for connecting up to three mc² Compact I/O.

The mc²36 is also fully prepared for intelligent networking with other mc²36/mc²56/mc²66 consoles, and can be operated in combination with Lawo Nova audio routers, giving instant access to thousands of audio channels. Lawo mc² consoles provide intelligent mechanisms (including user-rights management) to allow input sharing between consoles.

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.