Article Overview

SWR Equips New Rreporter Vehicles With Lawo Technology

SWR Reporter Vehicle

An industrial area ablaze, multiple collisions on the highway – reporters need to be on the spot immediately. By acquiring several new reporter vehicles, SWR has laid the foundations to enable reporters to respond in the shortest possible time. In most cases, he or she will be travelling alone without a sound engineer, not only to reduce costs but to save vital response time. An essential component: the easily controllable z4 console built into these vehicles.

“Lawo’s z4 is a console that is extremely convenient to operate, making it ideal for reporters who are not trained in audio technology. The console features four faders which can be assigned to 14 inputs allowing the use of multiple sources. In most cases, the four faders are a perfect fit, controlling a mic, headset, codec, and a return line to the station” said Dieter Scholz, project manager at SWR, about SWR’s decision to employ Lawo technology.

One of the reporter vehicles will primarily be used by SWR4 (Radio Stuttgart) and, to a lesser degree, by SWR1 for magazine programmes and current affairs. The idea originated from the “SWR3-Elchbus” (“Elk-Bus”), a Volkswagen (VW) Sharan decorated with pictures of two large moose on the side of the vehicle. The new vehicles are equipped identically; the vehicle types, however, are different: one uses a VW Sharan, the other a VW Bus. Lawo acted as the main contractor and was responsible for all wiring. The company Krämer from Groß-Gerau was, once again, the subcontractor for the chassis.

Reporter vehicles with GAN-Uplink

The reporter vehicles are equipped with an uplink system GAN, also known as BGAN, from Transtel, providing several hours of network-independent working. Using the two wireless facilities, work can be completed outside the vehicle in order to record sound bites and create commentaries. The reporter can work outside on the DIGAS edit system, or transfer signals directly to the broadcast studio via INMARSAT using a remote control.

The new vehicles offer flexibility and modern technology to SWR’s reporters. Recordings can be edited instantly on a laptop, thanks to a special audio post pro system. Using UMTS, ISDN, DSL or SAT, segments can be transferred to the broadcast studio via file transfer or, alternatively, they can be inserted into the broadcast.

“The replication made sense for us since the concept of the “Elchbus” has been very successful so far,” commented Dieter Scholz. Finally, he praised the smoothness of cooperation with Lawo, from development to the delivery of the completed vehicles: “From development to execution, documentation and delivery, a highly harmonious concept!”

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About Lawo AG

Lawo, with headquarters in Rastatt/Germany, specialises in developing, designing and manufacturing mixing consoles and matrix systems for radio and TV broadcasters, as well as for use in live events. High quality and innovative technology are supported by decades of experience in the field of professional audio technology. In 2010, the company celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Lawo’s product range covers digital audio mixing consoles for use in radio, broadcast, production and live applications, including the required software. In addition to the provision of matrix systems and audio networks, Lawo also carries out project engineering tasks and acts as a main contractor for radio OB trucks; these services include user training and maintenance. This high level of expertise results in comprehensive support for Lawo customers.

Lawo AG

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