LAWO MC236 CONSOLE

This year’s IBC saw Lawo launching its newest console – the mc²36. An all-in-one, compact mixing desk, with a feature set that covers broadcast, live and install applications.

The console houses a DSP micro-core with internal 512×512 port audio matrix, integrated I/O, a MADI tie-line connection and three RAVENNA/AES67 Audio-over-IP ports.

It has a 21.5-inch full HD touchscreen, with touch-sensitive color-illuminated rotary encoders to provide intuitive operation, e.g. the dynamics window will automatically pop-up when touching the dynamics encoders, and after adjusting the parameters the auto-close function will close the window without additional user action to restore the full overview.

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, offering a total capacity of 496 physical inputs and outputs.

Additionally, the mc² Compact I/O is a cost-efficient way to expand the mc2 36’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 natively networks with other mc²36/mc²56/mc²66 consoles, and can be operated in combination with Lawo Nova audio routers, with intelligent mechanisms (including user-rights management) to allow input sharing between consoles. Also, all production data can be saved on a USB stick and transferred to another console.

In addition to broadcast, the onboard Loudness Metering has been designed for live performances, theater and event applications and provides full loudness control in accordance with ITU 1770 (EBU/R128 or ATSC/A85), with peak and loudness metering either separately or in combination, including individual channels.

Further functionality includes Listen Sense (for offline modification of channel parameters like EQ or dynamics with pre-listen of settings before switching them online); Audio-follow-Video (allowing automated fades from one camera to another with associated audio channels); Upmix/Downmix (from stereo to surround and back); Automix (automatic adjustment of the Ievels of active and inactive microphones, while maintaining a constant ambient level); Remote Desktop (for seamless integration of multiple external PCs with third-party solutions into the console’s user interface); mxGUI (allowing complete offline configuration and advance show preparation); full channel strip customization (allowing users to arrange the order of all DSP modules, including channel direct outputs, meter point, fader and aux sends); and Reveal (automatic input sorting of VCAs).

There’s no word as yet for how much of a dent the mc²36 will put in your wallet, or when we can expect to see it available for purchase. We’ll be sure to keep you updated, once we know.

Excerpts from Press Release