ProAudio Review - September 2008 - (Page 12)

BROADCAST | FIRST LOOK LAWO Continued From Page 10 Server, with all parameters being saved/recalled as part of snapshot or sequence automation files. The mc256’s three primary elements comprise the control surface, the HD Core housing the DSP cards and routing matrix, and the DALLIS I/O that connects via multimode fiberoptic links up to 1.25 miles (2 km) from the Core. (An optional monomode connection enables links up to 5 miles (8 km.) Should an individual DSP card fail, a redundant card takes over all the cross points and DSP parameters within just a few milliseconds. The compact control surface connects to the HD Core engine via a simple Ethernet link that carries control and display information between the two elements, while a USB serial port provides data storage. MADI, ATM or AES-format connections are available into/out of the HD Core, while conventional analog/ digital I/O and control interfaces are via the DALLIS unit. Routing-matrix capacity is expandable from 3,072-by-3,072 to 8,192-by8,192 mono channels. in channels; these tie lines appear automatically on the GUI-driven TFT screen. In essence, the LPH is a dedicated, server-based environment for VST- format audio plug-ins, enabling seamless integration with the company’s mc2 series third-generation consoles while providing greater flexibility in the use and routing of processed signals - all while freeing up the host recording platform from the system overhead typically associated with numerous plug-in processors. The control surface imports plug-in parameters in the same way as it would conventional consolebased EQ or dynamics parameters. All plugin parameter settings are stored and recalled Uniquely, Lawo’s mc2 Series consoles offer complete integration of familiar DAW plug-ins. Based on a Windows PC, the new Lawo-developed technology incorporates extremely low latency and is controlled directly by the mc256’s console surface. Each of the console’s fully featured DSP channels can handle any audio signal path, irrespective of whether it is designated as an input, group, summing, monitor or aux channel. The mc 256 now features an adjustable pick-off point on the Track Send, which provides a dedicated track output per channel – making it possible, for example, to select a pre-fader feed and set a delay on the track path without affecting the main bus output sum. DAW PLUG-IN INTEGRATION Uniquely, Lawo’s mc2 Series consoles offer complete integration of familiar DAW plugins. Based on a Windows PC, the new Lawodeveloped technology incorporates extremely low latency and is controlled directly by the mc256’s console surface. Operation is remarkably simple. A Lawo Plug-in Host (LPH) server assigns the virtual tie lines required for each triggered plug-in to the mc2 HD Core which, in turn, establishes the required plug- within static snapshots or sequence automation with the console’s other parameters. (Dynamic automation is planned.) The result is a total amalgamation of what were previously separate mixing-console and digital audio workstation domains. The LPH server accepts all VST-type plug-ins without further modification. The installation process is the same as it is for plug-ins being installed to a standard DAW platform, the only difference being that now the plug-in server is fully integrated with the mc256’s HD Core, with control originating at the console surface. As with DAWs, a single plug-in can be used within multiple functions, each with its own parameter settings, labels and independent signal routing. Visual feedback of all plug-in parameters is provided on the console’s central display, allowing the operator to remain focused on the mix process. (To date, Lawo says, mc2 Series consoles have been found to be fully compatible with VST-format plug- ins from such leading developers as Sonnox/Oxford, Waves, Universal Audio and TC Electronic.) The control surface features a well-considered balance between hardware pushbuttons and touch-screen operation, in addition to other useful functionality including timecode-based automation EQ manipulation. For example, the ability to page through different channel sections assures efficient location of the various rotary controls and pushbuttons. Also, the on-screen 5.1-channel metering, within an optimum field of view, is far easier to see than conventional LED-based displays. And setting up different console configurations is a breeze. With GPI control, sequence automation and machine control, the mc 256 can be application-focused according to the production task at hand. For enhanced efficiency, a total of 16 assignable control presets can be assigned to the second encoder row, while six userconfigurable press buttons are provided per channel for rapid access to more important channel parameters. Compatibility of automation data between mc2 Series consoles offers a number of advantages. Consider the example of a production that starts in stereo on a mc266 within a broadcast mobile, is then continued with an mc256 located in a portable control room, before an automated mix, complete with snapshots, is completed in an mc290-equipped studio in 5.1channel. All mixing functions are completely independent of the physical number of channel faders, size of the routing matrix, and the DSP Engine capacity. FLEXIBLE SURROUND-SOUND MIXING WITH HYPER-PANNING The new mc2 56 console also offers some stunning 5.1-channel capabilities. The operator can control multichannel stems from a single fader that links all channel parameters and up to eight-channel metering. Lawo’s remarkable Hyper-Panning makes it possible to spin a surround stem through 360°, with front-width, back-width and depth determining the surLAWO continues on page 52 ® 12 | ProAudio Review | September 2008 www.proaudioreview.com http://www.proaudioreview.com

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ProAudio Review - September 2008 Contents Publisher’s Page: It's A Hard Drive World Broadcast News and New Products Lawo mc256 Digital Production Console Studio News and New Products Earthworks PM40 Piano Mic System Onkyo Professional PR-SC885 HDMI 1.3a Surround Sound Processor Developments and Trends: Instrument Microphones Benchmark Media DAC1 Pre Focal Twin6 Be Studio Reference Monitors Cascade FAT HEAD II Blumlein Package Studio Projects CS5 Microphone M-Audio Pulsar II Small-Diaphragm Condenser Live News and New Products JBL MRX512M Live Monitor QSC: Behind The Scenes Contracting News and New Products Primacoustic Broadway Professional Acoustic Solutions Buyer's Guide: Contracting Amplifiers/Mixers Buyer's Guide: Contracting Speakers Single Slice: pc muñoz "Chatter & Buzz"

ProAudio Review - September 2008

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