diamond
Modular Broadcast Console

12-fader diamond console

POWERFUL. ELEGANT. INSPIRING.

Every job requires the proper tools. The more demanding the job, the higher quality the tools must be. And to achieve the highest levels of productivity, your tools must operate as extensions of yourself. This is why Lawo created the diamond broadcast console for radio and TV applications.

Our design philosophy is simple: give broadcast professionals a mixing console so intuitive, so easy to use, that using it feels as natural as breathing. A seamless synergy of physical and virtual operation, with intelligent context-sensitive controls that fall naturally to hand.

diamond is truly cutting edge. Native IP, of course. Completely modular; configurable to your most specific wishes. Scalable from as few as 2 to as many as 60 physical faders. Virtual Extensions that provide immediate information for every function. Touch-sensitive faders and rotary controls with vibrant, full-color displays. So much power — delivered with all the style and finesse that broadcasters expect from Lawo broadcast consoles.

A SEAMLESS SYNERGY OF PHYSICAL & VIRTUAL

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Lawo diamond modular broadcast console brochure

Like the cockpit of a high-end sports car, the diamond mixing console exemplifies performance, quality, and most especially, purposeful design – the result of 50 years learning, thinking and innovating.

OVERVIEW

12-fader diamond console

2 to 60 physical faders

Up to 120 virtual faders

100% Modular, 100% IP for maximum flexibility

Optional Virtual Extension touchscreen control modules
Context-sensitive color displays, Touch-sensitive controls
Power Core engine provides multiple license options
Sophisticated user and rights-management system
Native RAVENNA / AES67 and ST2110-30 compatibility

FEATURES

PREMIUM COMPONENTS

diamond consoles use the same well-tested high-end faders, keys, and rotary encoders found in our flagship mc² live-mixing consoles to ensure long life and perfect operation every time. Silent motorized faders permit flawless integration with program automation and playout systems — perfect for multiple-layer operations involving voice tracking, remote production, or DAW control. Programmable LED button lighting highlights common control functions. And diamond‘s familiar Lawo design language puts operators instantly at ease.

 

EXTENSIVE VISUALIZATION

diamond’s optional Virtual Extension (powered by Lawo VisTool) integrates displays with physical controls in a way that’s both visually pleasing and highly functional. The 13.3” HD color TFT touchscreen displays context-sensitive data related to active controls, like EQ curves, compression settings and other DSP functions, routing changes, etc. An optional upgrade to VisTool Unlimited facilitates integration of controls for third-party playout software, editors, and other studio devices with HTML control interfaces.

ASSISTIVE MIXING FEATURES

diamond employs smart algorithms that speed up production workflows. The AutoMix function automatically maintains the balance of multi-mic productions, and AutoMix Grouping allows this intelligent automatic mixing to be applied to multiple independent source groups. AutoGain, an automatic gain setting function, optimizes guest and host mic levels with a single button press. Smart tools like these help operators concentrate on creating compelling content rather than watching levels.

ALL ETHERNET

diamond connects to Lawo’s Power Core mixing engine natively via Ethernet. This all-IP interface makes possible flexible new options for installing and maintaining equipment. Place the engine in the studio and connect it to diamond directly. Or, locate the engine remotely in your rack room or data center. Even install it in an entirely separate facility, connected via LAN or WAN. As many as four independent studios can share the resources of one Power Core; by using IP multicast, the diamond control modules in each studio will stay perfectly synchronized.

 

MIN OR MAX: HAVE IT YOUR WAY

Lawo Power Core

diamond isn‘t a “one-size-only“ mixing console. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite: a holistically-designed production system that enables you to build exactly the console you envision, tailored to your specific requirements. Since it is completely modular, custom setups are easily possible. The multiple module types (faders, central modules, combo modules and key/rotary extension panels) may be freely arranged to create consoles with single frames, multiple joined frames, or multiple split-frame configurations.

Design consoles as small as 2 faders for news studios and voice recording booths. Add fader modules and rotary extensions to create 12 – 16 fader consoles ideal for on-air studios and production rooms. Build consoles of up to 60 physical faders, along with rotary and/or key extension modules and Virtual Extensions to create large consoles with integrated, intuitive touchscreen controls suitable for production and Master Control room applications. The sky is the limit.

THE VIRTUAL EXTENSION

Lawo Power Core

In today’s radio stations, computer monitors are the studio’s centerpiece. Playout system controls, phone queues, news and weather, social media platforms, even live copy are onscreen — and the number of screens has increased dramatically. diamond consoles with Virtual Extension modules (powered by Lawo VisTool GUI-builder software) help combat screen clutter while giving operators intuitive touchscreen controls integrated with the console.

Lawo Power Core

Virtual Extension comes with a pre-configured collection of ready to run control screens. Each fader strip is augmented with a realtime bargraph display and tallies that illuminate when DSP processing is active, plus bus assignment indicators and an info-strip with source name and details. An interactive parameter control page is shown when a channel’s Access mode is activated; just touch the screen to trim voice processing and other DSP parameters, fine-tune delay times, recall console snapshots, load audio sources and adjust source and monitor gain.

When the full-width diamond Central Control Module is used with the Virtual Extension Module, 4 “slots“ are provided on-screen that you can fill with program output meters, loudness metering, user shortcut keys, NTP-synchronized clock, event timers – even video feeds. When the diamond Combo Module is used, 2 user-selectable “slots” are available. Slot functions can be set in user profiles and recalled when users log in.

For those who prefer to use an off-console touchscreen monitor instead of the Virtual Extension module, the Diamond Desktop App comes with every diamond console. It works with any standard touchscreen display, and runs on standard Windows PCs. It also helps fight display proliferation in the studio — operators can instantly “dock” the diamond display, which shrinks to a toolbar that continues to provide vital clock, timer, metering info and user controls, while freeing the rest of the screen for playout systems, audio editors and other tasks.

FADER MODULES

The heart of any mixing console. diamond modules are 4 faders wide, with fast, silent motorized faders that respond instantly to layer changes, playout systems and remote operator input. Styled after our award-winning line of mc² audio production consoles, color-cued control buttons provide instant visual feedback for active functions; high-resolution TFTs above or below faders supply source information, confidence metering, and more. Two styles are available, with displays and control keys below or above the fader.

ROTARY CONTROL with color-guided LED ring for setting DSP parameters or making quick manual adjustments to mic, line and send levels. Workflow is immediately intuitive: just touch, rotate, or push.

MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY shows the action assigned to each of the four multifunction keys, such as parameter control, source assignment, dynamic stream patching and more. All keys have multi-color backlights, programmable to help users quickly identify functions by color.

TOUCH SENSITIVE MOTORIZED FADERS with programmable fader-start are completely silent and feature a selectable 0 dB notch. Premium Lawo quality for smoothness and durability, with integral dust shields.

CHANNEL DISPLAY indicates currently-assigned audio source as well as confidence metering, source graphics, user labels, and information from playout system, editing software, etc.

CHANNEL ON & PFL KEYS with guided key frames and color-guided lighting provide On / Off, Mute and PFL (Cue) functions, plus manual start of audio devices if desired. May also be programmed as multi-function keys.

CENTRAL & COMBO MODULES

Central and Combo Modules feature comprehensive controls, with virtually every feature programmable to provide exactly the functions you need. The full-width Central Module provides superior control for large Master Control or production consoles. Combo Modules include two faders plus a full-featured control set, and like four-fader modules is available with ON/PFL buttons and displays placed either above or below the fader strips. Ambient light sensors automatically adjust the brightness of console displays.

ROTARY CONTROLS with color-guided LED rings for adjustment of guest and studio monitor controls;
intercom, PFL and talkback levels; EQ, dynamics and other DSP functions.

MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAYS indicate the actions available for selection by the adjacent rotary control, and the functions of the four adjacent keys. Metering and gain level displays are shown as needed.

CENTRAL MODULES have dedicated DSP menu keys for direct access to audio processing functions, System keys for global layer switching, snapshot save & recall, and other commonly-used system settings, plus 46 Multifunction keys that can be freely programmed and individually labelled for frequently-used functions.

FADER STRIPS on Combo Modules have all the features found on 4-fader modules, including motorized faders, talkback keys, layer Flip and Access keys for input control, color displays, and choice of display and ON/PFL keys above or below the fader.

COMBO MODULES have dedicated DSP menu keys for direct access to audio processing functions, System keys for global layer switching, snapshot save & recall, and other commonly-used system settings, plus 20 programmable Multifunction keys.

INDEPENDENT MONITOR SECTIONS on both Central and Combo modules may be used for separate monitor and headphone adjustments, or to control any other monitor feed you choose.

KEY EXTENSION MODULE

ROTARY EXTENSION MODULE

COMBO EXTENSION MODULE

EXTENSION MODULES

Radio stations that demand configurability will find it in abundance with diamond. In addition to the fully programmable keys on each fader strip and Central Modules, diamond can also be outfitted with any or all of these useful extension modules.

KEY EXTENSION MODULE has 64 keys with multi-color backlighting. Perfect for commonly-used control functions common to all users, these can be used to recall snapshots, change layers, fire routing salvos, et cetera.

ROTARY EXTENSION MODULE features 8 color displays, each with adjacent rotary selectors and back-lighted buttons. Use these for quick access to input or output selections, EQ, compression and other DSP functions, bus assignments, and other operations where multiple choices are available. Rotary knobs feature color-guided lighting rings for easy operation.

COMBO EXTENSION MODULE combines color displays, rotary controls, and 32 color-backlit function keys to deliver maximum control options in small or medium-sized diamond consoles. An excellent choice, in combination with the Combo Module, for production or remote applications where a bit of extra control is required.

Click to configure diamond

DESIGN YOUR DIAMOND

Ready to design your own diamond console? Just use our Diamond Designer online design tool.

Just drag-and-drop fader modules, central modules, rotary and key modules, and  Virtual Extensions to create the console you’re thinking of. Then download a copy for planning (or to dream about later).

POWER CORE

Lawo Power Core

MIGHTY. SMALL.

 

Feast your eyes on pure power — perhaps the most powerful mixing engine ever built for broadcast applications. With redundant IP networking and redundant power capabilities. Tons of built-in I/O, with room for even more. Dozens of DSP channels. It’s like 12 rack units of power, packed into only 1RU. Enough power to accomplish any task. Even the ones you haven’t thought of yet.

At just 1RU, Power Core‘s compact form belies the immense capabilities inside. On the front panel, a high-resolution color TFT display gives status and setup information. I/O includes four RAVENNA/AES67 Ethernet ports with SFP, capable of 256 bi-directional AoIP streams, and 4 ports for high-density MADI signals (256 channels of audio in total) — perfect for native MADI-to-AES67 AoIP conversion. It complies with the ST2110-30 standard too, ensuring seamless operation in combined radio / TV broadcast plants. ST2022-7 Seamless Protection Switching enables simultaneous dual-redundant network links, if you choose. Clock sync connections, an SD memory card and a USB interface for maintenance complete the scene.

Around back, auto-switching redundant power supplies are standard. Power Core’s internal auto-ranging AC power supply is complemented by an inlet which accommodates an external 12VDC backup power supply. There are also 8 expansion slots, which accept a variety of optional IO expansion cards.

Where Power Core really shines is in raw audio processing horsepower. So much, in fact, that one Power Core can handle thousands of simultaneous signals. As many as 96 channels of DSP input processing can be unlocked to use for anything from EQ to de-essing, from dynamics to delay sync. In fact, Power Core may be the most powerful audio signal processor ever made for broadcast.

I/O FOREVER

Standard I/O includes four HD MADI ports and two AES67 connections. That’s a staggering 384 channels of stereo audio, standard. Want more? Rear-panel slots are waiting to accept up to eight more mic, line, digital, MADI, and Dante I/O modules.

DSP FOR DAYS

Power Core is a signal-processing superhero. Use DSP channels to apply parametric EQ, shelf, and bandpass filters. Gate, limit, expand, compress, and de-ess to your heart’s delight. Up to 96 channels of DSP processing! Overkill? Not when you’re the pro who needs it.

DSP Channels*

Each channel equipped with input gain, direct out, insert, Aux send and more. EBU R128 loudness metering, too.

Summing Busses*

Use as Program, Record, Aux, Group, Mix-Minus or general purpose. Apply DSP to as many as 32 mono / 16 stereo busses.

Crosspoints*

Available with as many as 1920 x 1920 routing crosspoints, with instant access to all audio sources, networked or local.

License Options*

Tiered software license packs let you optimize I/O, DSP, bus and routing capacities to fit your station’s unique needs.

* Indicates maximum available resources based on configuration choices. See Specifications section for details.

Expand. Customize. Connect.

Power Core has an amazing amount of HD MADI and AES67 I/O. And you can add even more. 8 expansion slots accept available mic, line, AES3, MADI, and even Dante cards. A unique Studio I/O card lets you add local mic, headphone and monitor feeds easily. It’s the most flexible mixing engine ever.

2x MADI I/O

Power Core has loads of front-panel MADI, but you can add even more! Two SFP ports provide 64 channels each.

MADI I/O With SRC

SFP MADI card with sample-rate conversion supports asynchronous operation with audio sources up to 96 kHz.

8x Mic / Line In

Got mics? Of course you do. This card provides 8 mic input channels, with switchable Phantom power.

8x Analog In

Even today’s digital world still has some analog sources. The Line In interface provides 8 mono, or 4 stereo inputs.

8x Analog Out

Like its brother, but in the other direction. 8 mono or 4 stereo outputs interface Power Core with your legacy equipment.

4x AES3 I/O

Connect your AES / EBU devices. Each card has 4 digital inputs (with sample rate conversion) and 4 digital outputs; bit-transparent.

4x AES3id I/O

AES/EBU I/O card for use with HD-BNC connections; 4 inputs with SRC, 4 outputs. Compatible with Dolby E sources; bit-transparent.

2x Dante I/O

The perfect way to connect to Dante networks. Dual-redundant ports give access to a total of 64 Dante streams.

Studio I/O

The Swiss army knife of interfaces. Each card adds 2 Mic / Line in, 2 Line outputs and 2 HP outputs for on-air convenience.

Power Core GPIO Card

GPIO

8 GPI+8 GPO, and
2 VCA inputs for control of external devices.

AutoMix

The DSP difference.

You’d need a dozen consoles to equal the DSP in Power Core. Why so much? Advantages like AutoMix, for one. diamond supports AutoMix in every mono and stereo input channel. Watch the magic as levels are perfectly, dynamically managed faster than hands can move. Hear it for yourself – your talk shows never had it so good.

SPECIFICATIONS

Control Surface

FEATURES

  • Table-top or counter-sunk versions
  • Single-frame, split-frame or independent module configurations
  • Single console units of up to 8 modules in width may be constructed. Multiple modules and frames may be combined to create systems of up to 60 faders
  • Unique “invisible” module mounting system
  • Touch-sensitive motorized 100 mm faders with selectable 0 dB-notch allow instant override of pre-programmed levels
  • Touch-sensitive color-guided rotary controls
  • Context-sensitive full-color displays
  • Multiple operating layers with fader maps support up to 60 physical or 120 virtual faders
  • Integrated mix-minus (clean feed) / conference logic and two independent conference busses
  • Snapshots for instant recall of console layouts, user settings and other operational parameters
  • Sophisticated user- and rights-management system with onscreen, SSO (single-sign-on) or RFID login
  • Diamond Apps (powered by Lawo VisTool) included for integrated workflows using both the Virtual Extension module and “off-console” external displays. Features metering, graphical parameter controls, timers, user functions, audio routing and much more. (Apps require separate Windows workstation; ask your Lawo representative for details)
  • Connects to Power Core engine natively, via LAN or WAN

DIMENSIONS

  • Fader & Central Modules: 168 mm x 336 mm
  • Extension Modules: 168 mm x 168 mm
  • Blank plates are available in both sizes
  • Virtual Extension Module: 336 mm x 212 mm
  • End-plates for desktop mounting: 10 mm each

CONFIGURATION AND MAINTENANCE

  • Console Designer software for system and logic programming
  • Secured Web interface for system setup and diagnostics
  • Software tool for remote software updates
  • Remote maintenance via IP
Power Core

For complete Power Core information, click here.

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