Lawo introduces new 48-fader console

Lawo has come out with a second-generation mc²36 audio production console with a new dual-fader operating bay that allows 48 faders in the same space as a 32-fader board. 

The company says that this model’s DSP is more than doubled from its predecessor. It offers 256 processing channels, available at both 48 and 96 kHz, and natively supports ST2110, AES67, Ravenna and Ember+. It provides an I/O capacity of 864 channels, with local connections that include three redundant IP network interfaces, 16 mic/line inputs, 16 line outputs, 8 AES3 inputs and outputs, 8 GPIO connections and an SFP MADI port. 

The unit includes button-glow and touch-sensitive rotary controls, color TFT fader-strip displays, LiveView video thumbnails and 21.5-inch HD touchscreen controls. Built-in full loudness control is compliant with the ITU 1770 (EBU/R128 or ATSC/A85) standard, and features peak and loudness metering.

Lawo adds that the new console offers seamless integration of third-party solutions like recording systems, effects engines, and other systems running on external PCs, into its user interface. Applications display in the console’s screen, and are controlled using the console keyboard, touchpad and touchscreen.

The mc²36 integrates Waves SuperRack SoundGrid, which provides operators with access to a plug-in selection of real-time signal processing alongside the console’s internal processing engine, without the need for additional screens or control devices. 

This updated model is based on Lawo’s A__UHD technology, so future developments will be on a single, unified platform. Lawo says production files will continue to be compatible between all mc² consoles.

The IP Easy functionality is based on Lawo’s HOME management platform for IP-based media infrastructures.  The console automatically detects new devices and makes them available. IP Easy also manages IP addresses, multicast ranges and VLANs, and includes security features like access control and quarantining of unknown devices to protect a network.

HOME is natively built on a cloud-ready microservices architecture, enabling users to connect, manage and secure networked production setups from the ground up, explained Lawo. It provides centralized access and control for all Lawo gear within a setup. The platform helps broadcast professionals address the requirements of modern IP infrastructures, including automated discovery and registration of devices, connection management, flow control, software and firmware management, scalability and security.