Lawo has released the third generation of its mc²56 mixing console, bringing features from the mc²96 flagship console while retaining the compact size, flexibility and versatility that serves use in broadcast trucks, live performance and recording.
Optimised for IP video production environments, the new mc²56 has full native support for SMPTE 2110, AES67/Ravenna and Dante, as well as extended capabilities such as IP-Share gain compensation and DSCA Dynamic Surface to Core Allocation.
Available in frames from 16 to 112 faders, the mc²56 supports up to 8,192 x 8,192 crosspoints, 888 DSP channels, 144 summing buses and 128 aux buses at 44.1-96kHz operation. In addition to Button-Glow and coloured touch-sensitive encoders, new TFTs provide clearer colour-coding of channel strips for enhanced visibility and faster access in low light conditions, while Lawo’s LiveView provides thumbnail previews of video streams directly in the fader labelling displays. With a 64-fader surface suited to most OB vehicle dimensions, a 16-fader stand-alone extender may be added to an mc²56 for subsequent expansion at any time.
The new mc²56’s extended free control section gives direct access to four parameters in addition to gain control for perfect balance between de-centralised and centralised control workflows. The console allows both global and individual parameter assignments to the free controls of each channel strip. Additionally, the console’s overbridge with 21.5-inch full HD touchscreens contains two slots for individual user panels. These can be populated from a choice of five options – 40 additional buttons, a TC automation panel, a dedicated Reveal Fader panel, a RTW TM7 Goniometer or a RTW TM9 Goniometer (occupying both slots).
Originally requested for broadcast applications, the console’s built-in loudness metering is also useful in live, theatre and house of worship applications, providing full loudness control in accordance with ITU 1770 (EBU/R128 or ATSC/A85) with peak and loudness metering either separately or in combination.
Among the console’s broadcast functionality are multi-user operation, advanced mix assist systems (AutoMix, UpMix, DownMix, optional: Lawo KICK), comprehensive Audio-Follow-Video functionality, integrated 3D/Immersive mixing tools (a dedicated elevation controller is standard) and parallel compression. In recording applications, it offers dynamic time-code automation, Lawo-grade microphone preamps and processing, Machine/DAW remote control and a fully customizable signal chain with four independent dynamic modules. For the performing arts, the console includes Selective Recall, Oversnaps (relative trim-sets), comprehensive theatre automation cue list including multiple triggers (Midi, GPIO, LTC), Waves SoundGrid and Neumann DMI-8 digital microphone integration, and mirror-console operation.
The console’s local I/O provides two IP network interfaces for redundant connection of the surface’s local I/O to the Nova73 router following the SMPTE2022-7 hitless merge principles of stream and port redundancy. Comprehensive local I/O includes 16 Lawo-grade Mic/Line inputs, 16 Line outputs, eight AES3 inputs and outputs, eight GPIOs plus a local Madi port (SFP).
In addition to stand-alone operation, the console supports networking in complex production infrastructures via IP (SMPTE2110, Ravenna/AES67, Dante) or Madi. When using shared Dallis I/Os, Lawo’s IP-Share Network Gain Compensation prevents unexpected gain changes for up to eight networked consoles when individual users are adjusting their gain settings. The Dallis I/O communicates with all networked consoles and its IP-Share algorithm sets the optimum analogue gain for multi-client requirements. IP-Share additionally ensures that the corresponding gain compensation is applied to the digital gain stages of all consoles when the analogue gain of the preamp is being adjusted.
More: www.lawo.com
