The desk is installed in in the regional Düsseldorf studio’s audio control room, where used for postproduction and VTR editing, and also for live broadcast of the TV infotainment show ‘Volle Kanne – Service täglich’ (Full Measure – Daily Service).
The addition of the new console was prompted by changing production demands, which require different functionality and the ability to network production components.
The new console underwent test operation from February 2011, with the first show being broadcast live from the Düsseldorf audio control room in March. Thanks to thorough preparation, everything ran smoothly for the mc²90’s premiere.
The new centrepiece of the control room features 48 faders (16:16:16) and 192 DSP channels. Thanks to the flexible control surface, ZDF can fit an additional eight faders in the limited space usually occupied by the central faders. Extra space for the installation of external devices is provided by an expanded central control area (Center Large). For the mc²90, this comprises a full-size monitor for the display of external video signals as well as a RTW meter. Of the four DSP cards, one, equipped with 48 DSP channels, provides redundant cover while the matrix/control room DSP card is integrated with the HD Core.
The 8k router card in the MKII HD Core is connected to three Dallis systems, and designed with full redundancy, resulting in cutting-edge reliability. All monitoring and broadcast lines for the audio and video control rooms can be switched from the mc²90 to a Lawo crystal console with a single button press. With the most important sources connected directly to the crystal, workflow is not interrupted. Even switching time delays are eliminated.
The open system architecture of the mc² line allows the mc²90 and the crystal (as a back-up mixer) to be integrated into the pre-existing infrastructure that comprises three Lawo zirkon consoles. The sources are connected via Madi, which allows to save on the wiring.
The MC80 had been in use at ZDF since 1995, and belongs to the first generation of Lawo digital mixing consoles. The one installed in Düsseldorf was the very first that Lawo built. By autumn 2010, it had served reliably for more than 15 years.
More: www.lawo.de
