Lawo has announced its latest crystal mixing consoles, responding to feedback received from users of more than 1,000 broadcast consoles presently at work in the field. The result is a cost-effective console that offers out-of-the-box functionality with flexibility and customisability.
The new crystal has a re-designed user surface, available in 4- to 16-fader versions, providing clear operational layout in an ultra-slim chassis. A new handrest improves the console’s ergonomics, and re-designed buttons make their labels more readable. All pushbuttons are illuminated with RGB LEDs, enabling users to work with different colour schemes for different functions, giving different processing functions their own coding, for example. New functions – like the integrated AutoMix and AutoGain – provide outstanding ease-of-use, especially to journalists and presenters in self-op situations.
The newly designed base unit features power supply redundancy and expansion slots for addition of I/O cards. crystal consoles are optimised for both stand-alone operation and networked environments, with the functionality found on a conventional mixer, as well as an integrated matrix of up to 288 I/Os. These I/Os can be pre-packaged from a broad range of modules, including Ravenna/AES67 Audio-over-IP, Madi, AES and Mic/Line. crystal consoles are prepared for seamless integration with leading radio automation systems like ENCO, RCS, Dalet and Radiomax.
The consoles come with VisTool – touchscreen optimised PC software – that provides additional functionality and visualisation beyond the limitations of hardware user interfaces. The software is designed to be the central screen and interaction system for radio hosts, providing full control over all relevant functions of a crystal console. It offers access to channel DSP processes, including EQ, dynamics and bus routings, input parameters and fader channel control.
Lawo recently introduced its fully touchscreen-based crystalClear virtual radio console, complementing the crystal product line for applications where no physical faders are needed.
More: www.lawo.com
