The new console supports a variety of broadcast applications such as audio production workflows: small to mid-sized on-air studios; regional studios; news and commentary suites.
Lawo has unveiled its new Crystal versatile broadcast console for broadcast applications. The launch took place at its studio at the company’s headquarters in Rastatt/Germany, and was live streamed from there.
The new console’s IP-native mixing system is based on the open RAVENNA/AES67 Audio-over-IP networking standards and complies with SMPTE ST2110-30/- 31 for audio, and ST2022-7 for redundancy. Powered by the Lawo Power Core Engine, the Crystal console supports expandable I/O, accommodating AES67, MADI, analog, AES3, and Dante® audio sources and destinations.
It is available with 6, 8 and 14 faders, and with two distinct modes of operation — Power Core and Controller — making it ideal for a variety of broadcast applications that straddle radio and a variety of audio production workflows: small to mid-sized on-air studios; regional studios; news and commentary suites; smaller production studios; MCR control and OB vehicles; podcast recording studios; remote production applications; backup and disaster recovery sites; DAW control and integration as well as workflow uniformisation.
Crystal is available in both light and dark finishes. Both versions offer a wealth of shades and hues that allow users to customise their desks. Optional Virtual Extensions, such as full-HD TFT displays for extended information and touch control are also available. Ember+ and HTML5 integration enables control of third-party hardware and software.
Silent, motorised faders inspired by Lawo’s acclaimed mc² audio production consoles and precise encoders permit flawless integration with program automation and playout systems. This allows for multiple-layer operations involving voice tracking, remote production, or DAW control. Programmable, colour-coded LED button and encoder lighting highlight common control functions.
Crystal employs smart algorithms that speed up production workflows. The console also has a host of assistive mixing technologies such as AutoMix, AutoMix Grouping and AutoGain. The AutoMix function automatically maintains the balance of multi-mic productions, and AutoMix Grouping allows the mixing to be applied to multiple independent source groups. AutoGain, an automatic gain setting function, optimises guest and host mic levels with a single button press.
Crystal can store and recall an unlimited number of snapshots and DSP profiles from any networked console. Individual talent profiles or customised show setups are available anywhere — even to operators working remotely from home studios, OB setups, etc. Shared user rights and snapshot management across all studios involving crystal/diamond/virtual interfaces is also available.
Crystal’s Power Core mode allows operators to use the console in combination with a Power Core engine, Lawo’s software-defined, high-density DSP mixing engine and modular I/O device. In this mode, crystal supports the Power Core Compact license for single 6-fader or extended 14-fader setups, and the Power Core MAX license. Accommodating up to four consoles, one Power Core with the MAX license allows four studios to share its processing power and business logic in a variety of configurations.
Its controller mode caters to requests for a small IP-native extension panel for mc² audio production consoles. A crystal Main or Fader module can be used as a control panel for an mc²/A__UHD Core-based back-end. In Controller mode, crystal allows second- row/grams mixer applications, as a dedicated control surface for an otherwise headless system, and for leveraging the shared processing options of a single A__UHD Core via a Pooling 4/8/16/32 license. This opens up new possibilities in distributed production workflows, or for backup purposes. When used as a companion in an mc² system, literally any console strip can be mapped to the crystal surface.
