At the NAB Show New York, Lawo unveiled a new iteration of its Crystal console for broadcast applications. It says the board provides the power of its Diamond console in a more compact and cost-effective package.
“This 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,” the company said.
“Powered by the Lawo Power Core Engine, crystal supports expandable I/O, accommodating AES67, MADI, analog, AES3 as well as Dante audio sources and destinations.”
There are two hardware modules that together provide a choice of three sizes, with six, eight or 14 faders, and they are available in light and dark finishes.
Lawo positions the console as suitable for applications that straddle radio and a variety of audio production tasks including small to mid-sized on-air studios, commentary suites, podcasting and remote/OB work.
Features include motorized faders, programmable color-coded LED buttons, and snapshots and DSP profiles. Optional Virtual Extension modules feature HD TFT displays for extended information and touch control. Ember+ and HTML5 integration enables control of third-party hardware and software.
An AutoMix function maintains the balance of multi-mic productions, while AutoMix Grouping allows the intelligent automatic mixing to be applied to multiple independent source groups. AutoGain optimizes guest and host mic levels with a button press.
It can be operated in Power Core mode, which allows operators to use the console in combination with a Power Core engine. In this mode, the console supports a Power Core Compact license for single six-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.”
A Controller mode supports 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. Lawo says this opens 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.”
The manufacturer also held a launch event at its headquarters studio in Germany and streamed it live.
