At a special launch event streamed live from its studio at the company’s headquarters in Germany, Lawo unveiled the new crystal console for broadcast applications, an IP-native mixing system is based on the open RAVENNA/AES67 Audio-over-IP networking standards and complying with SMPTE ST2110-30/-31 for audio, and ST2022-7 for redundancy.
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. Available with 6, 8 and 14 faders, and with two distinct modes of operation — Power Core and Controller — crystal is designed 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 uniformization.
crystal is available in both a light and a dark finish. Both versions offer numerous shades and hues that allow users to tailor the desk to their needs. Adding optional Virtual Extensions increases the availability of immediate information for every function.
Silent, motorized faders inspired by Lawo’s mc² audio production consoles and more precise encoders facilitate integration with program automation and playout systems, making it well-suited for multiple-layer operations involving voice tracking, remote production, or DAW control. Programmable, color-coded LED button and encoder lighting highlights common control functions.
Optional Virtual Extension modules have full-HD TFT displays for extended information and touch control. Ember+ and HTML5 integration enables control of third-party hardware and software. Like diamond, crystal utilizes Lawo’s LUX user interface offering a familiar and consistent interface across the entire Lawo product portfolio.
crystal employs smart algorithms designed to speed up production workflows. The AutoMix function automatically maintains the balance of multi-mic productions, and AutoMix Grouping allows this intelligent automatic mixing to be applied to multiple independent source groups. AutoGain, an automatic gain setting function, optimizes guest and host mic levels with a single button press.
Due to an unlimited number of snapshots and DSP profiles that can be stored and recalled from any networked console, individual talent profiles and customized 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.
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 is a useful tool for 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. A sophisticated rights-management system gives engineers the power to tailor access to console features based on multiple user groups, or on a user-by-user basis.
crystal also integrates with HOME, Lawo’s management platform for IP-based media infrastructures. HOME helps connect, manage and secure all aspects of live production environments, providing centralized microservices for more effective interaction of engineers with their tools. HOME turns an array of devices, setups, sites, hubs and data centers into a network quickly and in a secure way.
“The new crystal serves the power of diamond in a more compact and cost-effective package, courtesy of Lawo’s high-quality audio and workflow expertise,” says Johan Boqvist, Lawo’s product evangelist, Audio Infrastructure. “Conforming to Lawo’s standard for hardware and software integration on a native IP platform, crystal truly shines like a diamond.”
