mc² 56
Audio Production Console
FUTURISTIC – FLEXIBLE – FORMIDABLE
This 3rd generation of the mc² 56 represents the next step in the evolution of a console that has dominated the audio production industry with hundreds of units in operation around the world. Designed to deliver unrivaled innovation, it provides not just pure and simple access to ultimate performance – it’s a global standard redefined.
The mc² 56 incorporates several groundbreaking features from Lawo’s mc² 96 flagship console, without sacrificing the identity of its predecessors – retaining virtues like compact size, flexibility and versatile design for applications ranging from broadcast trucks and studios to live performance and recording.
For optimized performance within IP video production environments, there is full support for native ST2110, AES67, RAVENNA and DANTE, while Lawo’s revolutionary LiveView™ feature enables thumbnail previews of video streams directly in the fader labeling displays.
Best-in-class performance in networking applications has been taken to the next level with the addition of unique capabilities such as IP Easy™ simplified network setup and DSCA™ Dynamic Surface to Core Allocation. All of this and more, simply reinforces this console’s place as the number one choice within complex IP-based production infrastructures.
Push the envelope and take your audio production capabilities even further than you imagined with the new mc² 56. Now more than ever, the global standard in audio production consoles.
A GLOBAL STANDARD RE-DEFINED.
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Lawo mc² 56 brochure
This 3rd generation of the mc² 56 represents the next step in the evolution of a console that has dominated the audio production industry with hundreds of units in operation around the world. Designed to deliver unrivaled innovation, it provides not just pure and simple access to ultimate performance – it’s a global standard redefined.
OVERVIEW
Powered by A__UHD Core
Frames with 16 to 144 faders
Up to 1,024 DSP channels
Up to 256 summing buses
Up to 128 AUX buses
48 & 96kHz operation
HOME-native:
IP setup as simple as analog
Supported IP standards:
ST2110, AES67, RAVENNA, DANTE®, Ember+, NMOS
THE POWER OF COMPACT
Perfect for outside broadcast vehicle dimensions: 64 faders fit across most standard installations. A 16 fader stand-alone extender may be added at any time for subsequent expansion.
HIGH QUALITY FADERS
The mc² 56 features the same dust-proof long-life performance faders as its MKII predecessor, providing smooth and precise fades for a lifetime.
ENHANCED COLOR CODING
In addition to Button-Glow and colored touch-sensitive encoders, new color-TFTs allow for an even more obvious color-coding of the channel strips, resulting in enhanced visibility and faster access even in low light conditions.
INTERACTION
TOUCH-SENSITIVE COLOR-CODED ENCODERS
A PERFECT SYMPHONY OF HARDWARE & SOFTWARE CONTROLS
The mc² 56’s unique design combines large screens with a low overbridge height to provide a more ergonomic profile without compromising an engineer’s view. The console’s super-precise 21.5” full HD touch-screens work hand-in-hand with the touchsensitive color illuminated rotary encoders. An equalizer window will automatically pop-up when touching the equalizer encoders, and after adjusting the parameters the auto-close function will close the window without additional user action to restore the full overview.
Close positioning of the TFTs and encoders provides a constant and clear
overview of parameters and graphs.
SUPER-PRECISE HD TOUCH-SCREENS
The mc² 56 features state-of-the-art capacity sensing 21.5” full HD touchscreens, providing mechanical robustness and super-precise control.
MULTI-USER OPERATION
In multi-user mode, 64 rotary encoders in each 16-fader bay give direct access to all important parameters to create an additional central control panel and allow for independent operation and monitoring of a second engineer.
EXTENDED FREE CONTROLS
The new mc² 56’s extended free control section gives direct access to four parameters in addition to gain control. The result: A perfect balance between de-centralized and centralized control workflows. The console allows both global and individual parameter assignments to the free controls of each channel strip.
FEATURES
LIVEVIEW™ VIDEO LABELS
In addition to standard channel labeling via channel numbers, individual text labels and static pictures or icons, the mc² 56 inherited the mc² 96’s LiveView™ video thumbnails for even more intuitive channel identifi cation. Simply touch a fader and the LiveView™ thumbnail changes to full-screen mode, providing a more detailed view of that channel’s video source such as a camera or a replay machine.
IP EASY – SIMPLE AS ANALOG
Being an IP-native device based on A__line UHD Core, the mc² 56 includes Lawo’s IP Easy functionality which makes configuring IP setups as simple as analog. The system automatically detects devices and makes them available to the console at the push of a button. Furthermore the console’s device management includes all needed security features such as access control and quarantining of unknown devices.
FEATURES
LIVEVIEW™ VIDEO LABELS
In addition to standard channel labeling via channel numbers, individual text labels and static pictures or icons, the mc² 56 inherited the mc² 96’s LiveView™ video thumbnails for even more intuitive channel identification. Simply touch a fader and the LiveView™ thumbnail changes to full-screen mode, providing a more detailed view of that channel’s video source such as a camera or a replay machine.
IP EASY – SIMPLE AS ANALOG
Being an IP-native device based on A__line UHD Core, the mc² 56 includes Lawo’s IP Easy functionality which makes configuring IP setups as simple as analog. The system automatically detects devices and makes them available to the console at the push of a button. Furthermore the console’s device management includes all needed security features such as access control and quarantining of unknown devices.
TECHNICAL DESIGN
LOW-NOISE DESIGN
The console is optimized for low power consumption, which allows the use of inaudible, low-spinning fans for cooling. This is especially important in environments such as quiet control rooms, where fan noise is obtrusive.
COMPREHENSIVE LOCAL I/O
The mc² 56’s comprehensive local I/O features 16 Lawo-grade Mic/Line inputs, 16 Line outputs, 8 AES3 inputs and outputs, 8 GPIOs plus a local MADI port (SFP).
REDUNDANT LOCAL I/O CONNECTIVITY
The console’s local I/O provides two IP network interfaces for redundant connection of the surface’s local I/O to the A__UHD Core following ST2022-7 hitless merge principles of stream and port redundancy.
CENTRAL CONTROL SECTION
PARALLEL COMPRESSION
Parallel compression, also known as New York compression, is a dynamic range compression technique achieved by blending a dry signal with a compressed version of the same signal. Rather than bringing down the highest peaks for the purpose of dynamic range reduction, it reduces the dynamic range by bringing up the softest sounds, which results in adding audible detail. Parallel compression can be applied in every channel, group, aux and sum of the mc²56.
AUDIO-FOLLOW-VIDEO
Automated transitions and the perfect coupling of image and sound – all of this is provided by the mc² 56’s Audio-follow-Video function. Each camera tally is assigned to an event, which can be selected in one or more channels with a total of 128 available events. The Rise-Time, On-Time, Hold-Time, Max-Time and FallTime parameters can be used to set the processing envelope, creating amazingly smooth and natural sounding transitions from camera to camera.
IMMERSIVE BY NATURE
Reflecting today’s requirements for 3D / immersive audio productions, the mc² 56 provides not only superb tools for surround sound mixing, but also a dedicated elevation controller as standard.
INTUITIVE MONITORING
The monitoring section of the central GUI has been redesigned for easier access, enhanced flexibility and easy adaptation to user requirements
MAKE IT YOUR WAY – USER PANELS
The mc²56’s clearly structured central control section delivers an optimal workflow with maximum overview. In addition, the console’s overbridge contains two slots for individual user panels, which can be fi lled with a choice of fi ve options: additional 40 buttons, a TC automation panel, a dedicated Reveal Fader panel, a RTW TM7 Goniometer or a RTW TM9 Goniometer (occupying both slots) – the choice is yours.
AUTOMATED MIXING ASSISTANTS
The mc²56’s automated mixing capabilities include an Automix function that can automatically adjust the Ievels of active and inactive microphones, while maintaining a constant, natural sounding ambient Ievel. This feature provides unique functionality especially in live productions with multiple presenters or performers. Automix can be used for any signals, from mono and stereo to multiple surround channels to minimize background noise and crosstalk with reduced sound coloration. Truncated sentences and late fade-ins are things of the past, enabling the sound engineer to focus on overall balance and sound quality.
The console also features a Downmix function and Lawo’s highly acclaimed AMBIT Upmix function, which guarantees perfect conversion of stereo signals into amazingly authentic surround sound using very few parameters. Last but not least, the mc²56 is set for KICK 2.0, Lawo’s automated close-ball mixing solution for
sports such as football, hockey or basketball.
REMOTE DESKTOP
Lawo’s integrated Remote Desktop function allows seamless integration into the console’s user interface of multiple external PCs running third-party solutions. With the switch of a button, the external PC and its software applications are displayed in the console’s screen while the console’s keyboard, touchpad and touchscreen provide control. The seamless integration of external recording systems, effect engines, or other user interfaces, means less equipment – and the engineer has control over the complete set-up, conveniently from a single, central position.
OVERBRIDGE
CUSTOMIZABLE OVERBRIDGE VIEWS
The console’s overbridge can be adapted to your requirements by adjusting the channel display accordingly – just choose and display those parameters that are important and hide any unnecessary or distracting elements. The metering shows all fader Ievels permanently on the HD display. ln addition, multi-row metering allows for permanent metering of signals from other layers or banks.
INTEGRATED LOUDNESS METERING
Originally requested for broadcast applications, Lawo has developed built-in loudness metering into a tool that is useful also in live, theater and house of worship applications. The feature provides full loudness control in accordance with ITU 1770 (EBU/R128 or ATSC/A85) and features peak and loudness metering either separately or in combination. ln addition to the sums, Lawo Loudness Metering can also measure individual channels, which allows fast and convenient “visual” mixing for things like background singers or multiplemicrophone setups for brass sections, strings and choirs.
SPECIFICATIONS
Control Panel
- Frames from 16 to 144 faders*
- Remote stand-alone frames of 16 faders
- 6 banks each with 2 layers
- 100 mm fader + 4 freely adjustable rotary knobs or 100 mm + 60 mm dual faders + Input-Gain controller + channel display for each fader with sense-triggered change of module display
TFT metering: mono, stereo or multi-channel immersive including bus assignment, gain reduction for dynamics, AfV status, VCA assignment, Mix-Minus, Signal Patching, Meter selection, Automix state - GUI page output, e.g. metering, on an external monitor
- 8 user buttons, 4 talkback buttons and 4 user buttons per fader, with 16 functions each
Optional: two integrated user panels (TC automation panel, 40 user button panel, reveal fader panel, RTW TM7 or TM9 Phase Scope), script tray
* With dual fader option
Signal Processing
- 40-bit floating point
- 1,024 DSP channels (number of inputs and buses depends on A__UHD Core and configuration; immersive audio support up to 9.1.6)
- Up to 1016 inputs with A/B/C input, up to 128 AUX busses, up to 96 groups, up to 96 main Sums, up to 32 Automix groups per virtual mixer, up to 128 VCA groups with metering, 256 GP channels
- 3D multichannel downmixing for all supported immersive channel counts
- Rapid switching of channel and bus to mono / stereo / surround
- 2 AFL: 1 immersive audio, 1 stereo
- 2 PFL stereo
- Audio-follows-Video with 256 events, control via Ember+, GPI or matrix connection, envelope up to 10s fade time
- Solo In Place
- 5 independent dynamics modules: expander, gate, compressor (incl. parallel compression), limiter, de-esser; image, meter, direct out; multi-channel processing
- Adjustable INPUT, PF, AF, DIROUT, TRACK meter point in channel display
- Loudness metering according to EBU R128 and ATSC A/85, momentary or short term in every channel, integrated measurement on sum channels with display of integrated LUFS value in headline
- Modules: INMIX with MS decoder, digital amp, 2-band fully parametric filter, 4-band fully parametric EQ, 2-band fully parametric side chain filter, insert, delay up to 1800 ms – switchable units: meters, milliseconds, frames
Audio Handling
- HOME – Routing with dynamic support of network resources
- Internal matrix for RX and TX audio
- Up to 512 RX & TX streams
- Stream sizes from 1 up to 128 audio channels
- Up to 96 kHz, 24-bit
- Downmixing from immersive audio to stereo
- Integrated monitoring devices for remote locations, e.g. director’s room
Internal loop-backs - Full Snapshot and production portability independent of matrix and DSP size
Waves® Plugin Integration
- Waves SuperRack SoundGrid® integration with synced snapshot generation in Waves
Interfaces
- Mic / Line, Line Out, AES3, 3G SDI, HD-SDI, MADI, GPIO, Serial, MIDI, ST2110 / AES67 / RAVENNA / DANTE® Audio-over-IP
- Stereo and surround monitoring systems
- Headphones
Synchronisation
- Blackburst*, Tri-Level*, Wordclock, PTP Slave and Grandmaster modes
Supported by future hardware revisions.
Redundancy
- PSUs, Network Interfaces (ST2022-7 Class C)
Control unit
- Global A / B / C input switching
- Enhanced mix-minus control with independent off-air conference
- Fader control of all level parameters
- Diverse tally and fader start modes
- Program switch
- DAW Machine control
- Audio-follows-Video, up to 128 camera tallies, Ethernet or GPI controlled
- Camera mic remote via GPI or voltage control
Remote Maintenance
- Connection via mxGUI remote software
- Software updates, error diagnostics, remote assistance
External Control Systems
- Remote control of all routing, matrix monitoring units and channel parameters via Ember+ control protocol
- mxGUI: remote control via Windows®/Android or macOS/iOS laptops and tablets
- External matrix controllers: Lawo VSM, EVS Cerebrum, Broadcast Solutions Hi, GV Ignite, Ross Overdrive & Acuity, Vizrt Viz Mosart, and others
ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS
A__UHD Core
Ultra-high Density IP Audio Engine
mxGUI
On- and Off-line Remote Control Software for mc² Consoles
A__line
WAN-capable Audio-over-IP Nodes
Power Core RP
IP Audio I/O & DSP Node for Remote Production
KICK
Automated Mixing Control for Close-Ball Mixing