Lawo announces the Version 2.8 upgrade for the company’s zirkon on-air radio console. It features enhancements to both the system control and configuration software, as well as the company’s VisTool touchscreen surface visualization software.
In contrast to the previous V. 2.7.1, most notable among V. 2.8’s capabilities is the new DSP card mode for the zirkon. With the new Sig80 DSP mode, the system supports an additional 40 DSP channels (mono/stereo) with EQ, dynamics and limiting provided by the use of a second masterboard. For environments where additional signal processing is desired, this new card mode provides dynamically allocated DSP resources, supporting increasingly complex mix configurations.
Lawo’s new V. 2.8 firmware also includes a change in the transmission method used for VisTool metering data. Performance and communication have been improved by changing to UDP (User Datagram Protocol) as compared to earlier versions that use TCP (Transmission Control Protocol). As UDP avoids the system overhead of checking every last data packet, metering response is reportedly faster and provides greater compatibility in networked environments.
With the change to UDP data transmission for metering information, the new V. 2.8 software also provides a new Logic Element UDP Matrix, which allows the UDP Matrix to be used, for example, to simultaneously route RDS (Radio Data System) information and/or audio with equipment from a variety of manufacturers using UECP (Universal Encoder Communication Protocol), providing increased functionality in a networked environment.
Lawo’s new VisTool touchscreen surface visualization software promises faster, more-responsive metering in a networked environment, and the VisTool upgrade now provides Surround Parameter keys in Screen Parameters. As a result of this change, surround panning can now be accessed by VisTool buttons.
With the VisTool software upgrade, users can now display 24 channels simultaneously. The colors of EQ parameters and markers can now be set. This change is designed to enhance workflow by making it easier to identify various aspects of the mix.
Lawo zirkon owners who wish to upgrade their consoles may obtain the new V. 2.8 software by contacting Lawo North America’s technical support services at 888/810-4468. Users outside North America should contact their local Lawo representative.
For more information, visit www.lawo.ca.
