Toronto, Ontario, Canada – October 2, 2009 … Lawo, recognized globally as a leading manufacturer of digital audio networking and console systems for production, post production, broadcast, and related applications, is pleased to announce the new Version 4.6 software release for the company’s mc² Series production consoles, which includes the flagship mc²90, mc²66, and mc²56, along with the company’s Nova 73HD routing system. The new V4.6 operating system software introduces numerous new features and advancements designed to streamline workflow, with two primary areas of emphasis: (1) Dynamic Automation enhancement, including Trim and TC-Editing features and (2) a sophisticated Offline preparation and Online assistance tool. Lawo will showcase the software during the upcoming AES show in New York – AES Booth #637.
Dynamic Automation Enhancement
With Lawo’s V4.6 software, Dynamic Automation receives a dramatic overhaul. The new software introduces two critically important new feature
sets: (1) Trim functionalities in two operation modes, and (2) TC Editing operations with convenient features enabling, among others, copying, pasting, and shortening of automation data. Additionally, with V4.6, the mc²56 now supports full TC Automation with an additional GUI page.
Trim Relative Mode
The Trim functionalities of Release V4.6 now make it possible to offset levels of automated data. All DSP channel parameters can be trimmed with the exception of parameters such as delay, frequency, or ratio. When using the Relative Trim mode, all controls move to their default position, such as 0 dB for the fader, when changing to Trim mode. Further, offsets can be easily applied to the desired parameter.
Trim On the Fly
With “Trim on the Fly� mode, all movements of absolute data are played back by the system and adjusting a parameter applies an offset to the desired module. Used in combination with TOUCH, users are able to directly alter the written automation data—creating an efficient and highly intuitive means of working.
Time Code (TC) Editing
Release V4.6 now facilitates the editing of TC data. Operations such as Copy/Paste, Delete, and Ripple or Shift are possible. These operations can be performed on either individual access channels or for a complete pass. To ensure an edit is exactly as intended, all operations are reversible as each operation creates a new play pass.
mxGUI – A Sophisticated Tool for Enhanced Online/Offline Tasks
One of the most significant enhancements within Release V4.6 is the introduction of the matrix GUI (identified as mxGUI). Optionally available for use with V4.6 and subsequent release versions, mxGUI is a standalone application that enables the configuration and operation of mc² Series consoles, as well as the operation of the Nova 73HD. The software’s functionality is available for both direct online operation while connected to the system as well as offline tasks such as the preparation of productions, snapshots, etc.
The mxGUI software runs on PC’s using either the Windows XP or Vista operating systems. When the system is offline, a local control system on the computer makes all available GUI pages accessible and most console parameters can be operated and adjusted. Production and Snapshot data that has been created in this manner may be easily transferred to a USB stick or directly to the console via the Files Transfer page, making mxGUI a very powerful and efficient tool that optimizes one’s workflow. When in online mode, mxGUI allows for easy system extension. For example, additional PPM screens and a parallel system setup are available, enabling an operator to label channels and other parameters without interrupting or distracting the mixer. Additional GUI pages have also been added, including a matrix view for routing and a screen for fader assignment.
Herbert Lemcke, President of Lawo North America, commented on the company’s new V4.6 OS release. “The new version 4.6 software reflects Lawo’s ongoing commitment to provide our customers with the best possible work environment,� said Lemcke. “Version 4.6 brings an entirely new level of functionality to the area of dynamic automation that enables faster and more intuitive operation when working on large, complex projects. Similarly, our new mxGUI online/offline preparation and assistance tool enables operators to make a variety of system adjustments and settings that further streamlines workflow. Additional refinements also incorporated into V4.6 include a DSP library for modules and channels, track busses that now also support the Mix Minus logic—boosting system capacity to over 100 Mix Minus busses, larger channel name labels for the mc²56 consoles, and 96 kHz support for Lawo’s Plug-in server. I’m confident mix engineers will find V4.6 a compelling upgrade.�
Lawo’s new Version 4.6 software is available now. Additional information on the new Version 4.6 software can be obtained by visiting www.lawo.ca or by calling (888) 810-4468.
About Lawo
Lawo is a manufacturer of digital audio networking systems and consoles for a wide range of applications from small to large scale audio production in television and radio, post production, and live sound. Established in the 1970s, the company’s manufacturing center is located in the Rhine valley town of Rastatt, Germany. For additional information on all Lawo products, visit the company online at www.lawo.ca.
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Photo info: Screenshot of the fader strip assign page from Lawo’s V4.6 software with mxGUI.
