Lawo updates the software of its Diamond console and the Power Core engine

New Diamond mixing console software, Power Core DSP engine, VisTool graphical control interface and On-Air Designer configuration solution bring new features to radio technology. Theirs.

The version 7.0.0 PL-001 adds numerous additions and improvements, including software support for the new device Power Core AIOX (Audio I/O Extender), additional DSP and metering functions, and several new licensing options for Power Core.

Johan Boqvist, Senior Product Manager, Radio, at Lawo, notes that “broadcasters constantly tell us that Lawo's ‘software-defined hardware’ approach to developing new production tools is a huge advantage.”

"Our users not only love our products, but they appreciate our commitment to collaborative development. Many of the new features and options seen in this version of the software emerged from in-depth conversations with everyday users. This commitment helps ensure that Lawo customers are always at the forefront of broadcast technology," he adds.

New features for the broadcast console Diamond include the addition of PPM meters and multimedia icons to full color displays in the monitor sections and input source displays, access and channel based gain reduction meter for dynamics, LUX correlation meter, a new feature Fader Over Press which adds programmable logic functions that can be executed when the faders are closed, and new logic that allows operators to instantly clear DSP parameters applied to an audio source.

DSP Power Core improvements

As for the Power Core DSP engine, improvements include extended “Q” values To help fine-tune the equalization curves, an auto-programmed sidechain filter for the dynamics processing which excludes frequencies from its calculations, the possibility of adjusting the active frequency of the DeEsser and compatibility with up to 8 AutoMix groups, a great help for producers of morning shows and talk shows. Finally, Power Core licensing options have been expanded.

“Power Core is already the most flexible audio core available for broadcast,” says Boqvist. "There are multiple options for analog and digital I/O expansion, and several licensing packages that allow users to tailor their production environment to their exact needs. With this software release we have introduced more new licensing options to help broadcasters achieve the perfect balance between capacity and cost."

Power Core Compact is a new licensing option that provides a cost-effective option for broadcasters building small and medium-sized studios. This expands the total number of core Power Core licensing options to 6, including Power Core edge I/O and Super Audio Node configurations; a console engine for large and extra-large consoles with up to 60 faders; and the MAX Multi-Access license that allows a single Power Core to provide resources to up to 4 Diamond consoles.

Two have also been introduced new “add-on” licenses: Conference Assign (providing complete control over the level of the associated N-1 bus and allowing inclusion or exclusion of other N-1 buses), and Aux Pan (which allows you to control the panning of individual sources per Aux bus). Existing additional license packages for GPIO, MiniMixer, N-1 and Loopback expansion also continue to be offered.

“With this launch, Lawo reinforces our customers' vision of mixing consoles and AoIP cores that can be customized to fit any individual workflow,” says Boqvist. “This flexibility makes the combination of diamond, Power Core and VisTool the first choice for use in radio production, TV master control and even mobile unit applications around the world.”