Studio Berlin equips its Ü2 Mobile Unit with Lawo AoIP technology

Studio Berlin completes a comprehensive modernization of its Ü2 mobile unit, integrating Audio-over-IP (AoIP) technology from Theirs, replacing the mc²66 console with a mc²56 MKIII with 48 faders.

Additionally, A__stage units have been implemented as I/O devices, along with the mc² DSP application, which provides 256 DSP channels. The existing Lawo VSM system has been extended to optimize control over IP-based transmission infrastructure.

This technology upgrade was completed in time for the Berlin Festival (Berlinale). Studio Berlin's Ü2 unit was responsible for producing both the international film festival's opening ceremony and the awards gala on February 22. These events were broadcast live and later on a delayed basis by the broadcasters Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb) and ZDF/3sat. In collaboration with X Verleih, the opening gala and the film premiere were also broadcast live to seven cinemas across Germany.

Maximum flexibility with DSP HOME mc²

Beyond the console and stage boxes, a key component of this update is the integration of the DSP HOME mc² application. This software-based solution enables highly scalable and decentralized signal processing, perfectly suited for modern IP-based production environments.

"With the DSP HOME mc² application, we can manage DSP resources flexibly and efficiently, an essential improvement to our workflow. This is especially important as we continue to upgrade and expand our studio facilities and control rooms," he explains. Mathias Heinrich, head of audio at Studio Berlin. “Virtualization eliminates the need for dedicated DSP hardware, which not only saves space, but also provides exceptional flexibility in configuration and scalability.”

During the transition, it was essential to integrate the new technology seamlessly into Ü2's existing 3G-SDI workflow. “The challenge was to replace a well-established infrastructure with an emerging technology that was constantly evolving,” he says. Leonard Weißhahn, audio engineer at Studio Berlin. “The DSP HOME mc² application has proven to be a robust, future-proof solution: it delivers Lawo's renowned quality and performance, while providing a valuable learning and development opportunity for both Lawo and Studio Berlin.”

The complete transition to IP technology required a efficient routing of all relevant audio signals, whilst ensuring seamless communication between the mc²56 MKIII console, A__stage units and the redundant DSP application. In this regard, the existing Lawo VSM system played a crucial role, providing centralized control of the entire infrastructure and enabling intuitive workflow optimizations.

The new IP-based structure of the Ü2 unit also significantly simplifies setup and adjustments for productions. "Previously, modifying signal processing during large-scale productions was a challenge. With the DSP HOME mc² application, we can make real-time adjustments as needed without having to reconfigure physical hardware, saving time and resources," adds Heinrich.

Efficient workflows

The upgrade process for Mobile Unit Ü2 began with the delivery of new components in calendar week 4. Thanks to the close collaboration between the Studio Berlin and Lawo teams, installation, testing, configuration and programming were completed efficiently, ensuring the truck was fully operational in time for the Berlinale. This teamwork, which extended throughout the production days, guaranteed a safe live broadcast of the Berlinale opening ceremony.

With this update, Studio Berlin is setting new benchmarks in mobile audio production. The DSP HOME mc² application allows a optimized signal processing, a superior audio quality and one flexible resource management. "We now have a production environment that meets current demands and at the same time is fully prepared for future developments in the broadcasting sector. At the same time, we are gaining valuable knowledge together with Lawo as we navigate this exciting technological transition," concludes Weißhahn.
This investment underscores Studio Berlin's commitment to pioneering the future of mobile audio production through IP technology and virtualized signal processing.