As part of its ongoing advancement of audio infrastructure, Duesseldorf Opera House has chosen to add a Lawo crystal mixing console to its setup.
This new console is used wirelessly, primarily to remotely control the larger Lawo mc²56 console in the sound control room, allowing flexible, location-independent sound adjustments in the auditorium and other areas, such as the foyer, for smaller events.
In 2022, the opera house installed a comprehensive Audio-over-IP (AoIP) infrastructure from Lawo, featuring three IP-native mc²56 audio production consoles with a redundant A__UHD Core as a shared audio engine. A__linestageboxes handle microphone signals and playback effects for the stage over the RAVENNA network. Since then, the opera house has operated an mc²56 with 32 faders in the sound control room and a 16-fader console in its production studio. The third mc²56, also with 16 faders, is designated for mobile use, with a 16-fader extender available for optional console expansion. Integration into existing DANTE networks for sound reinforcement in the auditorium, stage monitoring, and foyer was achieved using a Lawo Power Core with six DANTE interfaces.
The new crystal console expands the possibilities of this infrastructure, similar to the previously installed Lawo MixKitchen. Integrated into the opera house’s existing Wi-Fi network and accessed via laptop, the crystal console can be operated wirelessly, simplifying sound control and offering greater mobility. With an intuitive user interface, it allows quick adjustments to audio settings—ideal for dynamic requirements. The crystal console’s six fader banks enable precise sound mixing control, adaptable to different room setups and event types.
“The crystal console provides us with a flexible solution that optimizes our processes, particularly for smaller events,” explains Thomas Gabbert, Head of Sound at Deutsche Oper am Rhein. “The intuitive interface of the crystal allows us to work quickly and efficiently, which is a huge advantage for last-minute adjustments, such as changing microphone settings.”
Seamlessly integrated into the existing Lawo audio landscape, the crystal console’s “Controller Mode” allows for flexible control of the mc²56 console, which is responsible for primary sound reinforcement in the auditorium. Renowned for its exceptional sound fidelity, the mc²56 console allows Duesseldorf Opera House to deliver a highly immersive and detailed audio experience. “The sound quality of the mc²56 console is impressive,” Gabbert adds. “Being able to assess sound in the hall itself and make adjustments from there via the crystal lets us apply this quality even more precisely and efficiently.”
Gabbert also commends the collaboration with Lawo: “The Lawo team supported us excellently throughout the entire process, understanding our needs and delivering tailored solutions, even when last-minute adjustments were required.”
With the new crystal console, the proven mc²56 technology, and AoIP infrastructure, Duesseldorf Opera House is well-prepared to meet the demands of modern audio production. The combination of flexible control and top-tier sound quality ensures that the venue will continue to operate at the highest technical standard, offering its audience an unparalleled listening experience.
About Lawo
Lawo is a global technology partner with a long history of delivering innovative solutions for live media production workflows. With a unified approach that combines workflow management and control, physical I/O, processing, and human interfaces, Lawo creates optimized solutions for productions including television broadcast and on-air radio, performing arts, houses of worship, and professional AV. Customer value is driven through simplicity, agility, technical and commercial flexibility, and through its team of experts who are passionate about enabling the creation of world-class content. Lawo products are manufactured to highest quality standards in Rastatt, Germany.
For additional information, visit www.lawo.com.
