The University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw), one of the world’s largest music universities, has partnered with Lawo to upgrade its audio production capabilities.
A new Lawo mc²56 MkIII audio production console with an A__UHD Core has been installed in the university’s Tonregie 1 studio. This installation is part of an effort to improve training and production quality across its diverse programs.
Advanced Audio Networking
The integration includes not just the console but also other advanced audio over IP (AoIP) equipment like the Lawo Power Core and an A__stage64 stagebox. These enhancements form a campus-wide network using RAVENNA technology, which allows for seamless audio signal aggregation and is compatible with various formats such as MADI and AES/EBU. Additionally, DANTE-compatible devices can be integrated using an expansion card.
Practical and Educational Benefits
The new setup at mdw is designed to support a wide range of musical genres, facilitated by a WAVES server integration that allows for various effects and settings preservation. The console’s versatility is highlighted by its ability to split control between two operators, which is particularly useful in complex productions like opera.
Pit Kaufmann, a member of the mdw project team, emphasizes that the console’s configuration allows for realistic simulations of different production scenarios. This capability is crucial for the Tonmeister degree program, where students learn about market-relevant technologies through practical application.
Studio and Remote Teaching Innovations
The Tonregie 1 studio serves as a key location for the Tonmeister program, supporting both group and individual sessions. These include direct mixing sessions and more technical studio practice courses. The studio is also set up for remote teaching and collaborative performances with other universities, enabled by the low-latency capabilities of the RAVENNA network.
Future Aspirations and Remote Production Capabilities
Looking ahead, mdw plans to expand its use of multi-channel formats in productions, potentially moving towards binaural or 3D audio. The university has already tested these capabilities during a live opera performance, where audio signals were managed remotely using AoIP technology—demonstrating the powerful potential of modern audio production networks for live streaming and educational purposes.
About Lawo
Lawo, founded in 1970 in Rastatt, Germany, is an international company specializing in professional audio equipment, particularly digital mixing consoles. The company was started by Peter Lawo and is now led by his son, Philipp Lawo. Lawo’s products are widely used in broadcast, performing arts, and sports events globally, including at major events like the 2012 London Olympics. Over the decades, Lawo has pioneered numerous innovations in the audio industry, such as the mc² series of digital mixing consoles introduced in the 1990s which featured advanced IP networking capabilities. Today, Lawo continues to be a leader in media infrastructure, providing solutions that support modern IP-based broadcast environments (LAWO).
