NEXT GEN IP AUDIO ENGINE.

The Mighty A__UHD Core

The A__UHD Core is the next-generation audio engine for Lawo’s mc² audio production consoles. Designed as a network-based, software-defined IP DSP engine with unparalleled processing density, it catapults mc²36 xp, mc²56 and mc²96 consoles into the next dimension.

Its ultra-high processing density translates into 1,024 mc²-grade DSP channels, which can either be utilized by a single mc² console, for coping with even the most challenging productions, or be shared amongst multiple consoles for effective and space-efficient resource pooling.

Thanks to a flexible licensing model, the A__UHD Core is ideal for both mobile applications and facility use. For mobile productions, the scalable DSP performance with temporary licenses is a great way to turn CapEx into OpEx, whilst in facility applications, the possibility of resource pooling and flexible allocation of DSP resources to multiple physical and GUI-based mixing surfaces maximizes ROI for your audio infrastructure.

The A__UHD Core features low-noise cooling and is set to meet and exceed highest demands regarding production quality and reliability. Eight independent 10/1 GbE* network interfaces enable the use of redundant networks via ST2022-7 Class C seamless protection switching (SPS) in both LAN and WAN environments. Full hardware redundancy can be achieved using a second hot spare unit, which permanently mirrors all settings.

In addition to its pristine DSP processing, the A__UHD Core enables Lawo’s HOME/IP Easy functionality which makes IP setups for Lawo mc² consoles as simple as analog.

Best of all: the A__UHD Core’s functionality is defined by its software. It is therefore a future-proof investment with a feature set that is designed to expand.

lives@HOME

NEXT GENERATION RELIABILITY.

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A__UHD Core brochure

The A__UHD Core is the next-generation audio engine for Lawo’smc² audio production consoles.

A__UHD CORE KEY FEATURES

1,024 Lawo-grade DSP channels on 1RU (512 channels in 96kHz mode)
Scalable DSP performance via licensing system
IP network processor based on open standards
Designed for mc²36xp, mc²56 and mc²96 consoles
Full redundancy
Futureproof, software-defined hardware
DSP resources shareable among multiple consoles
This is just the beginning…

NEXT-GENERATION FOOTPRINT

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SIZE

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WEIGHT

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POWER CONSUMPTION

This next-generation ultra high-density IP audio engine was created to meet today’s and tomorrow’s expectations. Compared with its renowned predecessor, this new console core saves up to 9RU in rack space, leaving 90% for other devices. Weighing in at only 7.4 kg, it is 70% lighter than its predecessor.

Plus, its power consumption is a mere 220W – 78% less than before. And there is more: the A__UHD Core’s Pooling license allows users to split the massive DSP power across multiple consoles, powering e.g. four independent audio consoles with 256 fullyfeatured mc² DSP channels each. As a result, only one A__UHD Core now does what previously required four individual console cores.

Need we say more about just how remarkably efficient this powerhouse is?

Pooling 8 – Highly Effective Resource Sharing

Effectively doubling the number of simultaneously available virtual mixer slices with respect to the Pooling 4 license, Pooling 8 (a newly introduced, dedicated software license) allows operators to use a single A__UHD Core to power up to eight mixing consoles, each utilizing DSP resources in multiples of 32 channels.

Each slice comes with its own routing matrix and mixing console peripherals, and is operationally completely independent. Pooling 8 supports a mix of mc² console surfaces and headless consoles using “Mix Kitchen” remote setups, VisTool-based software operation, broadcast controllers, and more.

NEXT-GENERATION SYSTEM RELIABILITY

Lawo has become synonymous with maximum reliability. As such, the A__UHD Core is geared towards 360° redundant architectures to meet even the most stringent production reliability and security requirements.

Redundant hot-swappable PSUs come as standard. In addition, the A__UHD Core provides network interface redundancy for all streaming and management ports, allowing to connect the device to two completely independent IP networks based on an ST2022-7 seamless protection switching (SPS) strategy.

If power and streaming redundancy are not enough for your operation, the A__UHD Core can be used in a 1+1 hot-spare hardware redundancy configuration, where a second A__UHD Core (with a redundancy license) mirrors all settings of the active device, and seamlessly takes over in the unlikely event of a hardware failure.

Like all Lawo IP devices, the A__UHD Core supports ST2022-7 Class C with sufficiently large buffer sizes for both local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WAN), allowing the redundant A__UHD Core units to be housed just about anywhere on the planet—and still take over instantly if the need arises.

NEXT-GENERATION CONNECTIVITY

The A__UHD Core features four independent IP audio streaming engines, each with a redundant pair of 10*/1 GbE network ports (SFP). The device is fully based on open standards and supports Audio-over-IP I/O via ST2110-30/-31, AES67 and RAVENNA.
Each network interface supports 128 Rx & Tx streams per interface — 512 streams in total. For reliable operation A__UHD Core features full network redundancy with ST2022-7 Class C Seamless Protection Switching (SPS).

LIVES AT HOME

The A__UHD Core offers native support for Lawo’s HOME platform and Lawo’s IP Easy functionality which make configuring IP setups as simple as analog. HOME allows your mc² consoles to automatically detect devices and make them available to the console at the push of a button. The underlying device management includes all necessary security features such as access control and quarantining of unknown devices.

NEXT-GENERATION SCALABILITY

The A__UHD Core’s flexible software licensing model offers fixed and temporary licenses to provide only what you need, when you need it. Licenses are stored on USB dongles and can be conveniently downloaded, allowing for seamless transfers from unit to unit.

Current A__UHD Core licenses include:

MIX 128 License

128 DSP channels

MIX 256 License

256 DSP channels

MIX 512 License

512 DSP channels

MIX 768 License

768 DSP channels

MIX 1024 License

1,024 DSP channels

+128 TMIXx License
Temp. addition of DSP for x weeks

+256 TMIXx License
Temp. addition of DSP for x weeks

+512 TMIXx License
Temp. addition of DSP for x weeks

+768 TMIXx License
Temp. addition of DSP for x weeks

RED DSP License
Enables a second unit for redundancy

POOLING 4 License
DSP split among max. 4 consoles

POOLING 8 License
DSP split among max. 8 consoles

MIX 128 License

128 DSP channels

MIX 256 License

256 DSP channels

MIX 512 License

512 DSP channels

MIX 768 License

768 DSP channels

MIX 1024 License

1,024 DSP channels

+128 TMIXx License
Temp. addition of DSP for x weeks

+256 TMIXx License
Temp. addition of DSP for x weeks

+512 TMIXx License
Temp. addition of DSP for x weeks

+768 TMIXx License
Temp. addition of DSP for x weeks

RED DSP License
Enables a second unit for redundancy

POOLING 4 License
DSP split among max. 4 consoles

POOLING 8 License
DSP split among max. 8 consoles

SPECIFICATIONS

CONNECTIVITY
  • NETWORK: 8x 10*/1GbE streaming ports via SFP (switchable,
    RJ45 or fiber options),
    2x 1GbE management ports via RJ45
  • AUDIO (via external I/O devices): Mic/Line In, Line Out, AES3 In/
    Out, MADI, ST2110-30/-31 / AES67 / RAVENNA, DANTE®, GPI/O,
    MIDI
  • USB ports for firmware updates and license dongles
  • SYNC: BNC In/Out/Thru (WCLK)

(*) Future release

SIGNAL PROCESSING
    • 40-bit, floating point
    • 1,024 DSP channels (e.g. 768 inputs and 256 summing buses)
    • Up to 1,008 inputs with A/B/C input, up to 128 aux busses, up to 96 groups, up to 96 main sums, 32 Automix groups
    • Rapid channel and bus switching to mono/stereo/surround
    • Up to 128 surround channels, 128 VCA groups with metering, 256 GP channels
    • Surround/Immersive formats: 4.0, 4.0.4, 5.1, 5.1.2, 5.1.4, 6.1, 7.1 SDDS, 7.1 DTS-HD, 7.1.2, 7.1.4, 7.1.6, 9.1.2, 9.1.4, 9.1.6, diverse panning characteristics, surround/immersive AUX bus
    • 2x AFL: 1 surround/immersive, 1 stereo
    • 2x PFL stereo
    • Audio-follows-Video with 128 events, control via Ember+, GPI or matrix connection, envelope with up to 10s fade time
    • Solo In Place
    • Various meter pick-up points, adjustable as INPUT, PF, AF, DIROUT
    • Loudness Metering according to EBU R128, ATSC A/85 and ARIB, momentary or short-term in every channel, integrated measurement on summing channels with display of integrated LUFS value in headline
    • Modules: INMIX with MS decoder, digital amp, 2-band fully parametric filter, 4-band fully parametric EQ, 2-band fully parametric side chain filter, insert, delay up to 1800ms – switchable units: meters, milliseconds, frames
    • 5 independent dynamic modules: Expander, Gate, Compressor (incl. parallel compression), Limiter, De-Esser; image, meter, Direct Out
    • 32 Automix groups available for mono/stereo/surround channels with unlimited contributing channels each
    • Fully-equipped surround channel with coupling of all channel parameters and hyper-panning
AUDIO HANDLING
  • HOME-based discovery and registration, routing with dynamic support of network resources, plus parameter editing
  • Internal matrix for RX and TX audio
  • Up to 512 RX & TX streams
  • Stream sizes from 1 up to 128 audio channels
  • Up to 96kHz, 24-bit
  • Level adjustment for all inputs and outputs
  • Downmixing from immersive audio (up to 9.1.6) to surround, stereo and mono
  • Integrated monitoring devices for remote locations, e.g. director’s room
  • Configurable number of internal loop-backs
  • Full snapshot and production portability independent of console type and licenses
REDUNDANCY
  • Hot-swappable PSUs
  • Network Interfaces: ST2022-7 Class C SPS
  • 1+1 Hot-spare hardware redundancy via 2nd unit and redundancy license
CONTROL OPTIONS
  • mc²36 xp, mc²56 MKIII, mc²96 surfaces
  • mxGUI: remote control via laptop/tablet PC
  • Remote control of all routing, matrix monitoring units and channel parameters via Ember+ control protocol
SYNCHRONIZATION
  • Wordclock, PTP Slave and Grandmaster modes
REMOTE MAINTENANCE
  • Software updates, error diagnostics, remote assistance
MECHANICS
  • DIMENSIONS (H x W x D): 44mm (1RU) x 483mm (19“) x 379mm (14.9“)
  • WEIGHT: 7.4kg (16.3lb)
  • POWER: Hot swappable PSUs (2x IEC); Input Voltage: nominal 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz,
    Max. consumption: 220W

ASSOCIATED PRODUCTS

mc² 96

mc² 96

The grand production console.

mc² 56

mc² 56

A Global Standard Re-Defined.