Document version 2 (June 17th, 2024)

Contained Versions

  • MCX 10.10.0 #22

  • NodeSys 3.4.0 #7

  • HOME 2.1.4 #120

Power Core Compatibility

  • Power Core Gateway - OnAirDesigner. 8.0.0.14 or higher required
  • Power Core RP v2 - OnAirDesigner 8.2.0.2 or higher required

Introduction

Version 10.10.0 is a minor release version for mc² consoles based on the A__UHD Core Phase 2 technology. Version 10.10.0 adds in various new functionalities to the system.

This software release package applies to the following products:

  • mc²96
  • mc²56 MKIII
  • mc²36 MKII
  • mc²36 MKII xp
  • A__UHD Core

  • A__stage series

  • A__digital64

  • A__madi4/6
  • A__mic8
  • mc² Compact I/O
  • Power Core Gateway
  • Power Core RP v2


Release date: June 12th, 2024


Before you begin.
Please make sure that you have all necessary applications and tools available before you start the update.
We strongly recommend that the software versions used are from the same release packages.

Upgrading HOME Cluster to Release 2.0

Online as well as offline installers are available.
Note, that the default network interface description has been changed with HOME 2.0. These need to be adapted in the network interface configuration in the HOME servers.
And the general Documentation here: https://docs.lawo.com/home-media-infrastructure-management

Update redundant A__UHD Cores safely

When upgrading A__UHD Cores that are part of a redundancy group, please follow the procedure below:

  • The primary A__UHD Core should be active.
  • Update the passive/backup A__UHD Core first.
  • After successful update - turn off the backup/passive A__UHD Core.

  • Update the primary A__UHD Core

  • When primary comes back online, power up the backup/passive A__UHD Core again.

Using NodeSys Upgrader will handle this automatically - beware to enable automatic failovers in NodeSys Upgrader, once the upgrade is finished.

Updating A__UHD Cores and A__Line Devices

After updating NodeSys based devices, always perform a full power cycle of the devices afterwards.

Breaking Changes

Partial Updates are not possible. Release 10.10.0 strictly requires NodeSys 3.4.0 and HOME 2.1.4

KICK

Release 10.8.0 strictly requires KICK software version 2.2.0.1

LCU

There were some improvements made on the LCU proxy (HOME version 2.1.3) - For a seamless integration please use comimx_lcu-10-4-0-52 firmware included on the AP 10.8.2.1 release package

Power Core Gateway

  • Due to the implementation of Power Core Rev3, a backup of the crosspoints needs to be created. After the update the Power Core loses existing cross points and uses default connections, similar to what happens during a coldstart
  • It is necessary to upload a converted config to the device, otherwise signals may be wrong or not available. 
  • Please note that source related Loudness gain parameters and settings available in On-Air designer and Web UI should not be used in production. They are experimental features only and will be licensable add-on.
  • The maximum samples per frame for an outgoing stream is reduced to 64. If a higher value was previously configured, it will be reduced to 64 automatically.
  • Due to the new logic engine of VisTool, projects needs to be recompiled and may report errors of non-connected logical states. These need to be set again.

New Features

AUX Mixer App*

Hosted on XCS/Gateserver as a service, the app allows users to adjust the level and panning of each aux bus with precision. It inherits labels, colors, and aux assignments from the mc² console for a streamlined user experience. The HTML5-based platform ensures compatibility across desktops, tablets, and smartphones, and the responsive UI adapts to different screen sizes for an optimal mixing experience. This app enhances convenience and accessibility for audio mixing tasks without the need to rely on dedicated hardware.

Offline Mode

Allows console programming to continue without affecting audio. This feature is highly useful for users as it allows previewing snapshots and overriding work on snapshots without affecting live audio. It serves as a tool for editing or changing data that can be applied later without impacting current audio output.

  • Functionality: When offline, the console maintains the current audio state without updating DSP settings, preamp settings, etc.
  • Limitations: Talk backs cannot be operated in offline mode.
  • Data Handling: The console will still send/receive MIDI, OSC, OASIS, Ember+ data.
  • State Management: Upon exiting offline mode, users are prompted to either revert to the last online state or push the current offline state to the online system.

LACP/NIC Bonding for Gateserver*

Introduces network interface card (NIC) bonding for enhanced network reliability and performance on the Gateserver. This improves network stability and bandwidth utilization. 

The link-failover time is up to one second of control-loss. Also, the console only requires one IP address, reducing complexity.

There are now three options for network redundancy of a gateserver. These are configured in the /data/config/sysconfig/ipaddresses file using the parameter TOPOLOGY. If that parameter is not set or present in the config file, it will default to L3.

  • L3: Separate IPs per interface: This is the default option for backward compatibility. When redundancy is required, a gateserver will need two IP addresses - one for each interface. Failover requires a timeout/closing of the old connection and reconnection using the other interface/IP. If only one IP is configured, only one port can be used.

  • Bonding using 802.3ad LACP: Also known as Port-Channel (Cisco). This setup requires configuration of the switch. Both network interfaces are bonded to one LACP bond interface. The gateserver will have one IP address on the bond0 interface.

  • Bonding using an active and a backup link: This variation enables a bond where the redundancy is managed entirely by the gateserver. It does not require configuration on the switch. It is useful for simple networks, or where configuring switches is too much effort due to different departments or policy/technical competency of the customer. Both ports are plugged into switch ports (same or separate switches) in the same control network (same VLAN). The gateserver will have one IP address on the bond0 interface. On restore, it will stay on the last used connection.

User, Login, and SSH Security*

It is now possible to change the root password using the new changeRootPassword script, with changes being persistent. This improves system security by allowing users to update their root credentials.

SSH key authentication can be enabled by placing public keys in the specified directory and running the activation script. This enhances security by relying on key-based authentication, which is generally more secure than password-based methods.

The password field and ssh security are also reflected on the connections for mxGUI (upgrades)

Signal list - Multi-Selection enabled

It is now possible to batch select stereo-capable channels and convert them into stereo and surround channels quickly and conveniently. This feature improves efficiency and saves time during setup.

Command Triggers and Cuelists - Capture MIDI Input

It was introduced the feature of detecting incoming MIDI messages, enabling MIDI to be used as a trigger for Cue list and command triggers.

Increase Bus Granularity in ISO Set Matrix

It is now possible to isolate AUX, GRP, SUM assignments on a single basis, rather than in groups of eight or globally. This provides users with more precise control over their audio routing and isolation.

Channel Config page - Insert Send / Return Workflow improvement

Shows names and labels of signals connected to and from the channel, including Input, Insert Send, Insert Return, and Direct Out. This helps users quickly identify and manage their signal paths. A shortcut to Signal List Page also been added: Clicking on areas such as Insert Send, Insert Return, Direct Out, and Input provides a shortcut to the Signal List page for these signals. This feature is very useful and saves time, streamlining workflow and improving navigation.

Console surface - Favorite Navigation Button

It is now possible to bookmark specific UI pages. Pressing and holding the current matrix navigation button bookmarks the page, which can then be accessed with a single press. The button flashes once when a new page is stored. This feature enhances user experience by allowing quick access to frequently used pages.

  • New Button Cap: There is a new button cap for this feature. Contact Support or your LAWO project manager to request the new button cap.

mxGUI - UTM File Transfer Page

mxGUI now supports shared folders in macOS UTM. A new directory that will contain the shared folders in your Mac OS filesystem should be added. ie: "UTM Shared Folders" - In this folder, create both shared folders : mxgui_config_share and mxgui_user_share.

Snapshot Loading on MCX

Improvements made for faster and more efficient snap loading. This reduces wait times and enhances user experience during system operations.

New Custom Functions - Shared Folders and Buttons for Offline Mode

Support for shared folders (samba), enhancing file management and collaboration. This feature facilitates easier sharing and organization of files within a network.

Additional buttons for offline mode have been introduced. These buttons provide quick access to offline mode features, improving user convenience and workflow efficiency.

Updated LAWO Wallpapers

Updated LAWO wallpapers for lock and boot screens. These offer a fresh and modern look for the system interface.

Dark Mode for Console Lock Screen

Introduces a dark mode option for the console lock screen. This reduces eye strain and provides a sleek aesthetic for users working in low-light environments.



*For detailed documentation and additional information on the new features, please refer to support or your project manager

Changes

10.10.0


MCX

  • [RNDMCX-920] - Feature: Audio Sandbox
  • [RNDMCX-923] - Improvement: Re-enable multi selection
  • [RNDMCX-925] - Feature: Capture Midi Input
  • [RNDMCX-928] - Improvement: Increase bus granularity in Iso Set Matrix
  • [RNDMCX-932] - Improvement: User, login, and SSH security
  • [RNDMCX-1139] - Feature: AUX Mixer App
  • [RNDMCX-1192] - Improvement: Channel Insert Send/Return Workflow
  • [RNDMCX-1484] - Internals: Remove Commandd from Distribution
  • [RNDMCX-1605] - Feature: "Favorite" Navigation Button
  • [RNDMCX-560] - Performance issues using the "Clear all" button on the IsoSet page
  • [RNDMCX-795] - Four optimizations for snap loading
  • [RNDMCX-1148] - Update TC packages
  • [RNDMCX-1355] - Extension to read out the unicast source IP address of an incoming UDP OSC message
  • [RNDMCX-1356] - Make UTM file transfer page work correctly with shared folders
  • [RNDMCX-1413] - Update LAWO Wallpapers for Lock & Boot Screens
  • [RNDMCX-1513] - Make the mxGUI port configurable
  • [RNDMCX-1550] - Clear matrix crosspoints in UHDCore IO when signals get unavailable
  • [RNDMCX-1564] - Adjust Iso Set page to allow ABR
  • [RNDMCX-1566] - Implement a Dark Mode for Console Lock Screen
  • [RNDMCX-1584] - Close mcxsh port on external interface
  • [RNDMCX-1674] - Introduce interface bonding on Gateserver for fast network redundancy
  • [RNDMCX-1723] - Fix mxGUI IP display
  • [RNDMCX-1207] - GUI freeze after using ZOOM module popups
  • [RNDMCX-1253] - Module Link Parameters get lost when loading an older production
  • [RNDMCX-1670] - Signal List Page: System User Lists configuration fails after cold start
  • [RNDMCX-1733] - Metering bar lost on main display
  • [RNDMCX-1805] - Wrong 3D panning graph
  • [RNDMCX-1836] - Extend CoMixer Matrix configuration scanner to allow full 256 user and system matrices


NodeSys

  • [RNDNODESYS-769] - SSRC not included in warmstart data


HOME

  • [RNDHOME-817] - UI for new .edge mono audio shuffler
  • [RNDHOME-899] - Stash should allow custom folders under files
  • [RNDHOME-996] - Duplicating Apps needs additional logic around index numbers
  • [RNDHOME-997] - MV add ability to configure the OMD tally
  • [RNDHOME-1000] - Optimise bifrost NATS update handling
  • [RNDHOME-950] - Creating New DHCP Pools causes the UI to crash
  • [RNDHOME-953] - Sticky Rx Stream Health Warnings
  • [RNDHOME-954] - Using LACP or Failover on Powercore MGMT interfaces breaks Powercore Ember Client
  • [RNDHOME-968] - HOME shows a second physical port 2 for a MADI SRC card
  • [RNDHOME-998] - User is not able to upload any file on files page
  • [RNDHOME-1004] - Improve guardian behaviour during cold boot

10.10.0.1

Contained Versions

  • MCX 10.10.0 #22
  • NodeSys 3.4.0 #7
  • HOME 2.1.7 #142


Changes

HOME

  • [RNDHOME-1009] - HOME - NMOS Exporter or .edge ignoring sender change
  • [RNDHOME-1029] - HOME - NMOS Exporter receiver race
  • [RNDHOME-1034] - HOME on Gateserver Not Running
  • [RNDHOME-1035] - Default Installation Inventory Values cause Install Failure

10.10.0.2

Contained Versions

  • MCX 10.10.0.2 #26
  • NodeSys 3.4.0 #7
  • HOME 2.1.7 #142


Changes

MCX

  • [RNDMCX-1979] - Update openssh to 9.8p1 to fix a security vulnerability
  • [RNDMCX-1920] - Line gain value set to 0 does not update when changing input to MIC
  • [RNDMCX-2075] - Attached ISO sets to snapshots can increase loading time drastically
  • [RNDMCX-2076] - Iso-Set cannot be saved correctly when "Select All" is used
  • [RNDMCX-2084] - Potential undefined behavior when using reconnecting sockets due to in-iteration modification of socket pointer list

Known Limitations


mc²/MCX Control System

  • USB file transfer not yet supported, if system uses external (redundant) control system (XCS).
  • User-assignable monitoring buttons not yet assignable, but must be routed manually.
  • MCX Signallist: RTW Metering Outputs not listed in Misc > Matrix/Monitoring Outputs.
  • De-Esser ist not yet operable in ISO BAY mode.
  • Couple does not work for double-tap reset of parameters.
  • Label Transfer for Waves Plug-In Integration not yet supported.
  • Rack-follows-Console-Channel-Select not yet supported with MultiRack/SuperRack.
  • mxGUI: When using mxGUI on macOS based systems with retina display, it is necessary to adjust the resolution macOS is using to run VirtualBox. Go to Applications, right-click VirtualBox and select Show Package Contents. Continue to Contents > Resources > VirtualBoxVM and press command + I. Now check the option Open in Low Resolution.
  • OASIS Label transfer only works from Pyramix to MCX, but not the other way around.
  • OASIS Metering is not supported.
  • HOME UI cannot yet be displayed natively inside the console UI.
  • Desk PSU Communication Failures: False alarms triggered on two PSUs due to SMBus-I2C issues. Currently, functionality can be restored by performing a surface power cycle.


A__UHD Core

  • A__UHD Core redundancy does only work for HOME native devices and NMOS registered endpoints. (requires NMOS HOME license)
  • A__UHD Core redundancy is not supported with NATS Relay (NATS messages forward by the A__UHD Core on Gateserver systems) L3 network routing required!
  • RX statistics not yet supported in the WebUI.
  • Enabling/disabling senders and receivers not yet supported.
  • Front display control / interaction not yet supported.
  • Factory defaults sets the device to DHCP.
  • Sync Input does not yet support Video Sync.
  • Ext Keys are limited to 8 even though A__UHD Core is able to provide up to 32.


A__mic8, A__stage series, A__digital64, A__madi4/6, mc² Compact I/O

  • Input / Output metering not yet supported.
  • RX statistics not yet supported in the WebUI.
  • Enabling/disabling senders and receivers not yet supported in the WebUI.
  • A__mic8: Front display control / interaction not yet supported.
  • A__mic8: Factory defaults / upgrade from RAVENNA Suite Butler sets the device to DHCP.
  • A__madi: Second and third bridges do not report health data.


HOME

  • User labels for Signals are not yet supported.
  • There is no possibility to restrict HOME Snapshots. A HOME Snapshot is a global recall functionality, that can be compared to a Snapshot of a Virtual Machine.
  • It is not possible to update an existing HOME Snapshot - delete the old Snapshot and store a new one as a workaround.
  • Health issue notification always pops up on any mc² console / mxGUI, even if it does not affect assigned resources.
  • Health monitoring does not respect Dell servers and mc² console surfaces yet.
  • Existing Signal Ownership Groups cannot be renamed - delete the old group and store a new one as a workaround.
  • Available Ownership Groups always pop up on any mc² console / mxGUI, even if it does not affect assigned resources.
  • DHCP/DNS is not supported, when HOME Services are located on the Gateserver.
  • Radius Authentication is currently not working with Cisco Catalyst 9300A switches.
  • Tie-Line Streams between A__UHD Cores don't bring up corresponding Signals in the mc² Signallist - use External Tie-lines as a workaround.
  • Power Core Streams cannot be renamed.


mc²36 MKII

  • Point-to-point mode for mc²36 MKII with directly connected NodeSys I/O needs manual configuration, but does not setup connections automatically.
  • HOME does not handle mc²36 MKII as a single device, but as 4 single components (MCX, A__UHD Core, VMixer, Local I/O).


Breaking Changes History

BREAKING CHANGES: Version 10.6.0.x introduced breaking changes in bus routing

MCX: Stereo channels cannot be individually deselected in bus routing, hindering assignment to a Stereo Bus on individual Legs, L/R


BREAKING CHANGES: Version 10.4.0.x introduced breaking changes compared to previous versions

MCX Ember Provider: Remove trailing whitespaces from scribs/labels upon getValue.

MCX Ember Provider (applies from Release 10.4.0.9). Any external Ember+ connection will be disconnected upon production load. External controller will have to reconnect again. Will prevent flooding external controllers with Ember+ data. 


BREAKING CHANGES: Version 10.2.4.x introduced breaking changes compared to previous versions

Ember Provider Channel metering is now using the Ember streaming format instead of int64.

Compressor and Expander Hold parameter has been removed from the Ember Provider, since it actually is not available in the system.

Physical GPIOs are no longer available in Command Trigger and Ember+ Provider of MCX, but may only be used using TCL. Physical GPIOs need to be connected to vGPIOs in Home, in order to use them in MCX.

The Aux Bus pickup point has been removed, previous Aux Bus pickups are automatically converted to Aux AF (after fader).


PRODUCTION / SNAPSHOT INCOMPATIBLITY: Release Version 10.2.0

Release 10.2.0 introduced incompatible hash-codes, resulting in newly created external device signals in the console, being incompatible with the ones being restored from productions and snapshots. Release version 10.2.2 is required, in order to properly load and restore production files coming from 10.0.2 and 10.0.0. This only affects native Home devices like A__line devices. External Tie-lines and Third-Party proxies are not affected by this. Productions created with 10.2.0 are not compatible with versions > 10.2.0 and need manual porting! If this is required please reach out to AP PL!


BREAKING CHANGES: Version 10.2.0.x introduced breaking changes compared to previous versions

Over Snap Incompatibility: 

Over Snaps that have been created with 10.0.0 or 10.0.2 release versions are not compatible with 10.2.0 and will be discarded!

Over Snaps that have been created with 6.4.0 release versions are compatible and will be loaded.

Behaviour of receivers of A__UHD Core and A__line (NodeSys): 

If one routes a source stream with fewer channels (S) than the receiver (R), then only the first S audio channels of the receiver will have signal.

If one routes a source stream with more channels (S) than the receiver (R), then only the R audio channels as specified by the receiver will be present.

Ember+ Provider: 

The panning granularity of all DSP channels and GPCs has been changed to +-100. Depending on the implementation of an Ember+ consumer, this may break compatibility!

Output DSP gain parameter range has been changed from -128 ... 15 to -4096 ... 480 with factor 32 in order to be consistent with other gain parameters in the Ember+ tree.


BREAKING CHANGE: Version 10.0.2.6 introduced one breaking change about NATS Relay configuration!

If the system relies on NATS Relay on the A__UHD Core (the A__UHD Core forwards NATS messages from media networks to a Gateserver in the management network, this is e.g. mandatory for mc²36 MKII) you have to adapt your system by invoking the following command on the Gateserver:

rm -r /data/config/home
rm -r /data/config/nats/cluster.conf
touch /data/config/nats/leafnode.conf


BREAKING CHANGE: Version 10.0.2.5 introduced one breaking change in the Ember+ provider!

Output DSP gain parameter range has been changed from -128...15 to -4096...480 with factor 32 in order to be consistent with other gain parameters in the Ember+ tree.


BREAKING CHANGES: Version 10.0.2.1 introduced breaking changes with respect to TCL configuration and Ember+ provider!

TCL Configuration File Locations: 

Please be aware that from now on MCX expects its TCL configuration files in a different location. The location has been changed from /data/config to /data/config/mcx.

This change affects both physical systems, as well as mxGUIs with an externally mounted mxgui_config_share and in the case of the latter it affects the configuration for each product type individually.

For physical systems and mxGUIs the new versions include a helper script migrateEarlyPhase2Config (that can simply be invoked from CLI) to convert a set of configuration files to the new structure. In case of a physical system the script has to be executed once and then has to be followed by a reboot of the system.

For mxGUIs multiple conversions can be performed subsequently by passing an explitcit base path as the one and only argument to the conversion script.

Please note, that further custom configuration files (such as Mackie HUI or special custom configs) might need to be adapted manually!

Ember+ Provider: 

In the signal's 'labels' node, the identifier changes from 'userLabel' to 'user'. /signals/{sources,targets}/<signalId>/labels/userLabel becomes .../user. Furthermore, there have been added more parameters in this node (namely 'userShort', 'startupShort', 'inheritShort'), making use of a new schema 'com.lawo.emberplus.labels.v1.0' instead of 'com.lawo.emberplus.signal.labels.v1.0'.

The AfV event identifiers have been changed from 'event1' to 'event-1' etc. /mixer/global/afv/eventX becomes .../event-X


Information about open source packages and versions used in this release

This information is provided within the WebUIs of each device.

MCX

Open the MCX Landing Page and navigate to the bottom section of the page.

NodeSys Devices

Open the WebUI and navigate to General Settings under the About section.

HOME

Open the About window on the WebUI by clicking the LAWO Logo in the left upper corner and navigate to Open Source Attributions.

Power Core

Open the WebUI and navigate to the Licenses tab.