This topic describes the steps that must be completed when you start Lawo VSC for the first time.

There are three main tasks to complete: install the audio driver, approve the macOS permissions and choose the Lawo VSC version. All tasks are mandatory and so it is important to complete all of the steps. 

Lawo VSC requires two changes to the macOS permissions: to approve the system extension (for the audio driver) and background services (for the Lawo VSC Audio Engine and HOME). 

1.    Start by launching Lawo VSC in the usual manner for a macOS app.

When the application starts for the first time, a security message appears. Select Open to run Lawo VSC.

2.    As there are no audio drivers installed, the application starts with the following message.

The audio driver is mandatory so please select Yes to continue.

3.    Before the driver installation is allowed, you must approve the macOS permissions.

During this phase, you will see two pop-up messages (in the macOS) warning you that the driver extension is blocked (1) and some background items must be approved (2). 

The order of approval does not matter, but both the system extension and background items must be approved.

4.    To unblock the system extension for the audio driver, please complete the following steps:

  • In the macOS, either go to System Settings → Privacy & Security, or click on Open System Settings from the "new driver extension" warning message (shown above).
  • Scroll down to the Security section where it mentions Lawo VSC.
  • Press Allow.
  • Confirm the change in permissions by entering the Login password of the macOS User Account.

5.    To approve the background items for the Audio Engine and HOME, there are two possible methods.

  • From the "Background Items Added" warning message, click on Options and select Allow.
  • Alternatively, open the system settings as follows:
    • Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security 
    • Open Login Items & Extensions.
    • Find Lawo VSC in the "Allow in the Background" section and enable the toggle switch (indicated below).

6.    Once both the system extension and background items are approved, return to the Lawo VSC GUI and select OK.

7.    At the next screen, you are asked to choose a version of Lawo VSC.

There are two possible options: either Licensed or Free.

If the Free version is selected, then no license is required and Lawo VSC runs with limited functionality.

If the Licensed version is selected, then this starts a 15-minute grace period during which you can install a license.

The license activation is a one-time procedure that is described in the next topic. For now, it is useful to know that:

  • To unlock the features of the Standard version, you must choose the Licensed version and install a Lawo VSC license. 
  • If the grace period expires before a license is found, then white noise is inserted into the audio. The white noise is removed once a valid license is detected.
  • If you choose the Free version now, then you can upgrade to the Licensed version later. This can be done either by selecting Upgrade (from the 'Upgrade License' dialog) or enabling the Use license option (in the 'Settings → License' dialog).

8.    Once a version is selected, the first-time startup tasks are complete.

The GUI working area is empty as there are no audio devices configured. At this stage, it is normal to see a No Sync message in the status area.

If the Licensed version is selected (in step 7), then you will also see a licensing status message. This shows that the licensed version is running in Grace Mode and the amount of time left before expiry. In this instance, please leave the Lawo VSC GUI open and follow the instructions in the next topic (to install a license).

Alternatively, if the Free version is selected (in step 7), then you can skip the license activation and go straight to the Global Settings for Streaming (to choose a network interface for streaming and resolve the sync status).