Lawo VSC is a Virtual Sound Card and audio application for macOS systems. It can be used to convert local audio on your mac to RAVENNA/AES67 streams that can be shared to any AoIP network. Similarly, audio streams can be received from the network for local use on your computer. 

DescriptionLink to Description

Lawo VSC is built around a low-latency audio driver that supports sample rates of up to 96kHz and up to 128 audio channels per virtual audio device. Depending on the stream configurations, and resource usage of your computer, up to 128 virtual audio devices can be configured.

On the network side, the streams carry uncompressed, bi-directional audio channels. The streams are fully compatible with SMPTE ST2110-30/31, AES67 and RAVENNA. Redundant streaming, compatible with SMPTE ST2022-7, can be configured by using two network interfaces (for primary and secondary streaming).

Lawo VSC is configured using an intuitive GUI that can run in either dark or light mode (shown below). From here, you can configure the audio device(s), check the streams, listen to the audio channels and apply a 1kHz test tone signal. Once configured Lawo VSC runs as a service.

Lawo VSC supports native integration with HOME, Lawo's management platform for IP-based media infrastructures. If HOME integration is configured, then Lawo VSC appears as a device (in HOME's Devices list) and its streams can be patched to other hardware and software devices on the network (using HOME's Stream Routing page).

Key FeaturesLink to Key Features

  • Up to 128 virtual audio devices.
  • Up to 128 audio channels per device.
  • Low-latency audio driver.
  • Sample rates of up to 96kHz.
  • Streams compatible with SMPTE ST2110-30/31, AES67 and RAVENNA.
  • Redundant streaming is supported via SMPTE ST2022-7 (Seamless Protection Switching).
  • Intuitive user interface that runs in either dark or light mode.
  • PPM audio level meters for each audio channel.
  • 1kHz test tone generator on any outgoing stream.
  • Pre Listen monitoring using any external or built-in audio device.
  • Native integration with HOME.

VariantsLink to Variants

Lawo VSC can be used free of charge or with a paid license.

The Free version offers a single stereo audio device for both playback and recording. It is fully operational but is not intended to be used for live productions, due to the limited channel count and feature support.

The Standard (Licensed) version supports multiple audio devices, more channels and more features. To run this version you will need to install a Lawo VSC license. 

The specifications table (below) can be used to compare the functionality of the versions.

LicensingLink to Licensing

The Lawo VSC version is defined during the initial setup of the app. 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. In this instance, all options are visible but an 'Upgrade License' dialog appears whenever you attempt to configure a restricted function. From here, you can upgrade to the licensed version to unlock the functionality, or cancel the operation and continue running the free version.

If the Licensed version is selected, then this starts a 15-minute grace period during which you can install a license. From the start of the grace period, Lawo VSC runs the full functionality of the app. 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 the license goes missing during runtime, then a new grace period (of 12 hours) begins.

Please note: It is possible to switch between the versions, at any time, by enabling or disabling the Use license option (in the Settings → License dialog).

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

  • To unlock the features of the Standard version, you must select the Licensed version and install a Lawo VSC license.
  • Lawo VSC licenses are managed by the CodeMeter Runtime licensing system. This is the same licensing system used by other Lawo products such as Power Core, crystal and diamond.
  • Lawo VSC licenses can be ordered from your local Lawo sales representative. You will need 1x Lawo VSC license for each app instance/computer. The license code(s) are delivered via email once your order is processed.
  • Each license code must be redeemed at https://licenseportal.lawo.com and installed into a license container. This can be a local container (on your computer), a remote container (on a networked server) or a USB dongle (for portability).
  • Once installed, the license is detected automatically by Lawo VSC (providing the license container remains connected).
  • A Lawo VSC license can be transferred to a different computer (by re-hosting the license via the online portal).

SpecificationsLink to Specifications


Lawo VSC - Free versionLawo VSC – Standard version

Number of Virtual audio devices

1

Up to 128

Number of senders and receivers

Up to 2

Up to 128

In / Out per virtual device

Up to 2

Up To 128

Audio channel support per stream

Up to 2

1 – 64

Sampling rates

44.1 kHz or 48 kHz

44.1 - 96 kHz

PPM audio level meters

Yes

Yes

1kHz test tone generator

Yes

Yes

Pre-listen function

Yes

Yes

Synchronization options

PTP

PTP or sync on incoming stream

Minimum packet time on senders

1ms

0.125ms

Streaming modes

Unicast / Multicast

Unicast / Multicast

SMPTE 2022-7 (redundant stream support)

No

Yes

Stream announcement and discovery

mDNS and SAP

mDNS and SAP

Lawo HOME support

Yes

Yes

Ember+ support

Yes

Yes

NMOS support (IS-04/05)

Yes (via HOME)

Yes (via HOME)

Transferable license

N/A

Yes