crystal comes either as a complete console (with Power Core) or on its own as an Open Sound Controller (OSC) device.

When operating with Power Core, crystal uses the same architecture and software as other Lawo on-air products. As a result, it benefits from a powerful feature-set and can be networked to other systems.

If crystal is ordered as a surface only, then it can communicate with an external OSC device such as a DAW. For more information about this application, please see crystal - Controller Mode.


Important: Each crystal frame supports two exclusive control modes: either Power Core or OSC.

It is not possible for the surface to support both modes simultaneously. In addition, Power Core cannot be controlled via OSC.

System Components

For a complete console, there are three components: the crystal control surface, Power Core and a host PC (to run the Lawo GUI application VisTool).

The example below shows a 14-fader surface (in two frames) with the Virtual Extension option.

Each crystal frame is fitted with either a Main or Fader module (for the physical controls) plus, optionally, a Virtual Extension module in the overbridge. When operating with Power Core, two frames can be combined to increase the fader count (up to 14-faders). All frames and modules are offered in a choice of surface finishes (light or dark). For each finish, there are two mounting versions (tabletop or countersunk). The Virtual Extension is optional and can be integrated into the frame or delivered as a stand-alone unit. If the Virtual Extension is integrated, then the VX module slots directly into the frame at a fixed viewing angle.

At the heart of the system, Power Core handles all signal processing, audio interfacing, routing and control. Each 1RU device supports up to 96 DSP channels, 80 summing buses and 1,920 x 1,920 matrix crosspoints. The resources can be dedicated to one console or shared between up to four crystal surfaces (up to 3x 14-fader plus 1x 6-fader). The total number of resources, and whether sharing is possible, is determined by the Power Core main license: either Console Compact or Console Max. The main license plus any add-ons must be installed onto a USB memory stick connected to the Power Core DONGLE port. 

Optionally, the surface can be specified with the Virtual Extension to add integrated touch-screen displays to the console. If this option is not specified, then similar functionality can be achieved by running the Desktop App on an external display. In both cases, the GUI software requires a Windows 64-bit PC connected to Power Core via the network. The host PC must be provided by the customer. A license to run the standard configurations (for the Virtual Extension or Desktop App) is included with every console.

Control Connections

The crystal surface always connects to Power Core (or the OSC device) via TCP/IP Ethernet. This connection can be made either directly (point-to-point) or via a network (LAN or WAN). Thus, the surface can be installed remotely from the core.

If the surface consists of two frames, then there are two possibilities: connect one frame to Power Core via IP, and then daisy-chain the second frame to the first (using an external CAN bus cable). Or, connect each frame individually to Power Core via IP.

If the Virtual Extension is included, then the GUI software runs on a host PC that must be provided by the customer. The host PC connects to Power Core via the IP network. Each VX module connects to the host PC via Display Port and USB. A single host PC can support up to 6 VX displays.

Audio Interfacing

The front panel is equipped with four RAVENNA/AES67 streaming ports (compatible with ST2110-30/31 and ST2022-7) and four MADI (or AIOX) ports. Optionally, up to eight expansion I/O cards can be fitted to the rear of the frame. If further expansion is required, then this can be achieved using the Audio I/O Extender (a separate 1RU device). Thus, the I/O comprises:
  • AoIP: 4 x RAVENNA/AES67 Ethernet ports (via SFP), capable of up to 256 bi-directional streams. The first two ports are always enabled. The second pair of ports require the optional RAV+ add-on license.
  • MADI: 4 x high-density MADI ports (via SFP), capable of up to 4 x 64 bi-directional audio channels. Ports 1&2 and/or 3&4 can be configured for dual-redundant operation. Additional MADI can be added via expansion I/O cards.
  • I/O: up to 8 x expansion I/O cards (fitted to the rear) for Mic/Line In, Line Out, Studio I/O, AES3 I/O, dual MADI, MADI SRC, DANTE and GPIO.
  • Expansion I/O: up to 20 x Audio I/O Extenders (mounted externally) and connected point-to-point via any available AIOX port. Each 1RU device supports up to 8 x 8-channel expansion I/O cards. This extends the I/O capability of a single Power Core to up to 1,280 audio inputs and outputs.

Signal Processing

When operating with Power Core, all source channels come with a full complement of DSP. In addition, up to 32 DSP blocks (EQ, Dyn, Lim) and Delay are available for sum buses. This allows DSP to be applied to both inputs and outputs.

The number of sources and sum buses, and whether DSP is available, is determined by the system configuration and Power Core license. Note that a stereo channel uses 2 resources and a 5.1 channel uses 6 resources.

The signal processing blocks include:

  • EQ: 3-band parametric EQ plus 2-band filters.
  • Dynamics: Gate, Expander and Compressor.
  • Limiter: independent Limiter.
  • Delay: up to 5.3 seconds, adjustable in ms, meters or frames.
  • De-Esser: gain reduction for sibilant frequencies.
  • AutoMix: automatic level adjustment for a group of sources.

In addition, each source includes an insert point that can be used to insert an external device. This works by assigning one of the 16 available inserts defined by the configuration. Thus, at any one time, up to 16 external inserts are possible.

Every source channel also includes an input section and metering, plus a direct out is available for each fader. Signal flow options, such as the pickup point for the direct out, are determined by the configuration.

Operation

In a Power Core system, any source can be assigned to any fader. This allows you to achieve efficient workflows by positioning sources where you want them. 

User parameters are controlled from the surface or virtual interface. They include:

  • Source parameters for each DSP channel: input gain, balance, EQ, Dynamics, etc.
  • Other channel functions such as talkback, mix minus creation and PFL monitoring.
  • Monitoring for the control room and headphone outputs.
  • Master functions such as start/stop timers, mic open signaling, etc.

Snapshots can be used to reset the console by storing and recalling settings. There are eight system snapshots (stored on Power Core) plus an unlimited number of GUI snapshots (stored on the host PC or in a datacenter database). The eight system snapshots are managed from the surface and always save and load settings globally. The GUI snapshots are managed by the Lawo application VisTool and come in two types: full snapshots (to save all settings) and source snapshots (to save settings for the source in access). 

To simplify the operation, certain functions can be restricted to users with a valid login. For example, snapshot management, DSP parameter adjustment and the assignment of sources to fader strips.

Configuration

All configurable functions are defined by the system configuration. This is stored on Power Core and read during boot-up. A standard configuration is included with every console. The configuration can be edited using the ON-AIR Designer software and uploaded to Power Core via the network. The configuration possibilities are extensive and include the definition of audio inputs and outputs; sources and sum busses; signal processing; logic; and control key functions.

Studio Integration

Power Core supports a range of remote control options (via TCP/IP) including Lawo's VisTool and the API Ember+. Controls for commonly-used devices, e.g. codecs, phone systems, playout and automation software, editing platforms, etc., can be presented on-screen alongside faders, start/stop functions, mic and monitor controls and even social media platforms, creating a free-flowing, easy-to-use control center designed for the modern radio studio.

Software Tools & Diagnostics

During installation and setup, the crystal Web UI and Power Core Web UI are used to set parameters such as the system names, network settings and module slots.

All software updates are handled by SoP Explorer . This tool is included with the ON-AIR Designer installer. It can be used to check and update the firmware versions running on the Power Core control system, expansion I/O cards and crystal control surface modules (when the surface is connected).