Power Core is a software-defined DSP mixing engine and modular I/O device. It can be installed as a stand-alone processing engine/matrix, or as the integrated DSP Core for a Lawo control surface.

Power Core revision 3 (front and rear)

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.

Resources

Each 19"/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 4 consoles. The total number of resources, and whether sharing is possible, is determined by the Power Core license. There are several main license packages available. These can be expanded by purchasing one or more add-ons. The main license plus any add-ons must be installed onto a USB memory stick connected to the Power Core DONGLE port.

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.

Remote Control

If a control surface is connected and configured, then all resources can be controlled from the console.

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 Power Core Web UI can be used to set the network parameters and check system statuses. Some of this information is also visible on the front panel display.

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 Lawo control surface modules (when a surface is connected).