Introduction

Software version 8.2 is a major software release for diamond, new crystal, Power Core and VisTool. 

This software release package applies to the following products and applications:

  • Power Core Rev1 (710/10)
  • Power Core Rev2 (710/11)
  • Power Core Rev3 (710/13)
  • AIOX (710/12)
  • diamond surface
  • new crystal surface
  • ruby surface
  • VisTool
  • On-Air Designer
  • Sop Explorer

Release date: 24th April 2024

Software repository: Lawo Download Center

Current versions:

  • OnAirDesigner: 8.2.0.4
  • OnAirDesigner Definition Number: 2.1.76
  • VisTool: 8.2.0.2
  • Digital Metering System Driver: 5.0.0.0
  • WIBU 7.60c



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.

  • Please always use the Wizard function in SoP Explorer when updating surface modules.
    It is important to follow the correct update sequence provided by the Wizard feature.
  • The Dante and MADI SRC I/O Card will show that an Update for XSRC is needed. Performing this update will take approximately 10 minutes and is only required if the core should operate in 96 kHz as Gateway.
  • The Ember+ Tree of the diamond Surface has changed. This may break existing configurations that reference specific parameters. Changes are described below.
  • Please note that while source related Loudness gain parameters and settings available in On-Air designer and Web UI they should not be used in production. They are experimental features only and require an add-on license, which will be available in the future.

If you are updating from a version older than ON-AIR Designer 8.0 please consider the following points:

  • 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.
  • It is necessary to upload an updated configuration to the device after performing a firmware update, otherwise signals may be wrong or not available. Configurations can be updated by opening them in the new version of ON-AIR Designer and converting to the new definition version when prompted.
  • The maximum samples per frame for an outgoing stream has been reduced to 64. If a higher value was previously configured, it will be reduced to 64 automatically.
  • Due to the new logic engine in VisTool since release 8.0.0.4, projects will need to be recompiled and may report errors of non-connected logical states. These connections may need to be set again or adjusted. 

The full release notes for Version 8.0 can be found here.

Enhancements

Power Core

Console

Support for new crystal surfaces

With this release the new crystal surface is supported and can be configured in ON-AIR Designer.

Disable User Label load

Enabling this logic input will prevent user labels from being recalled when a snapshot (Full or Source) is loaded.

Disable Fader Level load

Enabling this logic input will prevent the fader level from being recalled when a snapshot (Full or Source) is loaded.

Initializing of Surface Modules only affects new Modules

Only new registered modules will be initialized, instead of all modules.

New Monitor Module Types Available For Configuration

Combo Module VCA Access Group n (Slot 16 - 19) 

Combo Module Monitor (Slot 12 - 15)

Combo Modul VCA Monitor (Slot 16 - 22)

Combo VCA Extension Module (Slot 49-54)


These modules allow Combo or Central modules to be used as button and encoder panels rather than monitor control modules.


New Logical triggers for Surface Freeze function

The Freeze Surface function now has discrete logic triggers for On and Off.


Display dynamic thresholds in dbFS

Threshold values for the Dynamics and Limiter processing blocks can now be displayed in dBFS instead of dBr on the surface. VisTool scales will still use dBr for now.

DSP

Configurable Times for Soft Switching

When a summing input is crossfaded (either from -inf to 0dB, or 0dB to -inf), the time taken for the signal to reach its final level can be set with the Soft Switching Time. 

Normal: ~60ms

Medium: ~20ms

Fast: ~10ms

Extra Fast: ~5ms

Ember+

Sorting of Ravenna Input / Outputs can follow configuration numbers

If "System\Definition\RAVENNA\Control Settings\EmBER+ Use I/O Slot Numbers" is enabled, then the Ravenna Input/Output node numbers in the EmBER+ tree are numbered according to the I/O Slot Numbers in ON-AIR Designer. 

If "System\Definition\RAVENNA\Control Settings\EmBER+ Use I/O Slot Numbers" is disabled (which is the default option), the Ravenna Input/Output node numbers in the EmBER+ tree are numbered consecutively as before (analogous to the Input/Output lists in the Power Core Web UI).


Enabling this option will prevent HOME from correctly recognizing all available Ravenna Inputs and Outputs. 

LLDP Name available via Ember Provider

The LLDP Name of the Power Core is now provided via the Ember+ Tree.

IP:Port/PowerCore/Network/Devices/dwc0/LLDP System Name


Correction Gain was missing

The Parameter Correction Gain was missing in the EmBER+ tree  for Sum buses.

I/O 

AIOX Outputs will be muted during Power Core Reboot

During a Reboot of the Power Core all output signals of an AIOX will be muted to avoid cracks. 

Gateway support of 96 kHz

Power Core now supports 96 kHz operation for IO Applications. This mode only supports Input to Output Routing and does not include any DSP.

A license is required. For usage with MC² Consoles, please get in contact with our PSG team.

The Dante Card and the MADI Src Card does require an update for the XSRC. Performing this update will take approximately 10 minutes per card!

Network

PTP V2.1 Compatibility

PTP v2.1 is now supported.

PTP Hold Over Mode

When the checkbox is set, if the Power Core loses PTP sync, the Power Core will use the internal oscillator as a clock source and will continue streaming until PTP sync returns. When this checkbox is not set, the Power Core will stop all Ravenna streams until PTP sync is restored. 

Configurable max Time Offset of Device Group 2 (ra2/ra3)

The maximum Time Offset for streams received on the ra2/ra3 interfaces can now be configured.

Only available for Power Core Rev3

PTP Unicast Forwarding (Remote Site Syncing)

The Power Core can forward PTP packets via unicast to sync other Power Cores in slave mode (over WAN links for example).
Activation and configuration of the destination IP address (per interface) can be in System Definition/Ravenna/PTP Settings. 
A PTP domain can also be configured here. The receiving Power Core must not see any other GM in the same domain.
The unicast packets use the standard PTP ports 319/320.



  • Forwarding can be prevented by PTP-capable switches.
  • Only Power Core Rev3 can sync via RA2 and RA3
Expansion of the UDP Matrix

The UDP Matrix is expanded to 64x64 

New Element: Screen Matrix Stream

This is a new element to connect Streams for monitoring. Works similar to the Screen Matrix Monitor Module.

Requires a DSA Matrix Server

Display of Group.Name for Matrix Monitor Buttons

Previously, if no name was defined, the Screen Matrix Monitor buttons would only display the Signal name. Now they will display the Signal Group and Name in the Group.Name format.

Screen Monitor Element now available for internal Matrix

The Screen Monitor Element can now be assigned to the internal Matrix.

Sources

Feedback Meter now available for Minimix, VCA Groups and R3LAY Sources

Feedback meters may now be set for MiniMix, VCA Group, and R3LAY type sources in ON-AIR Designer.

System

Snapshot Compatibility

Old Snapshot Databases, including Zirkon, Sapphire and older Ruby releases are now compatible with the new DSP Parameters of the diamond. They will be matched to the new Parameters.

To stay compatible with the old system, Snapshots can only be edited on non Power Core systems.

Power Core Snapshots can´t be loaded on legacy products.

Logging of Panel Traffic

For development reasons the Panel Traffic can be logged.

This should not be activated, as it causes a high load and is only for development reasons.

New Logical Element:  LS Silence Detect Trigger

Element to Trigger Actions within Line Scheduler.

Interface [AIF1&2|AIF1|AIF2]: Select whether the trigger is sent to both matrix servers (AIF1&2) or only to one line (with redundant power cores, each power core can signal a separate matrix server).
TypeSelect [Input|Output]: Interface for which the trigger is to be signaled
MatrixNumber: Identifier/RefID of the matrix for which the trigger is to be signaled
TriggerSilence: Logic input.active signalizes the silent state


Extension of diamond Combo VCA Extension and Rotary Central Extension module with previously unused VCAs

Combo VCA modules may now be configured in Slots 16-19. Combo VCA Extension modules may now be configured in Slots 49-51. These modules can be used to provide fader control of VCAs.

Web UI

Display about Uptime of Streams

The Stream Destinations page in the Web UI will now display the "Start time" at which the stream was first received.

VisTool

Editor

New Display Options for Boxes

The MF Key text parameter now has additional display options:

default: Line1 is displayed completely, line 2 up to the first space, line 3 shows the content of line2 after the first space
Line1: Only the first line is displayed
Line2: Only the second line is displayed
2 Lines: Line1 and 2 are displayed in two lines
1 Line: Both lines are displayed in one line with spaces as separators
1 Line no space: Both lines are displayed in one line without a separator


Generic Text Input Element (LineEdit)

A dynamic Text Input Element, which can be used to write Text during Runtime to connected Ember+ Parameters or to the logic engine.

Possibility to display Full and Source Loaded Snapshot Names

The "DMS_ACTUAL_SNAP_NAME" Element is now separated in Full and Source Snapshot. The Box property "Display Snapshot Name" is now a combobox with the Options: None, Full or Source.

The Source Snapshot label will be reset after loading a Full Snapshot.


Matrix Button: DSA Formatting Option for Ember Matrix Buttons

The "Label Format" property of the matrix button can be used to select whether the label is displayed in one line (default) or with line separation (DSA format) where the first '.' (dot) is used as the line separator.
The Group.Name.Type format is expected, whereby the dots are interpreted as control characters.

Runtime

Logic Engine

New Element: String Combiner

A new logical element to combine Strings.

The StringCombiner can be defined via the Edit Menu (F2). By default, the string is %01%02%03, where %01- %03 refer to the inputs.
The input strings can be used as often as required.

Example: In 1: "101" In 2: "240" In 3: "."
Combine string: http://192%03168%03%01%03%02
results in an output of: http://192.168.101.240
CODE

New Property for Matrix Connect Logical Element: Label Format

The "DSA format" can also be selected via the LabelFormat property in addition to Default (label unchanged).
This means that the labels of the matrix are interpreted in the Group.name format. This is useful, for example, when using a Power Core Matrix via Ember+
The label outputs then output the labels accordingly:

Source Group
Source Label
Target Group
Target Label



Changes

Power Core

Console

Sigma on Sum Sources could disappear

The Sigma symbol in the label of Sum Sources disappeared when Icons turned on.

After power cycle of a control panel with activated Central menu, buttons are not illuminated

An active Bus/VCA/Insert Menu while power cycling lead into wrong illuminated buttons on the console. 

DSP

Ember+

Streams patched via Ember+ will be removed from the Streams list, when disconnected 

When a Stream is disconnected via Ember+, the Stream will be removed from the stream list in the WebUI.

Ravenna Input Gain could not be changed via Ember Matrix

The Ravenna Input Gain was writable in the Ember Tree, but did not have an effect.

When a RAVENNA stream is patched to multiple outputs, the last change on one of the connected outputs is applied to the output level of all outputs. Last change wins.

Improved Ember Source Replication

In cases where a large number of sources were being replicated while logging was enabled, the source replication could potentially fail.

I/O 

N-1 Buses (using the AddOn N-1 License) did not have Audio

The additional N-1 Buses would not pass audio.

Network

Configurable Routes for Device Group2 (RA2/RA3)

The Static Network Route logic element was missing the option to set routes for Device Group 2.

Stream SDPs would not be updated if only the port was changed

If the same stream was patched to a RAVENNA output, but only the RTP port number changed, the old port number was used within the SDP

PTP v1 Master could disturb PTP v2 Master in rare cases

When PTP v1 and PTP v2 were used in parallel and the PTP v1 Master sync Interval was higher than the PTP v2 Master sync interval, the Power Core could lose synchronization. 

diamond updates failed on surfaces connected via UDP Matrix

Updating diamond surfaces connected via the Power Core UDP Matrix would result in a network timeout.

Surface Ping could be interrupted

Surface Ping could be interrupted in very rare cases where DMS Clients did not acknowledged incoming traffic.

Snapshot

Loading a Snapshot while the Bus Menu is active could cause unexpected state displays of the MF1a-2b keys

When loading a snapshot, the Bus Menu is now reset.

System

Combo or Main Module for Access groups 2-4 only configurable in MAX Licenses

The Combo or Main Module Access Group 2 - 4 was configurable in all licenses but was only valid for MAX licenses. Therefore, it is now only configurable in MAX license configurations.

Parm Control Automix Speed displayed wrong values

The Parm Control Automix Speed displayed wrong values in VisTool.

AddOn Aux Pan and AddOn Conference Assign only configurable for diamond

It was possible to configure these licenses within for Ruby consoles, where they would not function.

diamond

Surface

Ambient Sensor without function

The ambient Sensor had no function if the panel was connected in CAN Mode.

Ember+

Change of the diamond Ember+ Tree

Control Mode, Control IP Adress and Control Port Number are now located in a different sub-node entitled "Power Core Control Interface".


hostname:Port/Diamond Surface Master/Control/Control Mode → hostname:9001/Diamond Surface Master/Control/Powercore Control Interface/Mode

hostname:Port/Diamond Surface Master/Control/Control IP Address → hostname:9001/Diamond Surface Master/Control/Powercore Control Interface/Target IP Address

hostname:Port/Diamond Surface Master/Control/Control Port Number → hostname:9001/Diamond Surface Master/Control/Powercore Control Interface/Target IP Port Number
CODE
VisTool

Editor

Possible Crash when requesting "PC_POWER_ON"

When a PC_POWER_ON was requested and when no Project was opened, VisTool would crash.

PreDefinedUserTest for Automix configurable

Automix was selectable, even when no Channel was assigned. 

Runtime

Predefined Usertext for Automix Speed displayed wrong values

The Usertext #dmstext:channel:automix-speed showed ID´s instead of the real values.

Predefined Usertext did not show States for sums

Predefined User Text #dmstext:channel:channel-state did not show states for Sum Buses.

Indicators on Slider V2 could disappear

Using an indicator with a name of '~Fadercap' could result in a disappearing slider.

Protocols

Possible Errors with Ember+ Providers using ROIDs

Parsing an EmBER+ tree of a Provider using ROIDs, could result in unresolved Nodes.

On-Air Designer

Branches in the tree definition are no longer expanded or collapsed when elements are inserted/deleted/moved
Possibility of a crash, when inserting or deleting lots of elements

Known Issues

Power Core

Power Core PTP Slave Engine potentially does not start

When the Power Core is configured to be Slave Only and this configuration is changed, that the Power Core could win the BMCA, it might be that the PTP Slave Engine does not start correctly, so the power core cannot receive Streams. In this case a cold start, or a Stop and Start of the PTP Engine will resolve the issue. This only occurs after changing the config.

Source Snapshot does not load correct Gain, if saved source using Mic Arbitration. (already present in Version 8)

Loading a Source snapshot does not load the Mic Gain, if saved source using Mic Arbitration.

VisTool

Changing a Property of a logical Element does not trigger the "Project Changed" 

Changing a property of a logical Element and storing directly after will lead to the message "Nothing Changed". When one Element is moved up and down the project can be stored.

Known Limitations

  • Due to the new DSP parameters, Source Replication between diamond and ruby consoles running release 8.2 and ruby consoles running releases prior to 8.2, or crystal consoles will not function. 
  • Due to the new DSP parameters in the ruby console, snapshots cannot be shared between consoles running release 8.2 and ruby consoles running older software versions.


Compatibility

Sapphire Mastercard MK2 and Sapphire Compact Mode require OAD 6.4

For networked systems using a common and centralized VisTool user and snapshot database, please make sure that all Power Core units are running the same firmware version.

  • A VisTool version higher than 7.0.0.xx is required for release version 8.0
  • VisTool MK1 is compatible with release 4.0 in all products except sapphire master card MKII.
  • VisTool MK1 is not compatible with release 4.2 or higher in all products.
  • sapphire master card MKII (947/62 and 947/65) will only run with VisTool MK2.
  • VisTool MK2 is compatible with all current Lawo Radio OnAir products running release 4.0 and 4.2. This includes Zirkon, which runs releases 4.0 and 4.2, but does not support releases higher than 4.2.

Using a VisTool MK1 configuration with VisTool MK2

VisTool MK2 can open and convert VisTool MK1 configurations. Please note that it will be necessary to make manual corrections to the converted versions. Because VisTool MK2 is a complete rewrite of the application, some parameters cannot be copied 1:1, and must be changed manually.
Please reserve some time to make these alterations and check the resulting configuration properly.



Support 

If you have any questions or require support during the update, please contact LAWO support.