How mdw’s Future Art Lab is training the audio engineers of tomorrow with Lawo

With a history spanning more than 200 years, the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna (mdw) is one of the most renowned music universities worldwide and a leader in audiovisual education. At its Institute of Composition, Sound, and Music Production, mdw equips audio engineering students with the expertise needed to thrive in an increasingly digital and networked audio world, as Headliner discovers…

The recent upgrade of Studio B, used for teaching classical music production, marks a major step forward in this mission, with the installation of a Lawo mc²36 MkII all-in-one mixing console.

Following the installation of a Lawo mc²56 MkIII in Studio Control Room 1 (Tonregie 1) in August 2023, this is the second Lawo console now utilised at mdw for both training and production.

Classical music recording and post-production demand a mixing console that can be flexibly and precisely configured to meet specific requirements. This capability allows engineers to manage a vast number of channels simultaneously, capturing the intricate sonic textures of orchestras and vocals with precision.

“The introduction of the mc²36 MkII enables us to train students at the highest technical level while preparing them for the unique challenges of classical music production,” explains Hans Döllinger, studio dDirector at the Future Art Lab.

“The console’s powerful DSP capabilities and flexible configuration options offer the precision and adaptability required for our projects. Additionally, the widespread use of Lawo’s mc² consoles in public broadcasting, opera houses, and theatres significantly eases the transition for our graduates into professional careers.”

The high-performance mc²36 MkII provides 256 processing channels at 48 and 96 kHz, alongside an I/O capacity of 864 channels, delivering exceptional flexibility for concert and opera mixing. Its versatility makes it an ideal solution for students learning both music recording and post-production across diverse scenarios.

With its IP-based architecture and native support for IP Easy/HOME plug-and-play management, the mc²36 MkII integrates seamlessly into mdw’s existing network infrastructure.

The console enables straightforward Audio-over-IP workflows, including point-to-point stagebox connections, without requiring additional network hardware. Studio B supplements the console’s robust local I/O with a DirectOut Prodigy for expanded connectivity.

“This combination ensures superior sound quality,” enthuses Professor Pauline Heister, who oversees the classical audio engineering program.

The mc²36 MkII not only delivers high-quality audio processing for classical music but also offers innovative features vital for education. Its intuitive interface, featuring colour-coded TFT fader strips and touch-sensitive rotary controls, makes it easy for students to navigate, enhancing their learning experience.

Full-HD touchscreens provide precise visual feedback, offering a clear overview of audio channels and levels. Additionally, all DAWs can be seamlessly integrated via a secondary monitor.

“With the mc²36 MkII, we provide students with hands-on experience on a state-of-the-art console that equips them for professional audio production while preparing them for the demands of modern theatre, music, and broadcast environments,” adds Döllinger.

“We observe that our students quickly adapt to operating the mc²36 MkII while also developing critical problem-solving skills as they configure complex routings or network connections in applying logical thinking. This provides ideal preparation for future challenges in their careers,” furthered Professor Heister.

The adoption of the mc²36 MkII underscores mdw’s commitment to cutting-edge audio education. The console’s rapid installation and seamless integration into the university’s infrastructure demonstrate Lawo’s role as a trusted technology partner, delivering innovative solutions tailored to the educational sector. Configured at Lawo’s facility in Rastatt, the mc²36 MkII was delivered in June 2024, installed in July, and fully integrated into mdw’s infrastructure by August through a collaborative effort.

Lawo’s mc²36 MkII combines the capabilities of a fully-fledged mixing console with the versatility of an all-in-one system. With its software-defined A__UHD Core technology – featuring 256 DSP channels, SMPTE2022-7 I/O redundancy, and Waves integration – Lawo sets new standards in the audio and broadcast industry.

The Lawo mc²36 console completes the Institute of Composition, Sound, and Music Production’s comprehensive educational offerings. While Studio C features an analogue console and Studio A employs a controller-based setup, Studio B now fulfills the goal of training students on a high-end digital console, thanks to this cutting-edge addition from Lawo.