American Airlines Center prepares its audio system for the future with Lawo

The center has invested in a mixer Lawo mc²56 MkIII with redundant A_UHD cores providing 512 DSP for monitor and room mixes. A Power Core has also been incorporated for Dante conversion, stage boxes A_madi6 and A_mic8, and a V_pro8 video processor for MADI embedding.

the American Airlines Center (AAC), one of the busiest stadiums in North America, is home to the NHL's Dallas Stars and the NBA's Dallas Mavericks.. Opened in 2001, has focused on ensuring the fan experience.

In addition to baseball games, the AAC organizes several concert tours each year and many private events. For an optimal sound experience, and with a view to future-proofing its infrastructure, The center has invested in a mixer Lawo mc²56 MkIII with A_UHD cores redundant that provide 512 DSP for monitor and room mixes. Also included is a Power Core for Dante conversion, Lawo stage boxes A_madi6 and A_mic8, and a video processor V_pro8 for MADI embedding and video thumbnail generation LiveView.

"Because both the Mavericks and the Stars are very interested in delivering top-notch productions., We've seen the main house audio console changed several times since the stadium opened.", Says Scott Davidson, American Airlines Center Facilities Engineer.

The last renovation was the result of verifying that the previous audio system had reached its limits and needed to be replaced with a future-proof solution.. "After researching new consoles, countless hands-on demonstrations and talking to touring engineers mixing the shows, We agreed that we had to look elsewhere.", comments Davidson.

American Airlines Center wanted a console capable of handling various styles and types of signals., and the ability to support new technology formats as they become relevant. It had to be manageable and its navigation software intuitive, that would allow operators to quickly adapt the desktop to their specific workflow requirements.

Lawo was the chosen option. The capacity and flexibility of the mixing system allowed engineers to configure the system without compromising anything. Instant measurement of mixes allows operators to visually verify that everything is working and that signals are flowing as expected, Looking at just one screen. The integration of Waves was considered vital and Lawo mc256 is one of the few consoles that achieves this without requiring additional screens around the desktop.

"Having a lot of AUX mixes means we can route signals in a variety of ways and mix sources in a more discreet way than before.", Says Jeff McGinnis, A1 Engineer at American Airlines Center. "Not being limited by a fixed console configuration is a huge benefit of the Lawo system.. Having video thumbnails next to faders is a big help when checking things ahead of time.. In addition, we appreciate the features that are unique to Lawo, including the various GPI/O options and remote VNC access to other machines so we can take control of things right from the console.".

Jeff McGinnis also highlights the console's features such as being very customizable with respect to its design and screen views.. “Our mc256 desk has dual faders in the left compartment and offers 48 Faders, plus two large touchscreens, in a surprisingly compact size".

Another plus point was that the American Airlines Center team quickly discovered that every time they talked to Lawo staff., Learn something new about additional features and options that accelerate delivery of consistently superior mixes.

"Once you start focusing on this console and realize the power you have at your fingertips., Your mind instinctively starts thinking about things that no other console can do.", adds Jeff McGinnis. "You realize that you can implement different workflows and options that wouldn't be possible elsewhere.".

"A couple of other features that helped influence our decision", explains Scott Davidson, "was that Lawo is not just an audio company, it also has a very robust IP-based video routing solution that runs on the same backbone infrastructure as our audio console.. In addition, Lawo's solution has built-in growth possibilities. If we ever need to add a second console for a streaming mix, or for a portable console for use in the building, we can do it with Lawo and share resources flexibly."

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