Darmstadt State Theater (Germany) create a fully IP-based audio infrastructure with Lawo

As part of a comprehensive modernization, he Darmstadt State Theater, a Hesse (Germany), Upgrade your audio infrastructure with a fully IP-based solution from Theirs to meet current and future demands for advanced sound reinforcement and recording.

The new audio setup at the Kleines Haus (small stage) includes two mc²56 MkIII production consoles with 16 faders each one, complemented with two additional extender units 16 faders. The system also features multiple stage boxes A__stage and A__mic8, and A__UHD Core licensed to 768 DSP channels y centralized control through the HOME platform. Based on a red Ravenna/AES67 Audio-over-IP, infrastructure supports multi-user workflows, redundancy, high flexibility and full interoperability. The integration of the system for all rooms and the recording studio was carried out by digitech, long time partner.

Sebastian Franke, sound manager, points out that “"The Lawo mc²56 MkIII was the ideal choice for our new audio infrastructure.", explains Sebastian Franke, sound manager. "Not only does it offer the performance and features needed for large-scale productions, But its modular user interface provides us with maximum flexibility”. Franke goes on to comment that “now we have a mc²56 console with 16 faders in the FOH position and an identical unit in the sound control room, plus two extenders 16 faders that we can deploy where necessary. During the rehearsals, we often place them in the center of the auditorium, because it is the only position in which we can accurately hear the 3D sound image. A FOH, the ceiling speakers can't be heard, so it is essential to go to the auditorium to carry out immersive checks”.

At the core of all mc²56 consoles are the A__UHD Core audio engines, each of which provides 1024 DSP channels to handle the most demanding audio tasks. Integration into existing audio infrastructure is achieved through A__stage I/O units and Power Core devices, ensuring perfect signal distribution throughout the theater.

Centralized network architecture

“We are very satisfied with this decision”, said Franke. “We have been working with Lawo for years, sharing our opinions and requirements at fairs and workshops, and many of our suggestions have been implemented on the mc²56 MkIII. Besides, support is always at our fingertips”. As part of the general modernization, the recording studio was equipped with Lawo's AoIP infrastructure in 2024, after updating the main scenario in 2023.

“The recording studio now has a mc²56 console that integrates perfectly with the main stage and small stage systems. Once the HOME systems are fully connected, we will be able to send the signals directly from the choir room or the musical theater stage to the main hall, without anyone having to sit in the studio”, explains Franke. Consistent user interfaces and centralized network architecture simplify workflows: “The most complex workstation in the theater, the mixing desk, It is now identical in both venues, so all sound engineers feel at home”.

System integration also includes Waves SoundGrid, Lawo Virtual Sound Card (VSC) for macOS, volume measurement RTW TM7 and the interface VisTool browser based. Fourteen stage boxes from the A__stage series, including two A__mic8 units with ST2022-7 Class C redundancy, guarantee a low-latency and fail-safe connectivity between the stage, the orchestra pit and production areas.

The premiere of the production of the story Tom Sawyer It was the first live test at the Small Stage theater. “We spent most of our time working with the console and the extender. 16 back row faders, plus a monitor for playback. Everything worked perfectly”, said Franke. Despite the modest number of channels (6 wireless lapel microphones plus playback), the team was able to assign all functions in a professional manner.

“The scalability of the Lawo system makes it easy to adapt to any production, wherever and however we need it. We now have a highly interconnected and scalable infrastructure that allows us to manage even the most complex productions efficiently and reliably., from rehearsals to opening night”, concludes Franke.