Cologne-based public broadcaster Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) has completed a further stage of the ongoing modernisation of its Philharmonie Production Complex, with Lawo integrated into the audio network.

The overall project responsibility was with the WDR Department for Music and Production, and carried out by the WDR Planning and Project Engineering Department, while system integration was handled by Cologne-based Mediatec Video-und Audio-Service GmbH.

The renewal of WDR’s own infrastructure in the auditorium and the structural measures in the control complex had to be completed within six weeks during the 2018 summer break. Until the completion of the new control rooms, recordings and transmission of concerts were taken over by an OB truck, which was already using the new hall infrastructure. The entire project was completed on schedule after three months.

In close vicinity of the Cologne Cathedral, Cologne Philharmonie is not only used for productions and concert recordings of all WDR music ensembles (WDR Symphony Orchestra, WDR Big Band, WDR Broadcast Orchestra, WDR Radio Choir), but is also in conjunction with the catheral for wide-ranging cultural programming, including concerts of various styles and readings.

The heart of the modernised audio set-up is an IP-based Lawo mc²96 Grand Production Console, which is installed in the recording control room for mixing and recording concerts and transferring audio signals to a new sapphire compact radio broadcast mixing console installed in the on-site speaker’s room for moderation and broadcast-relevant contributions. The new installation had become necessary because the previous console could no longer guarantee operational reliability due to its age, nor meet the requirement for ever more ambitious music recordings – frequently at 96kHz with increasing channel volume and correspondingly more DSP performance and routing capacity needed. The choice of the Lawo console was preceded by an evaluation process in which the flagship of the mc² family was chosen. The contract was awarded by WDR at the beginning of 2018.

Depending on the production and quality requirements, the new mc²96 can be operated with a sampling rate of either 96kHz or 48kHz. With a processing capacity of 192 (384) DSP channels at 96kHz, a router board with 8192 x 8192 crosspoints and 72 faders on the user interface, the console offers numerous options for future projects.

Important issues for the decision to install the mc²96 were, among other things, the possibility of using the integrated screens to display the DAW PCs, and the flexibility of user-definable functions that can be operated via user buttons. Comprehensive redundancy – router card, DSP card and redundant power supplies – ensure operational reliability.

The sapphire compact is located in the speaker’s room of the Philharmonie and can be operated either independently or in combination with the mc²96. For live broadcasts from the Philharmonie, it is used for moderations before and after the concerts as well as for interviews, and for this purpose is looped into the transmission chain during the current program – triggered via router of the mc²96 from the console’s surface – without clicking. In order to avoid level jumps during the takeover, the sapphire’s takeover control is set to the correct position by remote control from the mc²96. The transmission signals in 5.1 surround and stereo are then transmitted from the mc²96 via Ravenna connection to the main control room of the WDR radio station and transmitted live.

In the course of the modernisation, a new cabling concept for the microphone paths via Dallis I/O systems as stageboxes was implemented, as well as a new connection to the hall technology, FOH and monitor position (concert operation) and transmission technology (television broadcasts and streaming). Thanks to short cable routes to the microphone preamplifiers under the stage and in the ceiling as well as the connection of the mc² HD core and the signal distribution via fibre-optic links, the signal quality could be further increased. Modern electric equipment, the renovation of the facilities and the optimisation of the acoustics in the control rooms also led to the optimisation of the listening conditions.

In addition to the symphony orchestra, the Philharmonie production complex also houses the WDR Big Band, which uses the facilities also for concerts and recordings. Since the Big Band postproductions of its recordings are done in its own control room with an mc²66, the new Lawo mixing console in the Philharmonie contributes to the efficiency of the music production, since sound engineers who work in both SCRs can use a familiar working surface. An additional advantage of this solution not to be underestimated is that Lawo already has considerable know-how of Lawo equipment, both in the production areas and in the service department.

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