Among the world’s most renowned arts universities, the Mozarteum University Salzburg combines tradition with innovation. Since its founding in 1841, it has been synonymous with artistic excellence and forward-thinking education. Now, the university has taken a major step forward by modernising its audio control rooms, using Lawo Audio-over-IP technology to elevate the production of live concerts, recordings and educational content.
As part of this project, two control rooms were equipped with Lawo solutions. In the central Control Room A, an mc²56 MkIII audio production console with 48 faders and 512 processing channels at 96kHz was installed. Designed for the challenges of complex concert productions, this IP-native console supports SMPTE 2110, AES67/Ravenna, Madi and Dante (via a Power Core Gateway). With up to 1024 DSP channels powered by a redundant A__UHD Core and an array of local I/O, including 16 mic/line inputs, 16 line outputs, and a Madi port, the mc²56 MkIII offers unparalleled flexibility. Its intuitive interface and expandable fader bays ensure adaptability to future requirements.
Control Room B, used for postproduction and smaller projects, features a 16-fader mc²36 MkII xp. Offering 256 processing channels through a third A__UHD Core at 96kHz, an I/O capacity of up to 864 channels, and integrated Waves plug-in support, the console combines performance with a small footprint. Intuitive operation via IP Easy and seamless networking through Lawo’s Home platform make it a fit for academic use.
A standout feature of the upgraded system is its remote control capability, enabled by the intuitive mxGUI software. Operators can use tablets to access all key parameters from any location, providing flexibility to meet a wide range of production needs.
The two control rooms are interconnected through the Lawo Home platform, allowing centralised management and control of the entire infrastructure. In addition to the consoles, the university integrated Power Core IOs, Lawo A__stage64, and A__mic8 stageboxes, creating a highly flexible link between control rooms, studios, and performance venues.
The decision to adopt an AoIP-based infrastructure has brought significant benefits to the Mozarteum University. ‘The new Lawo consoles and the Home platform enable us to meet all the requirements of our university productions – from live concerts to exam recordings – efficiently and with the highest quality. What impressed us most is the flexibility of the AoIP technology and its intuitive operation,’ says Peter Schmidt, Head of Digital Media at the university.
AoIP technology allows location-independent networking of the university’s entire audio infrastructure. Using the Ravenna/AES67 protocol, audio signals can be transmitted with minimal latency and no loss of quality across different locations. For the Mozarteum, which records and streams numerous live concerts and exam presentations, this technology provides an ideal foundation. The Home platform’s centralised control simplifies configuration and ensures efficient resource management.
Beyond technical advancements, the project also considered its educational value. ‘Our students benefit from working in an environment equipped with state-of-the-art technology, giving them a solid foundation to transition into the professional world,’ Schmidt adds. With its integration of an existing 4K HDR TV studio featuring six camera systems and Lawo’s advanced audio solutions, the university is well-positioned to deliver outstanding content both internally and on external platforms.
The implementation of the project was largely handled by the university team. Under the leadership of Peter Schmidt and his deputy and project manager Christoph Feiel, the consoles were configured, equipment integrated, and the system optimised to meet the institution’s specific needs.
With its new infrastructure, Mozarteum University Salzburg solidifies its role as a pioneer in merging art, science, and technology. This combination of high-performance technology, flexible networking, and practical application sets new standards for audiovisual work and the education of future music and audio engineering professionals.
More: www.lawo.com
