RNZ selects PAT to supply Lawo mc² consoles for Auckland and Wellington
RNZ’s decision to upgrade its broadcast technology was motivated by the need for a robust system to support its role as a producer of high-quality recordings and live broadcasts
Professional Audio & Television (PAT) have announced that RNZ (Radio New Zealand) has chosen Lawo mc²36 MKII audio consoles, associated I/O devices and Arista switch fabric for its prestigious recording locations at Auckland’s Town Hall and Wellington’s Michael Fowler Centre. Following a rigorous tender process that included A/B testing and careful evaluation of various console manufacturers, RNZ awarded the contract to PAT’s Auckland office.
The replacement project’s primary goal was to identify a solution capable of delivering exceptional audio quality across the entire audio signal chain, from stage connectivity and preamplification to digital encoding, processing and final recording for production.
The chosen Lawo setup includes a pair of 32-fader mc²36 MKII consoles, one for each location, equipped with Lawo A__stage64, A__mic8, and Lawo Power Core devices, which serve as I/O extensions. The Lawo Power Cores also serve as Madi and Dante converters, providing RNZ with a versatile, high-performance networked audio infrastructure that supports the latest in AoIP technology. To enable these systems to scale with RNZ’s future requirements, PAT will also configure and install a set of Arista 710P compact, fanless, cognitive PoE switches into both locations. These Arista switches will be responsible for the transport of SMPTE 2110-30, low-latency audio on the red and blue ST2022-7 redundant media networks.
“We are thrilled to partner with RNZ on this pivotal project. The Lawo mc²36 MKII consoles and accompanying I/O extensions provide RNZ with an advanced, modular platform that supports their commitment to producing live recordings of the highest quality. We are confident that this technology will play a vital role in RNZ’s continued success as a leading broadcaster,” said Mike Heard, senior solutions architect of PAT.
“We are looking forward to installing these new Lawo consoles at our live recording venues, enabling our audio engineers to continue to deliver the high-quality RNZ listeners expect,” said Jamie Annan, operations manager at RNZ. This upgrade will allow us significantly to increase the number and types of audio sources, providing our audiences with a rich audio experience.”
RNZ’s selection process focused on assessing each system’s audio fidelity, intuitive operation and flexibility to adapt to the fast-paced demands of live recording environments. Lawo’s mc²36 MKII consoles were chosen not only for their stellar sound quality and robust build but also for their compatibility with cutting-edge technologies like AES67, Madi and Dante, ensuring a seamless connection between legacy systems and new digital workflows.
