IBC 2016: Wheatstone shows off configurable IP audio console

Wheatstone shows for the first time at IBC a new IP audio broadcast console that takes control surface configuration to a new level. Going far beyond the  “any source to any fader” concept typical of networked consoles, the LXE is a fully flexible control interface with programmable switches, rotary controls, and fader groupings that can be remotely located and operated from another room or studio.

The LXE is Wheatstone’s latest addition to its IP audio console line for use with its WheatNet-IP audio network, a complete AES67-compatible network system with end-to-end audio transport, logic control, and an audio toolkit at every I/O point in the network to enable exceptionally intelligent deployment and operation.

“Broadcasters kept telling us they needed a console surface that is more adaptable for all the applications they’re doing these days. By eliminating the usual hard-coded buttons and encoders and instead scripting out those capabilities much like we’ve done with our audio network, we can give them that,” says Kelly Parker, Wheatstone’s systems engineer who headed up the development of the new LXE.

Architecturally Sound
Unique to the new LXE is a console architecture that is completely customizable, with pull-down configuration software that allows every switch on the surface to be programmed for function, mode, and even color (switches are RGB LED illuminated). In fact, built-in software allows every button to be scriptable, letting users create powerful macros for as many controls as desired. Multiple full color OLED displays on each panel keep pace with ongoing operations, and event recall allows painless, one-touch console reconfiguration at the press of a button. With its inherent control flexibility and ability to access thousands of signals (sources and destinations are limited only by the size of the network), the LXE takes facility workflows and audio control to a new level.

Motorized Faders, Graphical User Interface>
The LXE can have up to 32 physical motorized faders, with full DSP processing available on all 32 channels. Surfaces interface seamlessly into the WheatNet-IP Intelligent Network, and utilize BLADE-3s for audio, control and associated logic data flowing on single CAT6 interconnecting cables. The system can ingest and convert virtually all audio formats: analog, microphone, AES/EBU, SPDIF, AoIP, MADI, SDI and even AES67. Loudness metering, phase reversal, and full EQ and dynamics are also included.

LXE’s new GUI has pre-built screens for metering, clocks, timers, dynamics, EQ, assigns, and more. All are touchscreen accessible with gestures similar to those used on smartphones and other devices. And, the GUI is just as customizable as the LXE surface. Using Wheatstone’s exclusive ScreenBuilder-LXE software, users simply drag and drop objects and define their functions via an intuitive wizard interface.

Physically compact, the LXE is available in several different form factors, including countertop, countertop sunken, and split frames (split sections are not confined to one room, they can actually be in different studios).

The LXE will be shown at stand 8.A51 during IBC 2016.