At the heart of this upgrade is a 48-fader mc²56 MKIII console, replacing the previous mc²66 mixing desk. Additionally, A__stage units have been implemented as I/O devices, along with the mc² DSP App, providing 256 DSP channels. The existing Lawo VSM system has been expanded to optimize control over the IP-based broadcast infrastructure.

This technological upgrade was completed in time for the 75^th Berlinale, which commenced on February 13, 2025. Studio Berlin’s Ü2 truck was responsible for producing both the international film festival’s opening ceremony and the awards gala on February 22. These events were live-streamed and later broadcast with a time delay by the broadcasters Rundfunk Berlin-Brandenburg (rbb) as well as ZDF/3sat. In collaboration with X Verleih, the opening gala and premiere film were also transmitted live to seven cinemas across Germany.

Maximum Flexibility with the HOME mc² DSP App
Beyond the console and stageboxes, a key component of this upgrade is the integration of the HOME mc² DSP App. This software-based solution enables highly scalable, decentralized signal processing, perfectly suited for modern IP-based production environments.

Challenges and Solutions for a Seamless Production Workflow
The full transition to IP technology required efficient routing of all relevant audio signals while ensuring seamless communication between the mc²56 MKIII console, A__stage units, and the redundant DSP App. Here, the existing Lawo VSM system played a crucial role, providing centralized control of the entire infrastructure and enabling intuitive workflow optimizations.

The new IP-based structure of Ü2 also significantly simplifies setup and adjustments for productions.

Efficient Workflows and Future-Proof Production
The upgrade process for Ü2 began with the delivery of new components in calendar week 4. Thanks to the close collaboration between Studio Berlin and Lawo teams, installation, testing, configuration, and programming were completed efficiently, ensuring the truck was fully operational in time for Berlinale. This teamwork, extending throughout the production days, guaranteed a secure live broadcast of the Berlinale opening ceremony.

With this upgrade, Studio Berlin is setting new benchmarks in mobile audio production. The HOME mc² DSP App enables optimized signal processing, superior audio quality, and flexible resource management.

This investment underscores Studio Berlin’s commitment to pioneering the future of mobile audio production through IP technology and virtualized signal processing.