Lawo’s new device consolidates scalable connectivity and functionality for both video and audio into a compact unit that helps reduce the amount of equipment users need on site.
Ccommentary interface module
Lawo has developed a combined video and audio stagebox called Edge One for broadcast and professional AV workflows. The device consolidates scalable connectivity and functionality for both video and audio into a compact unit that helps reduce the amount of equipment users need on site.
One side of the unit carries eight bi-directional HD-BNC connectors for SDI signals that are each configurable as either an input or output. Alongside these connectors are four HDMI outputs, two of which can be switched to function as inputs. The same side includes SFP ports for MADI I/O, GPI I/Os, a USB-C audio interface and Sync, Reference and Wordclock connectors.
Audio Interfaces
The opposite side holds three swappable audio interface modules covering applications including mic/line inputs only, mic/line inputs with line outputs, and a dedicated commentary module. Users can swap the modules themselves to suit changing requirements.
Typical uses are studio floors, live event venues, remote production including mobile embedding/de-embedding functions, post-production suites and pro AV installations. For example, Edge One’s commentary interface module supports dedicated connectivity for commentary applications, accommodating up to three independent commentator positions.
Per-project Licensing
Because not every connector or software function will be needed on every project, Edge One supports Lawo FLEX, a software licensing system used to activate only the features the current project requires. To make deployment more straightforward, the device ships with three pre-configured packages — Audio, Video and Audio + Video.
Further functions are available through separate licences. These include video signal instances, video frame syncs, JPEG XS encoding and decoding, the Edge One Commentary App, MADI I/O with built-in sample rate conversion, and the same signal processing algorithms as those featured in Lawo’s mc² console, for low-latency local mixing.
The unit can be rack-mounted in a 1U slot or fixed in position using an optional bracket. Rubber bumpers protect it during transport, making it practical to move between locations.
Convenience and Agility
"As well as its specifications, Edge One is above all about convenience and agility for broadcast and AV professionals," said Lucas Zwicker, Senior Director, Workflow and Integration, CTO Office at Lawo. "A single stagebox can be used to connect microphones, speakers, cameras, monitors, projectors and other gear."
Christian Struck, Lawo's Senior Product Manager, Audio Infrastructure, said, "Most productions require a limited number of audio and video connections. To maintain simplicity, some applications can be handled more efficiently in a distributed manner, by placing compact stageboxes close to the sources and destinations. This is where Edge One is particularly useful."
Edge One is SMPTE ST2110 native with a bandwidth of up to 25Gbps. It carries both RJ45 ports with PoE++ and SFP ports. For installations where a network connection is not required, the device also handles audio de-embedding, shuffling and embedding, which are functions that Lawo is well-known for.
Edge One will be on display at NAB 2026, 19 – 22 April, along with Lawo’s range of innovations. www.lawo.com
