LXE In-Depth


LXE

ADVANCED MODULAR PROGRAMMABLE NETWORKABLE CONSOLE 

LXE's magic gives you effortless workflows for precision performance

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LXE HEADON HIGH 2560pxMeet the LXE Console/Control Surface

The LXE is designed to be your console. Every knob, every button, every display can be programmed to accommodate virtually any application you come up with. No need to compromise anymore. 

LXE is our most modular console ever. Simply group the modules into bays and connect them to your network with a single CAT6 cable. This allows you to use them in tabletop frames, with or without a meterbridge, with no need to cut furniture. Or, you can flush mount them right into your table, easily splitting them as you need. 

Full color OLEDs reflect your programming, and the touchscreen GUIs let you interact with your audio in fresh new ways to do everything from pinching and dragging EQ to setting up router crosspoints in your network. ScreenBuilder™ LXE is included so you can create your own touchscreens. And ConsoleBuilder™ is a GUI-based app that allows you to program and configure your hardware surface.

Simply put, there’s never been a more customizable way to work.  

Tabletop or Recessed. Meterbridge or Not. Your Choice.

LXE is a fully modular control surface that’s completely customizable for your workflow

Different studios have different ways of working.

Popular around the world, split consoles allow you to position the different parts of the console wherever you like - even in different studios.

LXE makes it easy. Simply group modules into bays, and connect those bays to the switch with standard CAT6 cables.

With or without the meterbridge, input levels are always available on the OLED on the associated channel, meaning they are anywhere you need them.

 

LXE is also available in two virtual versions:
 

Glass LXE
A full-blown LXE on a touchscreen surface

GlassLXE5

Remote LXE
A touchscreen remote control surface for your physical LXE

GlassLXE FULL

LXE is a modular control surface that’s completely customizable for your applications

LXE LH3QTR FAR 2560px

Wheatstone’s new LXE console brings control surface configuration to a new level. Going far beyond the usual “any source to any fader” network concept, the LXE is a fully flexible control interface, where every switch and rotary control is programmable to perform any desired function. This means console architecture is completely customizable to client requirements, and limitations to functionality are no longer a factor. 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 Console

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: mic and line level analog, AES/EBU, SPDIF, AoIP, MADI, SDI and even AES67. Loudness metering, phase control, and full EQ/Dynamics are included.

ConsoleBuilder™ GUI

ConsoleBuilder™ software 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 you create powerful macros for as many controls as you want. 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.

ScreenBuilder™LXE

LXE’s new GUI is has pre-built screens for everything you normally use – metering, clocks, timers,  dynamics, EQ, assigns, and more. All are touch-screen accessible with gestures you’re used to using on your smart devices. And, the GUI is just as customizable as the LXE surface. Using our ScreenBuilder™LXE software, you simply drag and drop objects and define their functions via a simple wizard interface. You can store multiple custom screens, if you like, to go with your custom LXE setups.

Optional VoxPro Onboard

Now available with optional VoxPro onboard for a fully integrated mixing, routing, and live editing experience. 

Real-time editing is within easy reach instead of in a separate controller off to the side.

Integrating VoxPro into the LXE console surface reduces workspace clutter and gives talent more tools at their fingertips during editing and recording, including control for routing and salvos. 

VoxPro is now in LXE Console

 

Now, with VoxPro jog wheel and controller integrated in line with faders and other controls on the surface of the LXE console, realtime editing is within easy reach instead of in a separate controller off to the side.

LXE with VoxPro

 


Features

Physical Surface: 


  • Several form factors available with mainframe configuration flexibility: 

– Tabletop with meterbridge

– Wedge low profile (no meterbridge, pairs with separate HDMI monitor)

– Countertop drop (flushmount)

All three choices can be split consoles connected via network in same room or different rooms/locations

  • Fully Programmable / Configurable via ConsoleBuilder™

– Every button configurable via setup GUI, can be scriptable, or a variety of other functions

– Every encoder/knob configurable from the setup GUI, Can be scripted (if X then Y) or assigned to other knob or encoder functions.

– Fader is scriptable to control things via ACI like Utility mixer channels.

– Multicolored fully programmable LED buttons throughout (blue, cyan, green, yellow, red, magenta)

– Two full color OLED displays per channel configurable for contextual display

  • Optional meterbridge for tabletop version with high-resolution LED meters and digital timer, all assignable from ConsoleBuilder™

  • Built in Ethernet switch for plugging in accessories or other host panels

  • True IP – connects directly to switch

  • Four stereo Program busses




  • Four stereo Aux busses

  • Four mono or stereo Mix-Minus busses

  • Headphone stream to surface - up to one per panel host

  • Each input channel offers Phase control, Panning, Fader mode Left, Right, Mono, Stereo - each assignable to any knob/button

  • Stereo or mono cue speaker depending on frame size

  • Up to 32 physical faders (virtual faders can be controlled via ACI for third-party flexibility)

  • Every fader has bus-minus or direct out and is configurable as stereo or mono

  • Fader mirroring – allows faders to mirror one another in different locations

  • Motorized fader option

  • 8 layers (to accommodate up to 32 input fader channels) – completely customizable and configurable for each layer. 

  • 16 monitors (include Control Room, Headphones, Studio 1, Studio 2, etc), each with monitor dimming (all with friendly names)

  • Monitor mix capable – mix all busses together for monitor output

  • Monitor Linking (example: Headphone follow Control Room)

  • Level lock for Monitors



    • Dynamics, including Compressor, Expander, Gate, controlled via touchscreen or optional panel 

 

    • Full Parametric EQ controlled via touchscreen or optional panel (EQ GUI screen with color coded knobs), with highpass and low pass filters

 

  • Flexible Metering Options:

– Loudness metering

– Phase Correlation metering

– Input metering on each channel

    • Automix function controlled via touchscreen GUI

    • Info screen on surface for current status 

 

  • User management:

– Logging in and out

– User based access to controls

– Vdip saved per user settings

    • Unlimited number of events

 

    • Support for remote mix engine (off premises, for use with At-Home systems) 

 

    • Time sync to NTP via mix engine

 

    • Display brightness controls

 

    • Accessory panels powered internally

 

    • Tone generator

 

  • Clip player option

 

Touchscreen GUI:


  • Complete set of screens provided to allow control over every aspect of the LXE control surface

  • ScreenBuilder™LXE with support for unlimited number of screens (which run one at a time) allows you to build any type of custom screen you need

  • Configurable Home screen with up to 8 Monitor, 4 Aux, 4 Mix-Minus meters

  • Linux based OS with touchscreen support accessible via HDMI video output

  • Full screen XY controller built in

  • Multiple Cue feeds if required

  • Digital timer and clock on home screen 

  • Add custom logo to clock background 

  • Front end app can be used on Windows, Linux, or Mac for additional display of surface functions.

LXE Automix

When airing a panel discussion, forum, or other program where many microphones are located close together, audio operators have their work cut out for them. Simply leaving all the mics open all the time will result in an ugly, comb-filtering effect that will make the room sound hollow. The operator must constantly pay attention to the discussion in progress, and keep unused mics pulled down. There are many opportunities for errors which are obvious to the audience. Automatic Microphone Mixing takes this difficult task out of the hands of the operator.

By engaging this feature on each of the microphones, the operator allows the console to monitor the level coming from each microphone and automatically reduce the gain on mics not being addressed. The level of all participating mics is determined by the weighting assigned to each channel by the weight sliders in the Automix screen. This allows hosts to be assigned a higher weight in order to speak over guests in a lively discussion. It also allows “loud talkers” to be assigned a lower weight so they are more evenly balanced with other speakers. Conversely, “soft talkers” can be assigned higher weighting to compensate for their lower level. The Automixer also does gain sharing, so the overall level will not exceed nominal levels when multiple participants are speaking at once

AutomixScreenshot 1

AutomixScreenshot 1

LXE’s Mix Engine Taps the Power of WheatNet-IP AoIP Networking

LXE is paired with a new addition to the Blade 4 product line, the Blade 4 E. This powerful yet compact (1RU) Blade handles all the mixing and processing required by the LXE control surface. The large front panel display provides metering and status displays, while the rear panel has redundant network connections, redundant AC power,  HDMI / USB touchscreen ports, and 12 GPI ports. It’s fanless design allows for studio quiet operation.

WheatNet-IP Extends LXE's Power

LXE works with the WheatNet-IP Intelligent Network, utilizing BLADE interfaces, to access, control, and process any and all audio sources on the network. Through AES67, it's compatible with similarly equipped third party gear, providing functionality for your facility that is unequalled. 

Layers = Compact + Huge

with layers, you can get up to 32 input channels with as few as four physical faders

LXE has a cool feature called LAYERS. With Layers, you can have, for example, 8 physical faders, each with four layers. So, you can have up to 32 actual input channels - 8 per layer. Push a button, and the motorized faders and your entire input channel are immediately reconfigured. Up to 8 layers are available to give you a maximum of 32 input channels. This gives you enormous power in a VERY compact space.

LXE WEDGE LAYERS

The Modules

everything you need to mix - and a way to make them yours - right there at your fingertips 




OLED Screens on the LXE Surface


The small, full-color OLEDs in the modules on the surface provide whatever information is pertinent to what you are doing at any point in time. Turn a knob or push a button and a screen will provide the info you need. These are fully scriptable to present the data you need, when you need it. 







ConsoleBuilder™

The LXE comes ready to go, pre-configured to be useable for standard applications out of the box. But with broadcast audio becoming anything but ‘standard’, LXE’s magic is revealed when you use ConsoleBuilder™ to configure and program the LXE to do exactly what you need it to do. ConsoleBuilder™ is a drag/drop/script GUI that puts an exceptional amount of power into an easy to use interface. PGM Assign, Set, EQ ON/Off, Talkback – any of over 25 functions can be assigned to just about any knob, button, or fader. Pretty amazing.

 

ConsoleBuilderDetail

Monitor

Module

Home screeen config

Not surprisingly, it’s an exceptionally powerful interface that’s incredibly easy to use. Here’s how ConsoleBuilder™ works –  display shows you the layout of your console – just double click on the button, knob, or OLED you want to configure and a series of screens and tabs lets you program it to be what you need.

 

Above are examples of how easy it is to configure your console using ConsoleBuilder™. Simply pick the surface feature you want to customize and select the function you’d like from a drop-down menu. For more complex things, you can script to achieve the control you need. You'll also be able to customize many functions of your LXE GUI from here.

 



The LXE GUI Screens


The LXE GUI features a “button” navigation architecture to easily access features with a minimum number of clicks. These Function buttons are located across the bottom of the function display area. You may access any desired screen by simply clicking or touching the appropriate buttons.

 


Click to See All The GUI Screens

eq

Home Screen

Displays Timer, Clock, Current Event, Switched Meter, Headphone Mode controls, and the External Source for monitors.


aux mxm

EQ Screen

Set the available EQ settings for the selected channel. EQ In, High and Low Pass Filters, Lo and High Shelf settings are set based on the Input fader’s SET button..


aux mxm

Aux/MixMinus Screen

Displays controls for the four Aux Master outputs and the Mix‑Minus Outputs.


aux mxm

Dynamics Screen

Set the available dynamic settings for the selected channel. Expansion and Compression settings are set based on the Input fader’s SET button.


aux mxm

Events Screen

The LXE can store a “snapshot” of the entire control surface in a file called an EVENT. The Event Pane is divided into two sections. The Event Recall section lets you recall previously saved Events. The Event Editor is a manager for creating, editing, and deleting Events.


aux mxm

X/Y Router Screen

Gives you an overview of the network routing and the ability to alter crosspoints and routing.


aux mxm

Input Screen

Displays interactive Source, Mode, Phase, Pan, and Aux Send settings for the selected channel. Note you must press an Input fader’s SET button to show the settings for that channel, or click to access any fader.


ScreenBuilder™LXE


ClockLogoLXE’s new GUI is has pre-built screens for everything you normally use – metering, clocks, timers, dynamics, EQ, assigns, and more. All are touch-screen accessible with gestures you’re used to using on your smart devices. 

BUT, the GUI is just as customizable as the LXE surface. Using our ScreenBuilder™LXE software, you simply drag and drop objects and define their functions via a simple wizard interface. You can store multiple custom screens, if you like, to go with your custom LXE setups.

ScreenBuilder™LXE comes stocked with meters, faders, knobs, buttons, tallies, etc. ready to drag, drop, and configure. You can also add your own graphics and assign functions to them using our script wizard. We’ve seen studio mic plots, maps of entire countries with transmitter locations, simple on/off talent panels – it’s pretty much wide open. If you can conceive it, you can achieve it. 

Right, Cool feature: ScreenBuilder™LXE lets you customize the clock on your home screen to add your logo...


Click to See ScreenBuilder Gallery

ScreenBuilderGallery


The Nitty Gritty

LX24 EX HeadphoneOptionHeadphone Pigtail

We know that headphone jacks are seldom located where you need them to be, so every LXE comes with this handy pigtail and heavy-duty flange with a TRS jack. Just plug it into the 3-pin JST plug that plugs into the Panel Host board.  and mount the brushed steel flange where you need it (such as under your desk, as pictured above). Voila! Your headphone jack is exactly where you want it.

 


PS-1600 Power Supply

Clean and proper power is key to the great performance you’ve come to expect from Wheatstone. It would be easy to just purchase over-the-counter power supplies for our LXE. But we don’t. In order to maintain our high level of quality we've designed and built a dedicated separate rackmount supply. We recommend running two power supplies simultaneously as a redundant backup power source.


Connectors

There are several RJ-45 connectors on the rear of the LXE control surface. This number will vary depending on the size of the surface. Chose any open connector for the connection to a standard Ethernet network switch via a straight (pin to pin) CAT5e/6 cable.

Genuine Wheatstone Add-Ons

Whether you are setting up interview suites or desks, or just making workflow more intuitive and efficient, Wheatstone has the gear you need to get the job done.

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Measuring Up

The LXE modular control surface is designed for countertop mounting or drop-in installation in counter top. Although the rubber feet on the bottom keep the surface from being easily moved when simply placed on the counter, pre-drilled holes have been provided so that screws may be used to mount the surface securely to the countertop. 

 

Click to see dimensional drawings and measurements

measurements

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