strand 300 series 48/96 or etc express 48/96

[rgsw]

no well it depends "what is your use?" etc.... just give your honest opinion.

thanks and sorry for sounding grumpy

[Radman]

no well it depends "what is your use?" etc.... :D

[bdesmond]

Doing what others do is not a good way to make a decision which should be based on budget, space, and need.

[Mayhem]

Originally Posted by bdesmond

Doing what others do is not a good way to make a decision which should be based on budget, space, and need.

You raise a very good point.

rgsw - the forum is full of individual comments, opinions and recommendations regarding a variety of products and manufacturers.

This info, whilst very helpful and insightful should not be used as your sole basis for making a decision. At the end of the day, you will need to pick a product that you believe best suits your needs and budget.

As you have narrowed it down to two products, I am hoping that this is because you have looked up the specs and even arranged for a demo of the boards, and not just because these were the two most common boards suggested on another thread.

My advice (to you and anyone else in the same position) would be to first of all write a list of features/functions that you want the product to be able to perform. Secondly, list any other requirements, such as dimensions, weight etc.

Once you have these, then look at the various product lines available from a variety of manufacturers. I would print out the spec sheets (available from most) and compare them with your list. This should enable you to narrow your choices down somewhat.

Now that you have a handful of options, start looking at additional features that may be useful to you for current or future applications and start looking for information form other people on each. This will then build your list of pro’s and con’s for each.

Try to get a demo of each (if possible). Once you have collected all your information on each product, look at the price (don’t forget to check with several distributors and to also see if they will give you a discount or throw in some leads etc).

The reason I tend to leave pricing until the end is that some products may have initially been cut form the list because they were outside my budget. However, they may now be the one that I have decided will best suit my needs and it may be in my best interest to spend a bit more. If not, then you can always move down to the next one (within your budget).

Also remember, that if someone has had a bad experience with something they will usually be more inclined to tell you than someone who has not. This is human nature and can bias your opinion. However, if you are repeatedly getting the same message form different people, you will need to consider what that message is. This is why a poll is probably not going to help you.

I would strongly advise that you demo at least the top 3 on your wish list, if not more.

[dj_illusions]

Mayhem is exactly right. While I may be all for strand and think they are great desks, the main reason for that is because it was the lighting desk that suited our needs the best and fitted the situation/budget. I have learned how to use the desks properly and think they are great.

Just because everyone uses them doesnt necessarily mean that they are going to be the best desk for you.... just because everyone drives chevy's (holdens) doesnt stop you from getting a ford becasue you like it better, same applies to desks... (keeping in mind holden is of cause better than ford)!

[Mayhem]

Originally Posted by dj_illusions

(keeping in mind holden is of cause better than ford)!

**** right!

I pray to Chevy - the God of horsepower 8)

[Radman]

Perhaps he didn't need to make a decision. It's kinda like my "best lightboard ever period" question.

Chevy: AMEN

[Phantom]

My school had an OLD strand light board that sucked and then we upgraded to a ETC 24/48 with sensor racks Completely bombass. I currently got a new job and am using a Strand LBX running Genius (which is a much larger scale and older board) and i hate it. if its like the 300 series it is super inconvient and a great pain to use.

[dj_illusions]

The new strands are great, you cant compare an old desk with a brand new desk, it just doesnt work!

[The_Guest]

Originally Posted by Phantom

My school had an OLD strand light board that sucked and then we upgraded to a ETC 24/48 with sensor racks Completely bombass. I currently got a new job and am using a Strand LBX running Genius (which is a much larger scale and older board) and i hate it. if its like the 300 series it is super inconvient and a great pain to use.

Ughhh the god awful LBX, and that god **** golf ball, ughhh. I hate that console more than anything, besides the fact its total crap and it drops cues...ITS TOTALLY UGLY! This buisiness is very sexy, you gotta look good too. At the facility for the production I'm working on, they have an LBX. They have all strand consoles, it sucks it does not have any of the ETC Net features and it just plain sucks when using any sort of DMX device. It freaks just for being connected to a DMX controller. Plus I hate their Aux console to control the lights and operate the dimmers from switches placed around the auditorium. It's the stupidest thing in the world, it can't nearly do any of the neat things my ETC aux console can do. I wish I had pic of the strand one, but like at the fancy etc one I have.

In the booth...
http://msnusers.com/techphotospeter/...oto&PhotoID=81

In the SM panel...
http://msnusers.com/techphotospeter/...oto&PhotoID=86