Review - Smartfade 2496

[tbeck]

OK, let me start off by saying that I havnt experienced everything that this console is capable of doing, but I have set pretty much my whole show up so far with it.

I will update this as I get more use out of the console for the week i have it and I will post pictures as well.

*quotes from http://www.etcconnect.com/news/default.asp?239*

This is a console with something for everyone, designed to give users at all skill levels the tools to program a lighting show.

Very true. Once i had all my lights and dimmers daisy-chained throughout our theatre/lecture hall. I plugged it in and began controlling the units.

SmartFade has three convenient operating modes: Two-Scene, Normal, and DMX Backup.

I have onoly experinced Normal and two-scene mode, both work very well.

There's no learning curve for novice or first-time users: the simple two-scene mode provides a concise, easy-to-operate 12- or 24-channel, two-scene preset console with a manual or timed crossfade section, bump buttons with master and a grand master.

Although easy to operate, my board operators found the instructions difficult to comprehend. But once they got the hang of it they flew through basic programming. I have yet to use the timed crossfade, i have no use for it currently.

Always thinking how about how real people work with lights, ETC designed SmartFade's rugged back-lit LED buttons to light up as the console is switched on and to be completely dimmable (functionality usually found only on higher-spec consoles). SmartFade lets you see what you're doing and is easy on the eyes: Users can set button brightness to suit their surroundings, whether they are working in a fully darkened control booth or bright sunlight.

Love the buttons, I can easily dim the buttons if i would like or i can make it so that every memory i have set lights up lightly when not in use. I like the use of various shades of LED's as well.

If anyone has any specific questions about the console please let me know and i will answer them. :wink:

Trevor

[asb002]

My school is currently looking for a new board, and we like ETC things. One thing that turned me off from the SmartFade was the lack of VGA port.
How useful are the on-console LCD screens?
Does the SmartFade allow you to type in a channel and set its value, like the Express, or must you use the faders, only?

[tbeck]

the on screen lcd screen (single) is ok, it shows you the level of the lights you are controlling and also allows you to chnage to different menus. You can patch channels via the board. I tested it out and i had no difficulty, it is quite easy, you just choose the channel one lamp is on and scroll to what you wluld like it to actually be.

Granted it would be nice to have the VGA port, but this isnt an express, which allows for monitors.

It is similar to the express when you ste the channels, but not exactly, you must utilize the faders to set values..

[tbeck]

here are some pics, please excuse the large size
i would make them show up, but they are huge and i dont have an editing program on the computer i am on right now.

click for bigger





and some pics from rehearsal

[ewards71]

Anymore thoughts or comments ? . . . I like the looks of it . . . but to be honest with you, I have never used a board with this level of "bells and whistles" I am used to the two scene X - Y crossover style . . . is this too much ? I will be using it for conventionals . . . so it can't be that hard . . . right ?

[LDSFX]

Originally Posted by Footer4321

This board is pretty much a remake of the ETC Idea that came out in the early 90's (which is the predessor the the expression line)... it does have some extra user features but pretty much its made for controling a handful of dimmers....etc is really pushing it for small portable systems.... how does that magic button work for ya?... it would not be a bad board for doing small events but i would not want to program a show off of it w/o a monitor....

I used it for a small gig where I was running CXI color scrollers. The "next" button worked great cuz it allowed me to set my next color and execute a timed fade without being super sensitive on the faders and without paying top dollar for a memory console.