Express 196?

[disc2slick]

I'm going to be doing a show in the next couple weeks that, according to the production manager will be programmed on an Express 196. I've never heard of the 196 nor does the ETC website make any mention of it, I'm assuming he means it's a 48/96 (192 Channels on the Keypad), but I figured there may be an old discontinued line of Expresses or something, any thoughts?

-Dan

[Footer]

nope, its a 48/96. the 196 does not exist. The only expresses out there with just a number is the 125 and 250, they are much smaller and lack all the channel handles. They are by far my favorite of the express line.

[gafftaper]

I second Footer's post. Your production manager is a little confused.

[zac850]

I'd assume their talking about the 48/96. Either that or its a new console from ETC, wouldn't that be exciting!

[gafftaper]

Originally Posted by zac850

I'd assume their talking about the 48/96. Either that or its a new console from ETC, wouldn't that be exciting!

No, All ETC has so far is Congo, Congo Jr., and EOS. Rumors say that "EOS Jr" may be released fairly soon and the ION series (which will replace the Express/Expression series) probably won't be announced until LDI and then won't ship until late in the year if not early next year.

[Footer]

Originally Posted by zac850

I'd assume their talking about the 48/96. Either that or its a new console from ETC, wouldn't that be exciting!

anyone else feel that ETC and apple have alot in common, at least in the way people view their products...

[gafftaper]

Originally Posted by Footer4321

anyone else feel that ETC and apple have alot in common, at least in the way people view their products...

Yeah it's a bit of a cult. In recent posts about new consoles I keep hammering the point that just because the Express has been a great console doesn't mean Ion will be. It may be that the Strand Palettes... or some other brand proves to be far more reliable and easy to use.

You don't have to look far to find a school that did an upgrade in the 80's and they have EDI dimmers and console and a rig full of 360Q's. EDI and Altman were kings 25 years ago... who knows what will happen in the next 5 or 10 years.

[jmabray]

EDI? Really? I would have said Strand or Colortran, but maybe it's a regional thing in your part vs. my part of the country.

I think the reason that ETC has such a 'cult' following is not necessarily due to the consoles, but to the customer service. If you really think about it, Strand was much better in a lot of their console design. They had networking first, and it did alot more than ETC Net2. But their service sucked, and thats a high ranking in many people's opinion. ETC came along and raised the bar so high, that Strand, and everyone else, is still trying to catch up....

Oh, and by the way, the ION is the Eos, Jr. They aren't two seperate desks. And from the rumors that I hear right now, it will be debuted, and shipping by LDI. But like most rumours in this industry, I will believe it when I see it.....

[CLEFFEL]

I agree w/ Jeff. The reason ETC is king right now is no doubt because of technical service. If I'm going out to work on a job that is not an ETC job, I dread it. I know that whenever I call the ETC tech support line I'll get someone that can answer my question right the first time and in a timely manner. With other manufacturers you're lucky if your call is answered in 30 minutes or less...then you have to pray you got the right person on the right day and the planets have aligned.

[gafftaper]

Originally Posted by CLEFFEL

I agree w/ Jeff. The reason ETC is king right now is no doubt because of technical service. If I'm going out to work on a job that is not an ETC job, I dread it. I know that whenever I call the ETC tech support line I'll get someone that can answer my question right the first time and in a timely manner. With other manufacturers you're lucky if your call is answered in 30 minutes or less...then you have to pray you got the right person on the right day and the planets have aligned.

But if tech support doesn't answer in 30 minutes don't you get a free pizza or something?

Cleffel, Welcome to the booth. It's great having someone with your service experience here in the booth.