New Console

[thelightguy87]

So I just found out we are getting a fully loaded Ion with playback wings to replace an old flaky Colortran Encore XL. What I'm looking for are comments about the Ion. Do you like it? Is the software similar to the expression software at all? I'm used to an ETC Express, Colortran Encore, and Innovator, and HES Hog3 IPC. We haven't put it out to bid yet, so if I decide it may not be the right console we can change the specs for the bid. So comments, concerns, pet peeves that drive ya nuts about it. Also comparison to Eos. I've been interested in the Eos for a while and the Ion is in the Eos line, but I'm just not familiar at all about the Ion and the ETC website doesn't give me the info that helps me decide if i'll like it or not.

Thanks!

[Charc]

You'll like the Ion, and I'll like the Colortran Encore XL...

[soundlight]

Download the EOS Client software, and run it in ION offline mode to get a feel for command structure, etc.

For wings, I'd make sure that there are two 40-fader wings in the spec, but that's just me. But I also really like the Insight (108 subs). If one will do ya, then that's fine. The nice thing is that you can take one or both of them off at any time if you want to fit the console in the tight space on the tech table.

[jmabray]

Do DL the software and play. It will feel pretty familar at first because the syntax style is similar to that of the express/ion line. However there are some differences that you need to be aware of.

The ION is a command line console. This means that you need to hit enter at the end of every line/command. This may seem like a bad thing initially, but once you can realize that you can embed several commands in one line you will probably begin to like it. For example, on the express you would say [record] [cue] [1] [time] [5] [enter]. and that would be about the extent of the command. On the ION however, you could have a command that was: [record] [cue] [1] [up time] [5] [down time] [5] [color] [time] [10] [focus] [time] [5] [enter]. (This command alsow shows you some of the timing capabilites of the console...)

The other big thing here is that, by default, the desk is a tracking desk. It's just something different that you will have to learn how to use. Tracking can be a very powerful feature, but for those not used to it, it can also be a royal pain in the arse.

Anyway, if you have more specific questions I will be glad to answer them.

[SteveB]

I had an Ion 3 hr. demo at the ETC NY office 2 weeks ago and to put it simply - I was blown away. I've also spent a lot of time with the Eos off line editor

Things I like that save time vs. an Express syntax:

- It knows that 3 means 30, thus Ch 1 at 3 Enter brings Ch 1 to 30. @ 05 means 5%.

- With a touch screen, or better yet, two - which is essential, you can touch channels on the touch screen to grab channels. 1 and 2 and 5 and 15, etc.. @ Full Enter. Or touch the Tombstone (the name for the channel display section) at 1, then the thru button, then Ch 15 and it knows 1 thru 15. This can be really fast, IMO

- Once you hit Record 1 enter, time 5, the look is loaded on to the fader (a feature that can be turned off). No more loading Cue 1 GO, release. It also knows that when you hit 1 @ again, it knows you are talking Channel.

You can call up multiple Addresses at the same time. Dimmers are now called Addresses, for lots of good reasons.

- It deals with assorted accessories and attributes as sub sections to the Channel - which now deals with level.

- It deals well with and separates Intensity from Position, from Color, from Beam functions and you don't have to think ONLY.

- Encoders

- Direct Selects, especially with the touch screens

- Shortly, cues on playbacks

- Sometime in the future (we hope), + and - percentage on channel levels.

And tons, tons more. Simply put, a vastly superior console that will serve you well.

The negatives. They are still developing a lot of features. Currently there are issues related to how the console reads playback wings that are not physically connected (end to end), but instead use a USB connections. I would suggest reading up on the ETC Users Forum for more info.

They are currently at version 1.3. I'm guessing that by version 1.6 things will be further along where I'd like. That said, I could use the Ion quite easily right now.

Steve B

[soundman]

Originally Posted by SteveB

I had an Ion 3 hr. demo at the ETC NY office 2 weeks ago and to put it simply - I was blown away. I've also spent a lot of time with the Eos off line editor
Things I like that save time vs. an Express syntax:
- It knows that 3 means 30, thus Ch 1 at 3 Enter brings Ch 1 to 30. @ 05 means 5%.

Ive been doning this on an express for a few years. Most of the time I forgot until I punch in 1 thru 5 @ 5 enter and the stage is way brighter than I thought.

[Arez]

You'll get used to it really quick, I recently trained 4 people on the basics and 2 indepth and all were using express boards previously and picked up the basics within the hour and the 2 that I went into more detailed things with became quite used to it by the end of the night. It's fairly basic once you get it and you'll get it.

[SteveB]

Originally Posted by soundman

Ive been doning this on an express for a few years. Most of the time I forgot until I punch in 1 thru 5 @ 5 enter and the stage is way brighter than I thought.

Ummm.... No, the Express/ion syntax requires a 30 to get a channel to 30%. It does not respond to 3.

SB

[Footer]

Originally Posted by SteveB

Ummm.... No, the Express/ion syntax requires a 30 to get a channel to 30%. It does not respond to 3.
SB

If you do 3 enter, it will take it however.

[thelightguy87]

awesome, thanks for the responses, I'll get the software tonight when I get home. I'm glad its similar to the express a little, as much as I want to learn a new console, I don't have the time to learn a new console, just something I can jump into and have a good idea of whats going on.