Tell me why I should try a smartfade ML

[Footer]

I have an event coming in next week thats bringing some 250 spots of some sort and a smartfade ML to add to the rep plot in the venue (scrollers, conventionals, ellipscans). Now, I have a 520i in this space with ethernet/nodes everwhere. I am going to be programming this event. I have yet to touch any of the smartfades, and really have never wanted to touch them. I am currently planning on just using the 520i for the show and keeping the smartfade in its case, and hopefully in the truck. Tell me why I should give the smartfade ML a try over the 520i.

[Arez]

Personally I'd say just use the 520i...I've used both and I preffered the 520i. The Smartfade is nice overall, but I found the strand 520i to be more robust, and less distracting, and I was more used to programming on it.

I think if you have any time, you should definately set up both and just play with them each for an hour and see what you like better.

If you're familiar with programming intels on the strand then it might be your best bet.

Also how many universes of DMX do you need?

[derekleffew]

Whew. When I first read that, I thought you were saying they were bringing in two-hundred and fifty spots, way too many for either a SmartFadeML or a 520i. If it's you who is programming the event, you should get to decide, if for no other reason than that one board is easier to run than two (without multiple programmers). Use the 520, but if time allows, play with the SmartFade.

[Grog12]

You shouldn't. Even though I'm not a fan of th 520i I'd take it in a heartbeat in this situation.

[jmabray]

You should hook up the Smartfade to one spot and test it out - if you have time - just to give it a shot and see how it works. Otherwise, don't bother. You are more familiar with the 520i and program on it all the time - no need to try and add to your stress level in learning a new console at the same time.....

[porkchop]

Although I would never pass up the opportunity to try out new equipment if time allows, I think I would probably run with your 520. I'm assuming that you know the 520 fairly well and given that there will be a noticeable time difference between programming on the 520 over the Smartfade. If that assumption is wrong then I would consider the Smartfade just for experiance on the board if the situation comes up that you have to use it. In the end I'd just say unless there's a compelling reason not to (and it doesn't appear there is one) go with what your used to, ETC and Strand have different syntax no reason to confuse yourself using the one you don't program in normally.

[Footer]

Originally Posted by derekleffew

Whew. When I first read that, I thought you were saying they were bringing in two-hundred and fifty spots, way too many for either a SmartFadeML or a 520i. If it's you who is programming the event, you should get to decide, if for no other reason than that one board is easier to run than two (without multiple programmers). Use the 520, but if time allows, play with the SmartFade.

I don't have enough power in the space to run 250 of anything... I was planning on sticking with the 520i, just wondering if anyone had any comments about the smartfade to convince me to use it. I will play with it, but I think thats about it.

[SteveB]

Ditto everyone elses suggestions to stick with the Strand, if only as I suspect you will have your hands full with the additonal gear and will have zero time to experiment.

Steve B.

[porkchop]

Originally Posted by Footer4321

I don't have enough power in the space to run 250 of anything... I was planning on sticking with the 520i, just wondering if anyone had any comments about the smartfade to convince me to use it. I will play with it, but I think thats about it.

First time I read it I thought you said 250 fixtures too, I was like holy cow you'll need both and more to handle that mess

[Charc]

Originally Posted by porkchop

First time I read it I thought you said 250 fixtures too, I was like holy cow you'll need both and more to handle that mess

First 3 times I read it, I thought it was 250 fixtures as well.