Control/Dimming - Colortran Innovator 48/96 or ETC Express 250

[Drewdesign]

What is better Colortran Innovator 48/96 or an Express 250?

[midgetgreen11]

I believe the Innovator is made by Leviton/NSI. But I would say Express 250 anyday based on ETC's customer service ratings and whatnot.

[Sayen]

I have run two new Innovator 600s, and both lock up at random times. I've also noticed other posts around here from individuals saying the same thing. For what it's worth, my Innovator is brand new, and I'll probably buy an ETC ION next year, and shelve the Innovator for a backup board. An unreliable console just doesn't cut it for me.

[soundlight]

Express 250, hands down.

[Sony]

I also vote for the Express 250, I've used both the Express 125 and Express 48/96 and never had any major problems. The only difference between the Express boards are the computer boards on the inside, the software is exactly the same on all of the Express boards.

[waynehoskins]

Another vote for the Express.

The only reason I'd go the other way is if I needed to run it two-preset, which is increasingly rare these days.

[Serendipity]

Originally Posted by Sony

I also vote for the Express 250, I've used both the Express 125 and Express 48/96 and never had any major problems. The only difference between the Express boards are the computer boards on the inside, the software is exactly the same on all of the Express boards.

I am another vote in favor of the Express.
Although I will say I have had one problem with an Express 24/48 (the board crashed twice in a show, both times losing all lights onstage). When we sent in the board, the customer service was fantastic, the problem was assessed to be in the firmware, it came back fully functional and spiffed up.
I haven't used a 250 (only larger Expresses) but I've had no complaints aside from that one incident.

[LekoBoy]

Originally Posted by Serendipity

I haven't used a 250 (only larger Expresses) but I've had no complaints aside from that one incident.

This is misleading. While perhaps not as gargantuan physically as the 72/144, the 250 is the "largest" Express in terms of channel count.

[lieperjp]

I have the Innovator 48/96. It's ok, if that's what you have. (I've used worse.) It's not terrible, but yes, mine seems to lock up when using the keypad extensively. If I had the choice, go with the Express. ETC Customer Support is amazing and will get you through many a tough spot.

Note: I have never used moving lights, but a few people have posted on how the Express(ion) is a bit screwy when programming movers. The Innovator seems to have a strait forward section on movers, at least from reading the manual. But then again, if you're using movers you may want to look into an ION or a Strand instead of the Express.

[Charc]

Strand 300 series is equivalent to the Express, except that Strand doesn't support products as much as ETC.

However, if you will be using any intels, the Strand 300 handles them better than the Express.

If that is not a concern, go with ETC Express.