We also can't forget the
EOS and Congo families have completely different operational concepts that appeal to different people in different ways. For how I design, and most of the designers I program for design, the
LTP/Move-Fade/
Tracking of
EOS is more efficient at achieving the end product we want than the
HTP/
Preset/State of Congo. It is all about what is most appropriate for the work being done.
Yes, this post says it all.
As someone who has used both extensive, there are pros and cons to both lines. Once you are two weeks into both consoles, the Congo is hands down faster to do
busking on. In my opinion, the
screen layout is more flexible and easier to set just how you want them. The
effects engine(s) are more flexible, and there are more settings / configuration options. Has tap sync, better (faster) direct select options (due to programming paradigms the
console uses). I likely don't have to tell you what is good about the
EOS line, but I will anyway, it is easier to use. Less settings mean that you can more easily
walk up to a new
console and have it work the way you want it to. You can't configure screens as much, but you also can't 'loose' screens, like you can on a Congo (
EOS can't make
tab 1, channels go a way, Congo you can).
As said above, it all depends on what you are comfortable working on and what kind of work you are doing. My personal preference is the
EOS, but that is due mostly to the type of programming I'm doing. There are definitely jobs that I'd rather take a Congo on.
It is also worth mentioning, I provide a lot of training on the
EOS lines, and 95% of the time when a customer has a need for one of those consoles, we can achieve exactly what they want on the
EOS line console. However, that last 5%, they say, "man I wish this
console did ...whatever....". 100% of the time, the thing they want to do is something the Congo excels at.
I agree that the syntax is a hurdle, but as with learning any other
console, once you learn it it is fine. Though difficult to go back and fourth on.
I, personally, think that the Congo
line has tons of potential, and I'm glad to see that they are supporting that
console legacy with a new flagship
console kicking off a new
line. There were some software issues that plagued the Congos, and I know there is an
image issue with it being difficult to use (though not nearly as challenging as an MA, which has great success). Cobalt is a fresh start and I personally hope it has great success.