Christopher Dix
Member
Hello, ControlBooth:
I am the president of the Lighting Crew at my high school, and I have been tasked with recommending a new light board to be purchased for the auditorium. Besides the many functions which the auditorium serves the community (plays, concerts, presentations, etc.), my school is also home to a performing arts academy, in which anyone from the county can attend to complete a focused theatrical program (part of which involves technical theatre and lighting). (In other words, my situation is different than the "typical high school.")
Our current setup consists of an outdated ETC Express 72/144 console. As we plan to transition over to LED and automated fixtures, we need something that does a good job of controlling both these types of instruments and more traditional Source Fours. We are also looking for a console that represents the "real-world" of modern theatre -- something that will give meaningful experience and training to our academy students.
Some other features on our wish list: an interactive 2D diagram of our space in the software (something like Magic Sheets on ETC Eos), automated faders (not a top priority but they would be nice), at least 10 pageable faders for submasters/playbacks (we don't see ourselves needing any faders for individual channels), 3D visualization/diagramming, an easy method of busking, encoders to control certain fixture parameters, compatibility with touchscreens (screens don't have to be built into the console), and general ease-of-use of the console (so non-experienced crew members can easily get involved).
I was originally looking at the ETC Ion Xe to meet all of these requirements. Concerned about the $12,000 price tag that came with that board, my adviser suggested the ChamSys QuickQ 30. However, I (and the other more experienced members of my crew) am not so sure that this board will be the best for us due to buggy software, poor reviews (reference the product page for the ChamSys QuickQ 20 on Sweetwater), and lack of certain features.
With that being said, which console would you guys recommend, given the primary needs and general budget?
Thank you in advance to anyone who replies!!
- Chris
I am the president of the Lighting Crew at my high school, and I have been tasked with recommending a new light board to be purchased for the auditorium. Besides the many functions which the auditorium serves the community (plays, concerts, presentations, etc.), my school is also home to a performing arts academy, in which anyone from the county can attend to complete a focused theatrical program (part of which involves technical theatre and lighting). (In other words, my situation is different than the "typical high school.")
Our current setup consists of an outdated ETC Express 72/144 console. As we plan to transition over to LED and automated fixtures, we need something that does a good job of controlling both these types of instruments and more traditional Source Fours. We are also looking for a console that represents the "real-world" of modern theatre -- something that will give meaningful experience and training to our academy students.
Some other features on our wish list: an interactive 2D diagram of our space in the software (something like Magic Sheets on ETC Eos), automated faders (not a top priority but they would be nice), at least 10 pageable faders for submasters/playbacks (we don't see ourselves needing any faders for individual channels), 3D visualization/diagramming, an easy method of busking, encoders to control certain fixture parameters, compatibility with touchscreens (screens don't have to be built into the console), and general ease-of-use of the console (so non-experienced crew members can easily get involved).
I was originally looking at the ETC Ion Xe to meet all of these requirements. Concerned about the $12,000 price tag that came with that board, my adviser suggested the ChamSys QuickQ 30. However, I (and the other more experienced members of my crew) am not so sure that this board will be the best for us due to buggy software, poor reviews (reference the product page for the ChamSys QuickQ 20 on Sweetwater), and lack of certain features.
With that being said, which console would you guys recommend, given the primary needs and general budget?
Thank you in advance to anyone who replies!!
- Chris