maXim XL lighting console by LSC

achstechdirector

Active Member
We are currently ordering a maXim XL for one of the local theatres I do some work at. Are these good consoles? How easy are they to run? Quality? Service/Support? What is the low down on this console?
 
Hi Patrick,
I have had a lot of experience with LSC gear, our current dimmers are LSC ePak /a's. And our old setup in the drama hall, consists of a LSC Wallpak, and a LSC Preciept 12, both were made in late 1970's (Roughly) and still work fully. So there's ur reliability question sorted. As for being easy to learn, they aren't overly complicated. The desk itself can be pretty much learned by watching the videos. As for service, I have never had anything go wrong with the desk that couldn't be fixed. Im in Australia and the main offices of LSC are about an hours drive from me, so if anything needed to be fixed by the people that built it, I could take it there. I presume you aren't, and the time differences could be hell if somthing needs to be fixed now, and you call at 4am our time. They are a lot simpler to learn than a EOS or Strand, and there are Video Tutorials by clicking Here and that way you get to see the console in action and decide for yourself wether it would be good for this installation. I am a big LSC fan, simply because they don't have any major problems after so many years. Its up to you in the end what you get, but I think LSC are great. When our new performing arts center gets built, I am going to have the LSC Precipt that we have been using for so many years, framed, and hang it on my wall.
Nick
 

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It really depends on the situation, but having worked with them extensively in previously i would say there a great desk for the price.
 
I put a Maxim M with PatPad into a high school and they got the hang of it quickly. Very nice units I reckon. :grin:
 
Thank You for your input. I have noticed that the house TD at that theatre is cranky about getting a new lighting board. Now this stumped me and I could not figure out how getting new equipment would make someone downright mad. I talked to him, and he said that he did not like new equipment because it was so complicated. Currently they are running a board from the 1970's and it is completely analog (even the board is powered by the dimmer packs) it is two scene preset. Well, He doesn't want to learn the new equipment and one of the older people said that when they got the new sound board in the 90's he threw a fit. Well, they were able to get grants and save up the money to get all new dimmers, a console, some fixtures, and a completely new sound system with plenty of wireless mics and outboard gear. This man is currently having a heart attack because the console arrived in a very large box (in his opinion). and he said that he'd rather be running the old rhotostat dimmers that were on a huge rack. We have them sitting unconnected backstage at the largest theatre in the county. Well anyways, everyone is now concerned that the console is bad because the TD is making such a huge deal about it. I thought from the ads and stuff that this was a pretty good console, but now after his deal, they are considering sending it back. Im glad I am not part of that group making all the decisions.
 
He can still run the Maxim as a 2 preset desk. That should allay some fears.


We've tried explaining that to him, but he is still paranoid. That is not my problem.

I have tried downloading manuals but it gave me an error message
 
The personal issues of your TD notwithstanding...
...Quality? Service/Support? ...
I'd be hesitant about buying a show critical piece of gear made on the other side of the world, except for the fact that their US rep. is Applied Electronics, which has been in business a long time. I've never dealt with them, nor seen the LSC Maxim console, however.

Questions I think worth asking (about any important component) are:
How close is an identical unit?
Does the local rental house have one?
Are there any venues nearby that have one?
Can the factory or rep. get me a replacement via Next Day Air?
Does anyone offer 24/7/365 phone support?
Is there a factory-authorized technician within X miles?

See this thread: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/lighting/11567-bad-phone-call-light-board-wont-turn.html.
 
I was forced to use a LSC console before and it wasn't that bad once I got used to it.

Mike
 
Somebody needs to find that TD a job somewhere else.

Theatre is like life in that you must adapt to survive.


NO, he needs to stay there, as I said he is getting old (KEYWORD: OLD)
He says he is retiring in 3 years

I will have enough education in 3 years to get a job in the community (not that i plan to stay there)

PLAN A:
He retires
I Interview
I get the job because they know my work and I am like family and they like me.
I leave when it is time to go to Ole Miss


PLAN B:
He retires
I offer to interim until they get a new TD
I Leave to go to Ole Miss
 

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