BillConnerFASTC
Well-Known Member
I know that this issue is discussed in many threads but I hope that the perspective here is different enough that you will indulge me. As some or most of you know I'm a consultant but I do believe that the building Owner and their users know what is really right for them so do a lot of leg work and research and education to reach design choices. Not surprisingly, we often are specifying "equals" and lighting gear - especially consoles - often comes down to ETC or Strand. So, on just such a project and one unique enough that the vendor will provide either a ETC or Strand console and control accessories, and keeping in mind the system is a distributed one with just power and data and no fixed dimmers (well a 6 pack for some misc architectural loads), and currently no movers, presented the options and the owner responded with this from a "friend" of the school:
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"If it was between the two, I'd vote ETC. They make good consoles, have great support, and as someone mentioned previously, students that are interested in performing arts will run into them in the future. Strand is a good company as well, but I'm just not as familiar with their console line.
However, I think that BOTH of these consoles and they way they operate are "dated" (even though they are current). They are typical theatrical lighting desks that do the same thing, the same way it's been done for years…just modern versions with updated software.
I feel that the consoles geared towards the entertainment / touring world are far better, and easier to understand for students. They do everything the ETC & Strand boards do, far more efficiently, PLUS have a ton of easy to use features… and make programming moving lights, LEDs, etc. mindless. They operate like computer programs that your students are already familiar with, rather than old school theatre mentality. (well, they are computer programs basically with touch screens) AND, many of them are the same price point, if not cheaper, and have far more features for the $$$.
Martin M1/M2 series, High End Systems Road Hogs, MA Lite/Ultra Lite are all great. These are all entry-level for their series, and come with at least 4 universes of DMX, Artnet, RDM technology AND have iPad/iPhone remote features built in.
The desk I always bring in is the Martin M1. The MA series is more common, but pricier. However, most theater installation reps / designers frown on these desks and I've never understood why. No one has ever been able to give me a reason why an ETC is better for an educational environment.
All of my formal training was on Strand and ETC consoles. And, for the past 13 years of professional experience, I have NEVER used a Strand or ETC desk unless it's been installed in an educational environment. That's their place. There are much better, modern, and easier for today's students to understand and comprehend boards for same/less.
Probably not what you wanted to hear from me "
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