The Acclaim is essentially a 2 scene
preset board.
Plug and
play.
Plug in the
DMX and bring up the faders to get lights up. It couldn't be simpler. Simple is it though, as you won't be running cues with a go
button on it. If it is the 100 series, then it will have submasters as well. I'm not quite as
clear on the features of the older models.
I work for a rental company that happens to own some Acclaims (not trying to advertise - just offering advice), and they go out quite frequently. Some people just love them for their simplicity, especially for the film or tv production market, and many of these people prefer the Acclaim over a newer substitute, like something from
Leprecon, NSI, or Lightronics.
BUT, there are some drawbacks. An Acclaim is a very BIG board compared to some of the other comprable boards today, like something from NSI,
Leprecon or Lightronics.
A used 2 scene 24
channel Acclaim would retail for $1300 with a case while a used 2 scene 36
channel with a case would retail for $1500. (Just giving you an idea - not trying to advertise)
If it were me, I'd definitely take it if the price was right, because a
DMX 2 scene
preset console will always have value, both to you as a tool for small productions or as testing tool, and to others. (You can always sell it and recoup your investment as long as
DMX dimmers and gadgets exist)
Take a look at eBay and see what a simple 2 scene
console from
Leprecon, NSI, or Lightronics is selling for. (Probably for much less than $500) The Acclaim would be a steal for $250 - $400. For more than $500 you could get something newer and smaller on eBay with a few more features. (I've had great luck personally with the
Leprecon 612 / 624 and have heard good things about the NSI and Lightronics boards)
As for the Microvision FX, it's a similar story with some major differences. Popular board with the
ETC logo on it, so it fetches a good price. This board is definitely compact and is a computer board and still has value to a small group of people. If it's working and reliable then it's definitely a good tool to have in your inventory, as a backup or touring board if nothing else. I'd be weary of paying anything more than $1000 for it, as again, newer products are available with similar features in smaller packages for about the same price.
That's a really quick overview off the top of my head, so don't make any rash decisions based on what I say. Check out
www.etcconnect.com - they should still have manuals for the Acclaim 100 series and the Microvision FX.
Hopefully helps you a little
bit. Feel free to private message me with any questions.
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