This is so sad. While I am a huge fan of the new EOS/ION line, I don't see them as a replacement for the 48/96 in high school settings. As has been said before the Smartfade isn't really an acceptable substitute for the Express and for many schools the ION is almost too much of a console. Even with its low price tag. Schools still want to be able to push up that channel 1 fader and have channel one come up. Hopefully this will either initiate a new line or some sort of software patch for the ION. I am certainly sad to see it go and if I had 7k lying around i might think of picking one up.
I propose we make today a national holiday in remembrance of the express line console.
The future is already here in the form of Smartfade, Congo Jr, Congo, Ion, and EOS. Unless ETC has a surprise console up their sleeve this day has been obviously coming for several years now as they have slowly added products to their line.
I've got no problem letting two scene preset fade away. But there is a big hole in the product line between Smartfade and Ion/Jr. There are a lot of Schools, small college theaters, community theaters, and churches that want more power than Smartfade but don't need/can't afford Ion. There are a lot of spaces with 96 or less dimmers that never use moving lights. They need a baby Ion, sell it with 200 channels, drop the encoder wheels and add 16 submasters to the console. Price it about halfway between Smartfade and Ion/Jr with a wing panel and you've got a product that will make all the people above happy. (Hey ETC crew you don't have to pay me for the idea, just name it the "Gafftaper" and send me some swag)
We hear you on the gap and we're working on it really hard! (are you sure you're not applying for a job in ETC marketing?
there are console manufacturers out there who still make 2 scene presets. like these folks:
Leprecon® Lighting for Professionals
I can't speak much to their product support, but I've used tons of these on small gigs. Zero88 makes the functional frog series. both of these mfg's have very reasonable prices.
peace, Tim O
Leprecon is the Devil. When they say Lighting for Professionals I really want to know what kind of Professional they're talking about.
I disagree. Leprecon would be my first stop for small preset boards.
I'd go with a LP-600 over a SmartFade nearly any day of the week. The one drawback I see is Leprecon's tech support. Now if a Lep employee is stalking this thread, and wants to get in contact with me about a wonky LP-624 board, then we can put the tech support to the test.
Leprecon is the Devil. When they say Lighting for Professionals I really want to know what kind of Professional they're talking about.
Methinks NoStoppin just PWN'D Grog12! You two boys play nice: you both love grandMA; can't we all just get along?well sir - one way of determining if one is a professional or not is if you get paid. ... Ironically, I get paid the same day rate to put up 8 lekos and run them with a Lep that I do for running a hog and a bunch of movers. ...
I can't speak to Lep tech support because I've never had to use it. not bad, eh?
As was brought up in another recent thread. Before you go bashing Lep... Have YOU called Lep and asked for tech support?
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