So far I'm leaning towards the
Strand 200 Plus Series
console. Has anyone had any experience programming it? In reality, how easy is it to layer LEDs, moving lights, and conventionals? If it is anything like High End's
power cue I want nothing to do with it.
If I had things my way, I would go with a grand MA pico, but budget constraints makes that an unrealistic option. ETCs smartfade might also be a viable option as well... Any opinions?
Don't get the 200+. It's not a
Strand product, actually. Look at the Elation TRIO series of controllers -
same exact thing. It's something that you do not want to attempt to program on.
Given the 5K budget I'd be looking at the
ETC Element. It should come in around $4300 + tax, and then you'll just need a
monitor or two from your favorite computer store (or ones you already have) to make it happen.
If you intend to not ever work with movers but only with LEDs and conventionals, I think that a Smartfade ML would make a decent
desk and you'd have no problem layering the conventionals & LEDs. If you're adding movers to the mix, the SFML is still a viable
console, just not quite as much I think. The selective recording features are nice, but it doesn't have indexed values of
encoder control (the faders are the main method of controlling moving light parameters) - and by that I mean you don't have an
encoder that steps to gobos or colors on a wheel or settings on a control
channel. It's all numeric and continuous so that can be quite a hassle. The lack of a
monitor display can also be irksome, although this is largely alleviated with the option of running SmartSoft live. The number of palettes (24 per type) can also be limiting. All of that being said, it is the best moving light
desk in the $2K range,
IMO.
Other things to investigate, and definitely do a fair
bit of research in to each of these:
Zero88 Jester ML (24 or 48) and the Jester TLXtra. These all have a
monitor out standard, the featureset seems quite nice, and programming seems straightforward. I'd probably want a sidecar
console (regular Jester 12/24?) in to the
DMX input to control conventionals and primarily use the ML or TLX for movers/LEDs.
Zero88 Solution - the newly rebranded Leap Frog 48 from Zero88, this is nothing like the old one if anything that I've read is correct. The new
operating system is quite different and has a lot of improvements. Same software as their Orb
desk and the Frog 2 as well now. Looks like a good range with good software.
SGM Pilot 3000 - touchscreen, playback faders, executor buttons, compact, and it programs like a real
console. I was surprised to learn about this
desk and mess around on it for a little
bit, it's really a powerhouse given its size & price. The executor buttons are quite nice, especially give their quantity for a
desk this size. Limited faders, you'd probably want a sidecar in the form of a Jester or Smartfade (not ML) that has a
DMX input.
Things not to get:
Leprecon LPX or LPC. The LPX can be alright with a touchscreen and given time to figure it out, but it's still a hassle. I use one every weekend so I'd know. I've heard from several people who have used several LPC consoles that they're prone to crashing. I also know from spending a short amount of time on one that they're just as much of a hassle to program as the LPX.
Strand 200+, Elation Trio, Elation ShowDesigner. Just don't. Save yourself from having to destroy the
console with a sledge hammer when you get too frustrated with it.
