"As I understand, and it seems that most have gathered, the
ION is the replacement to the
Express/
ion line of consoles. When you really look at the
ETC line as of before the
EOS, there really was no middle
ground console between Expression and Obsession. Sure, you could go
Express -> Expression -> Obsession, but ultimately the only difference between
Express and Expression is outputs and enconders, the software is the same."
Sort of. I believe that Expression and Insight, in terms of cost was almost smack dab in the middle of the price range between
Express ($5,000 - $7,500), with Insight and Expression at around $15,000 and Obsession II up around $30,000. Just a different OS for Obsession that was a result of
ETC needing a
tracking console for Broadway.
"I just don't think that Congo was intended to be, or ever will be a gap filler, it is a different class
console in it's own little world."
I hope that is
ETC's marketing strategy as well.
"So, where does
Ion fit in? Well, it kind of is a baby
EOS, but it is priced in the same range as the
Express/
ion.
ION is supposed to mesh
power and
ease of use into an affordable package that will be ideal for schools and small to mid size venues."
Agreed, though I hope it has the ability to add functionality for all those needing their Expression and Insights replaced.
"Playback and subs. The
ION is a replacement to the
Express/
ion line, there was no such thing as a playback on those consoles. There was only one
cue list on the Expression. If you need that functionality you shouldn't be buying the low end board."
Again, sort of. You can do multiple playbacks on Emphasis via subroutines on submasters. Just not at the same time, which is the issue with ML's. In reality, the idea of multiple cues running at the same time is sort of new to the industry coming from dedicated ML consoles. I believe even Obsession only had one
cue stack. So multiple playbacks on faders is really a ML functionality. But given the trickle down OS from
EOS, with the encoders as well as palettes and touch
screen capability, it seems to me to NOT allow playbacks on the
fader wings, but to limit them to submasters only, is really stupid and kills the marketability of the
console.
"Also, I hate to break it, but 2-scene
preset is a technology of the past. No one is butting in systems anymore that have few enough dimmers to make 2 scene
preset practical, and as more an more small venues and schools are putting in intelligent gear, it again, isn't
practical to have 2-scene
preset. Memory consoles are where we are and where we are going. So, you can get
submaster wings if you need direct tactile access to channels or scenes."
Be very careful in assuming that the way you operate and function is going to be that way, for how every potential user operates. I get frequent users of my
Express going 2 scene. I run my
one-off dance recitals in 2 scene.
In reality though, I've given a great deal of thought to "Do I still need 2 scene" and the answer is that I could work around it if I have enough assignable
fader handles. It's certainly possible to
build up a LOT of looks on subs/faders, but I really do need a lot of
manual handles (I see a lot of riders that are Vegas style events - Dionne Warwick this past May is a case in
point - 40 channels / 2 scene plus subs). If you doubt this, look at how well Avo does with their Diamond series consoles which have a lot of handles. That's what I'm looking for and I would probably get an
Ion with 2-2x20
fader wings for
manual channels, as WELL AS a 3rd 2x20 for playbacks (Going to have to take out the tape measure to see if I have the room !), with any
fader having the capability to be a
channel, a
submaster or a
cue/
effect playback.
I could certainly understand if
ETC wants to limit, for software/processing reasons or for marketing reasons, not allowing all 240 potential
fader handles - now described as submasters, from being playback faders. Seems that's whole lot of processing. Fine, make it 40 playbacks as with Congo Jr, plus up to 200 submasters only. I could live with that.
"It's kind of like this, if you are currently using an Obsession, Congo, or
Strand 500 series the
ION may not be the
console for you, so you get an
EOS. Really only the Congo doesn't compare in the price range there. If you are using an
Express/
ion, or
Strand 300 then you are the target market for the
ION."
Not yet I'm not !.
From another post, it was good to hear that the Focus Phone is not going to be the only
RFU available.
Breathlessly awaiting the latest news !
SB