Prices vary depending on how large of a package you are buying at once, the volume purchasing
power of the dealer you get the quote from, and your relationship with the dealer (how much of a deal are they willing to cut you based on previous experience). That said we've been hearing somewhere around $5500-$6000 for an
Ion and one
fader wing. Also Soundlight is right there is a very specific touch
screen you have to
purchase which costs around $500 (but touch screens are optional).
Tell us more about your theater's needs.
-Number of dimmers
-Do you have any
DMX controlled intelligent lights,
gobo rotators, color scrollers... anything like that? Is there a chance that you will be investing in some in the lifetime of this
console?
-What's your budget?
Ion is an outstanding
console,
ETC is the best in the industry when it comes to customer service, and educationally it would be best for your students to have a chance to learn on an
ION. However the reality of schools is there is often a set budget and if you can't afford it, that's it.
If
ION is out of your price range let me suggest you look at the
Strand Basic Palette. It should run around $4k maybe less, get a price quote. I own it's big brother the Classic
Palette and it's an excellent
console. You will loose very little in capabilities and save a nice chunk of money. The basic
Palette only comes with the capacity for 100 channels but you can buy a 128 or 512 upgrade. Over time
Strand has developed a poor reputation for customer service, however I have been VERY good over the last year with my new
console. I think along with a couple of buy outs in the last few years there is a new attitude about customer service at
Strand. Unfortunately You still won't get a 24/7 phone number like
ETC has, but they have been very quick and attentive to my concerns.
If that's still too high then I would suggest you look at an
EDI Bijou... it's very similar to an
ETC Express and should cost you in the $3k range.