First off I think buying an express at this point is a very poor idea. While it's a good console that will be in service for many more years if not decades, it's ancient technology. Saying that you have no plans to buy movers is a poor reason to buy old technology. What if in 10 years you decide to purchase a bunch of LED's to save on energy costs? It's not impossible with the Express but definitely more difficult. Who knows what the future may hold tech wise. Buying 15 year old technology makes no sense. If you are that set on just buying a basic 2 scene preset then save yourself some money and buy a used Express or another brand.
Secondly I want to remind everyone that the comparison of ION/EOS to the 300/500 is invalid. The 300/500 are no longer made... and by the way the Express is due for a major overhaul if not replacement too. The new Strand consoles Palette and Light Palette are excellent console choices and have been discussed in other threads. Both new generations of ETC and Strand have very similar capabilities. The biggest differences are more a matter of what you like in a physical desk and if you are a "Strand/Etc guy".
Main differences:
Strand you choose a specific console layout.
ETC you buy a base and add submaster wing panels.
Strand uses a variation of the Horizon software
ETC uses a variation of the Obsession software.
Strand only puts encoders on the high end consoles
ETC only gives you submaster options -no 2 scene preset version
Other than that what they can't do is only limited to the creativity of the software updates at this point. I think it's quite safe to say that neither console is likely to run into a feature that the other brand can do but they can't. Both consoles are excellent. Get some demos and decide what you like best that fits your budget.
Secondly I want to remind everyone that the comparison of ION/EOS to the 300/500 is invalid. The 300/500 are no longer made... and by the way the Express is due for a major overhaul if not replacement too. The new Strand consoles Palette and Light Palette are excellent console choices and have been discussed in other threads. Both new generations of ETC and Strand have very similar capabilities. The biggest differences are more a matter of what you like in a physical desk and if you are a "Strand/Etc guy".
Main differences:
Strand you choose a specific console layout.
ETC you buy a base and add submaster wing panels.
Strand uses a variation of the Horizon software
ETC uses a variation of the Obsession software.
Strand only puts encoders on the high end consoles
ETC only gives you submaster options -no 2 scene preset version
Other than that what they can't do is only limited to the creativity of the software updates at this point. I think it's quite safe to say that neither console is likely to run into a feature that the other brand can do but they can't. Both consoles are excellent. Get some demos and decide what you like best that fits your budget.
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