A good low-budget console by ETC already exists.
https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/Cobalt-Family/Nomad/Features.aspx
A good low-budget console by ETC already exists.
https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Consoles/Cobalt-Family/Nomad/Features.aspx
Smartfade
and the near astronomic cost makes the Nomad an incredibly inconvenient solution for the small venue market
You said it, not me. ETC's even cheaper and worse solution.
But the point is that Nomad lets you buy what you need. A small venue doesn't need 17 universes. They tend to need less than half of one and run off of donations, as possible. $700 is a darn good price for a console for a small theater, especially one with all those features. Even with the SmartFade, you're spending $2500 for a VERY limited glorified DJ board.
You'd spend way more than $700 on any other controller (unless you went ADJ, Chauvet, or the like).
That being said, I always recommend non-Nomad for venues themselves but recommend Nomad for theater companies and individuals.
Grand MA 2: $57,000-$80,000
AVO Titan: $4,000 EDIT: I see now a $250 for a Nomad-similar product.
Martin M-PC: $600+$60 shipping.
Used Expresses run $1500 at the cheapest—and those are for the heavily used, rarely cleaned ones.
I guess I just don't understand the boards you listed or where you can buy an $80,000 board for $200. I'll give you Martin M-PC because it is $40 cheaper. But if you think that $1500-$2500 is pennies, what's an extra $40?
As for the Titan, yeah, it's cheaper. I never liked AVO's approach to the UI or the commands. For me, that extra bit of money was worth it to get something I like.
Another one of those yuppies that doesn't understand a certain market (small theatre and church), so thinks it is terrible...You said it, not me. ETC's even cheaper and worse solution.
...and has never seen or used one.a VERY limited glorified DJ board.
The SmartFade ML can be purchased for closer to $2000 than $2500. The SmartFade 2496 is less than $1500. The SmartFade 1296 is around $1400. The SmartFade 1248 is less than $1200.Even with the SmartFade, you're spending $2500
The SmartFade ML is a well-designed, well-executed desk for what it is. If you're running movers and have any need to busk, it's way, WAY better than the Element. Does it have limitations and specific use cases it's designed for? Yes. Does it suck? Not in the least.You said it, not me. ETC's even cheaper and worse solution.
Another one of those yuppies that doesn't understand a certain market (small theatre and church), so thinks it is terrible...
...and has never seen or used one.
The SmartFade ML can be purchased for closer to $2000 than $2500. The SmartFade 2496 is less than $1500. The SmartFade 1296 is around $1400. The SmartFade 1248 is less than $1200.
Maybe next time do a little research so you actually know something about what you are talking about!
I've used a smart fade in a small theater, and I've used DJ boards plenty of times. I don't hate the smart fade, but I would never, I repeat NEVER, recommend it. It's last generation technology at a current generation price, and I find it limiting to use. A scaled down element that worked with existing expansions and had a way to add a few universes over time would be a game changer. Say a base unit with 256 channels of output, 1 bank of faders, a monitor out (with support for Windows touchscreens), and the standard etc keypad layout that could add up to 2 universes, another screen, and ML control via a second wing for about $2,500 a wing. Nothing like that exists, and it would dominate the market easily.
I have to disagree; however, just about every product is perfect for a particular need and budget.There is a perfect product for every budget and every need.
Although I have never used a smartfade before, I feel it would be a PERFECT small console for churches, small schools, etc... I think that (especially in churches) when there isn't the same person running lighting for every show, it would be extremely difficult for someone that does not have extensive lighting knowledge to jump into nomad and do a show. That person would have a much easier time running a show on a smartfade. If a usual church lighting person gets sick the day of service, and can't do the show, someone else would be able to take his place and run the show on a smartfade.
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