Which begs the question why he did'nt go buy a new
Strand ? . Too bad, now get over it.
Because he realizes that moving to a
Palette/LightPalette would likely cause even more confusion/disruption than he's currently experiencing?
I think the lesson to learn from all this is that changing technology, regardless of the brand, requires new learning and a willingness to be flexible in how you work. Changing from a 500 to a
Palette would have been just as painful for him as changing to an
Ion. There is no such thing as the perfect
console. On some
level you have to adjust yourself and how you work to the
console. I have a friend who about pulled all his hair out a few years ago transitioning from an
Express to an
Express with Emphasis. This was a relatively minor change as things go in
console world, but there were a few key differences that required him to change the way he works. The new
console was fine, but HE made lots of mistakes based on the way the old
console used to work.
As was discussed in another recent thread, I find the
Palette software to be easier and more intuitive for someone used to working in a Windows PC environment than the
Element/
Ion software. The
Element on the other
hand has much more of a serious (turn on big deep voice with
reverb) "Theater
Desk" feel to it, like an old Expression/Obsession. Some will look at the
Element/
Ion and say it's unnecessarily complicated, and say that the
Palette makes sense. Others will look at the
Palette and say it's too much like a silly computer,
Element/
Ion acts like a lighting
desk should act. These are personal preference issues and not issues of functionality.
Both manufacturers make excellent consoles. Both manufacturers have representation here (thanks to Bobby joining us). Both manufacturers have 24 hr phone numbers to
call. Both manufacturers have their own forums where you can get answers quickly.
ETC's customer service is consistent and legendary in the industry. Their ability to find you and
address your needs immediately is almost a little spooky.
Strand doesn't have a great customer service record over the long term, but I have been treated very well over the last 4 years by
Strand. I believe things have changed significantly under the new ownership. They have worked very quickly to take care of my needs.
Get a demo and see how
you like the feel of the
console in
your space.