I have used the
express and the expression consoles. If you plan on using moving lights or if you want to be able to have the option of adding more channels, the
express may be limiting. If you have the money I would go with the expression. The problem is though a lot of us do not have the budget for an expression3
console. I know that
Strand sometimes gets a bad rap, but if you are looking for a mainly
theatre type board and have a limited budget, you may want to look at the 300
console from
Strand. I feel that even though the
mouse is not as good as the rotories, the trackball
mouse is still better than the trackpad on the
express. Also, the 24/48 300 series
console can be upgraded to up to 600 channels. The 300 series consoles also have the "auto move when dark" function which will automatically position moving lights for you for the next
cue, which is really handy. The 300 also allows you to
plug in a keyboard directly so you can label your cues.
With the
express, the only way to upgrade it is to get the emphasis
system which is adding cost, expense, and its harder to move around. I am looking forward to seeing what
ETC will come out with to replace the
express someday, but for now we just have to wait. I am looking to get a new
console. I am going to try to wait to see what
ETC will come out with next. If not, I may go with the 300.