I agree in part, you can have all the latest bells and whistles on every channel, give or take, load in all sorts of plug in's and outboard digital effects, even run off a laptop using wireless........but dammit, if your gonna demand this stuff, you damm well better know how to use it, and use it well. I have to say, in the limited digital world I have had to deal with demanders, who, well basically, they know how to ask and demand, and don't have a f--king clue how to use it. It's always been a train wreck of misplaced patchs, re-organizing, and just in general plain mayhem at any show I've had to provide the wish list for.
It's great for an act who carries their own, rolls their own, and knows just what's happening. Most of the shows I have to provide for, are fast paced, promoters who have no concept of reality, promising all acts soundchecks, or should I say "rehersals" like a 15 min band change for a national act, 3 acts, then dinner, and it starts all over again, 2 shows a day. Give me a Midas anyday, I'll deal with the size and the weight. At least I can step up, and dial it in fast, and if he BE is clueless, the train wreck and insuing injuries as less painful.
God bless digital, and all it repetive savings, but god bless a good ole fashined knob desk for those times when digital just ain't the flavor this day!
tk