I have to assume that the vast majority of X32 fans are people that never used another digital board. I can't image anyone preferring the layout to something like a Soundcraft or even the Presonus, for example....[SNIP]...I have to wonder how many of you X32 fans have actually compared it to other digital boards in live, real world experience?
So because you don't like the layout you automatically assume anyone who does is a newb whose never used any other digital desk before? I don't follow your logic at all. Especially when you prefer the Presonus consoles which actually ARE toys if you compare the feature set and functionality to the X32.
Why would anyone want 16 faders dedicated to outputs and only 16 input faders per layer? How often do you ride the output faders?
I assume you mean 8 output faders and 16 for inputs, which is what the X32 has. And I dunno, maybe you only ever mix on the likes of M7's, 5D's, Profiles, D-Shows etc...but that is hardly a rare fader layout for a digital console.
Will you bash an SC48 or a Pro2 for the exact same layout? Dedicated output layers are great for those of us who use DCA's and groups to mix.
And as to some things that at least one person with plenty of time on much more expensive consoles likes about the X32:
-Sends on Fader that allows input to be selected to give you all your sends for that one input on a fader. Example. "Who wants backing tracks in their mix?" "We all needs tracks in our mix" Select the tracks while in 'sends on faders' and push up mix faders on that "silly" output layer that you're not a fan of, and feed tracks to everyone on stage without having to switch layers for each mix.
-Easy on the eyes scribble strips
-View button on channel strip section that is a quick way for an enlarged view of whatever it is your working on
-Very quick DCA assign method
-The 12 custom assignable encoders are awesome, in addition to 24 UDK's
-Very easy to setup multi-track recording with USB and firewire drivers that barely even touch the CPU when doing all 32 tracks. (getting an Avid console to record into Pro Tools is not nearly as quick or painless)
-Fantastic ipad app that offers about 95% functionality of the full console.
To name a few.
A couple things I don't like:
-No EQ on FX returns
-The way they pair the mono graphic EQ's in a way that you can't setup a UDK that jumps straight to each EQ, yet makes you jump to a pair of graphics and push another button to get to the second one.
-USB playback only plays WAV files-(however the fact that it has USP playback and record is a great feature in and of itself)
Fairly minor gripes considering the price point of the console.
You certainly don't have to like it, and of course their are better consoles. But forgive me for being mildly annoyed by anyone who thinks someone with a different opinion about a product is somehow less experienced/knowledgeable.
