I'm finding this planned purchase of a new console to be very difficult. Currently I can cover 80% or so of my gigs with the x32 family. However more recently I am doing many larger shows, both in channel count and rider demands. I am now renting an M7 or SC48 1-3 times a month. It is hitting the borderline of being a good idea to buy as I have to drive 4hrs round trip for each rental as well plus the $400 rental each time. However, the console market seems really strange right now with few new consoles showing up on/sticking to riders.
Budget-wise I am really in the used M7 or SC48 budget range and those line up well with riders, channel counts,etc. I Definitely need sub $15k.
If it were a console just for me I would go Vi1, but that won't be nearly as rider friendly as I want.
My questions/concerns for you all are:
M7, very long in the tooth. Concerned about this console being at the end of its life. Also concerned that the console only has a couple more years as rider friendly. Also by far one of my least favorite consoles ever made, but for my shows I will just use the x32...
Price is right however and is currently very rider friendly
SC48
Concerned about Avid and the support of this console. Also an aging console. I am thinking it will have 3-5 more years on the b list riders (which is more than my m7 guess). More at the top of my budget but I like the features and I personally love the console.
Am I missing any other contenders? I would love an SD9, but that's way out of budget. I am also ok waiting another year, I can always buy more lights this year, they don't sound as good but they seem to make more money!
Thanks!
Eric, It looks like the Pro2C may be a viable option.
However, I think you might also be interested in the QL desks.
Here a short justification I did on our end that goes over features that I think are important.
Yamaha QL/CL justification over LS9/M7
Built-in Dante: Seamlessly network multiple dante devices. 64x64 digital IO. Built-in redundancy for all Dante devices. Added Bonus — Dante Virtual Sound Card let’s you record/playback 64 inputs via your computers ethernet port for recordings, virtual sound check and rehearsals. Yamaha CL series comes with Nuendo Live and allows for “easy record” function. Additionally, built-in Dante frees up the card slots for use with other cards such as Waves Soundgrid. (CL Requires RIO stage boxes and gigabit network switch for redundancy)
Dante integration with Shure Wireless: A lot of engineers prefer Shure wireless. Why not keep it all digital with redundancy?
Separate analog gain from digital gain with gain tracings: Along with improved quality preamps, you can improve S/N ratio without affecting channel input level and manage gain across multiple consoles.
Premium Rack: Additional 8U rack with important Dynamic EQ, LA-2A and 1176 with the added bonus and Neve modeled hardware.
Scribble Strips: Organize, name and color your channels. It eliminates tape and allows for easy identification for a single fader controlling multiple channels.
Touchscreen (Over LS9) for quick navigation.
Improved Layout Feel
More GEQ and FX
Easy Input/Output patch recall: Recall routing for virtual soundcheck w/o having to write a focused scene.
Size/Weight (Over M7CL)
Yamaha CL justification over QL:
Comes with Nuendo Live and better integration for VSC and recording.
External PSU option: Never worry about your PSU failing when you have a backup.
Optional Meter bridge for managing output.
Tactile control keys: Navigate the console quicker.
16 GEQ over 8 on the QL
More user defined keys
Channel Encoders
Individual channel banks: Access any layer including custom layer on any bank of your faders w/o affecting the other banks.
3 card slots vs 2 card slots