Ah, yes, the evil little LC2412. What to do about this thing?
First off, realize that this IS a Behringer product, and it does come with all the bad sides you've come to expect - lack of dependability, buggy problems, not the greatest tech support, and purchasing from a company with somewhat questionable business tactics.
That said, there are some significant benefits. Of course this thing is inexpensive, and can be found dirt cheap used. In fact, you would realistically have to spend at least 3 or 4 times more to get anywhere near the same features and flexibility. This thing has WAY more DMX channels, chases, scene memories, and extras than anything in it's price class (or even twice it's cost).
Some of the specific pluses and minuses:
- BAD, there is a software quirk wherein with many intel lights (such as LED pars) while using memories, some or all of the lights don't blackout completely. This also occurs with certain dimmer packs. This makes using single memories essentially useless. This problem does not show up when using chases though.
- BAD, although some folks do it, this board is really not any good if you are using movers, scanners, and such
- BAD, Programming scenes on many (most?) units is doubled up process. It only records the settings of either the upper or lower banks at a time. You must do one half of the scene, then do the second - PITA and a time waster.
- GOOD, I love that this machine utilizes all 512 channels of DMX, and that you can soft-assign them to fader channels. This comes in very handy and maximizes the use of the "24" channels. Example: a Colorsplash 96 uses 7 DMX channels; with the LC2412 you can effectively program it so that you are only using up 3, thereby freeing up more for other uses.
- GOOD, this thing is much more Midi friendly than other sub $500 boards. You have more access to more parameters, so that makes it a good choice for someone who controls it via a footboard or sequencing.
- GOOD, the large amount of available chases is a big plus. Other sub-$500 boards tend to have as little as 6 chases, which is just a joke. You can easily have dozens of chases on the Behringer.
So again, what to do?
I would suggest that for most folks, they would be much better off saving their pennies (a LOT of pennies) and buying something else. For the money though, the LC2412 has it's place. If you run only PARcans/pinspots/strobes and maybe a couple of LEDPars (absolutely no movers/scanners) than it could work for you.
As far as dependability goes (a significant factor), if you bought them used, you could literally by a second unit and keep it for backup, and you would STILL spend less than you would if you bought a better unit that had the same features.
So, if you can at all afford better, do so. Avoid the LC2412 if you can. But if your needs are basic, and money is super tight, then go ahead. Just plan on wanting/needing something better in the future, and think of the LC2412 as a stepping stone, not a solution.