Re: Presonus 32.4.2Al
It is the nature of digital hardware interfaces to try to get multiple uses out of physical controls as they are relatively expensive in cost and real estate.
There is no single intuitive way to make a single control do multiple tricks in different contexts, so this comes down to what you learned on first as being simple or obvious for you.
While virtual controls using projection or VR glasses, could replicate a full large analog console interface, but that is only an acceptable solution for oldsters who know how to operate large analog consoles. Who knows what will be the ideal interface for the youths coming up behind them (gameboy IV)?
I can only predict more change not less as optimal interfaces for digital consoles probably should evolve away from mimicing analog consoles, just to keep the old farts (who spend the big ticket money) quiet. As price points become lower and more accessible to the masses, the old school design constraints will fade away too.
JR
Well put.
I am relatively confident that tablet control is going to take over the small weekend warrior rigs .... and relatively quickly. When I first started thinking about products like the DL1608 and X32 Rack (Line 6 also has a new offering like this), the idea of not having physical inputs seemed really crazy (not for anyone who was serious). I am warming up to it as I can see lots of advantages to the workflow that it implies.
I am not a spring chicken myself (47), but like to stay up-to-date with technology.
I have been following the StudioLive for the last couple of years and was going to replace my MixWiz with a 16.4.2 .... mostly because of the ability to remix recordings, and mix from stage via tablet.
I spent some time at GC learning the layout, and mixed a gig for a friend on one. I likely would have pulled the trigger last year, but the need for a firewire (or if you want to be safe, apple laptop) interface as well as the need for an iPad for remote mixing (as well as a wireless bridge), made the choice less than a slam dunk. The sound of the efx engine didn't help either.
Unlike Tim, I picked up on the "Fat Channel" idea quickly (I didn't use any subgroups, but they were pretty easy to setup and use). The first time I tried to setup an X32 ..... I found myself on YouTube repeatedly to figure things out.
As an example, the channel eq. With the SL, you get dedicated knobs for each band. With the X32, you have to select a band, then modify parameters on each band. The X32 is by far the more powerful and flexible channel eq, but if you are used to a single channel strip analog layout, the SL more closely resembles this (a casual look at the Si seems to show that it is more like this too). I know that I have issues with explaining to people why my MixWiz has so many knobs on its channel eq since most musicians only know (low, mid, hi). Attempting to explain the X32 channel strip would leave them rubbing their heads in confusion.
I come from a different point of view from most of you. I don't run sound for a living, sound is something I have to do to gig out. Most of the people I know that do sound, do their own band's sound and nothing else. Only a few of them have a dedicated soundman to mix for them.... and those that do, have the board on or near stage (vs out front with a snake). I have a 100ft snake that I haven't used for 5 years. It is just too much trouble, and there is rarely any place to put it in the bar.
Jesus. We get it. You like the X32.
Yes, I do Rob, but that is hardly the topic. If you would like me to list my reasons for liking the X32, perhaps we should start another thread.
The 32.4.2AI is going to live in a competitive environment against the X32, Si, and likely the new digital A&H mixer. It is completely relevant to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the 32.4.2AI within its market segment.
I fail to see any productive information in your post.
