12 Channel Desk

[Harvey_51]

Hello

 

I need to get a 12 channel memory desk for a small theatre, have you got any ideas?

 

Thanks

 

Jordan

 

(When I say memory desk I mean a desk that you can program and press GO)

[Frag_Me]

For smaller rooms in our college we use Zero88 Alcora boards, and I recommend them for simple® things. They have 12/24 channels, and have a programmable memory with a GO function. Very useful for small scale lighting, with a single LED display.

 

http://common.zero88.com/public/files/Alcora1224EU.pdf

 

They retail at about £600 though, which may be above your budget. What sort of price range were you looking for.

[Paul Roberts]

I've used the Alcora once, and am of the same opinion as the above post. Perhaps if your budget is not enough to cover the cost of a new one, try buying one second hand or hiring.

[Stu]

Whats your budget? If you can stretch to the £700+VAT list price of the Zero 88 Jester 12/24, then I highly recommend it. I personally feel it runs a better cue stack and is easier to use than the Alcora, plus if you buy the Jester you are buying current technology (saving to USB memory stick, VGA monitor output, DMX in, Aux channels for the odd use of smoke machines, strobes, colour scrollers etc) but you also get the use of submasters, which there are always a use for!

 

Hope this helps

Stu

[Tomo]

Aternatively there is the ETC Smartfade

List is similar to the Jester, and it has multicolour light-up buttons!

 

You'll be able to have a play with them both at PLASA, which is always a good idea before shelling out on a desk.

[pritch]

Aternatively there is the ETC Smartfade

 

I'll fully admit that I've not used either in anger, but I have played with both the Smartfade and the Jester, and I didn't really like the feel of the Smartfade, it just doesn't feel robust to me. The Jester seems much better made.

[Graham NZ]

Hi

 

Just to clarify we no longer make the Alcora. It has been replaced by the Jester range. However we also have the Juggler range which may be what you want.

 

Graham

Zero 88

[Frag_Me]

Ah, that'll explain why I couldn't find them anywhere!

[LDODD]

perhaps this will be contested somewhat by puritains, but I'd use a sunlite easy stand alone and possibly an 8-button wall panel. £500ish and completely expandable. Also very idiot-proof, depending on the quality of local idiot.

[David A]

I like the showtec 12/24, I mainly supply schools and you can teach anyone to work them in 10 minutes, they have enough memory for any show you can envisage, I have yet to have one fail and they are as cheap as chips.

[jexjexjex]

Strand 200 Series?

 

Given the current position of Strand, you could probably pick one up for much cheapness.

[mumbles]

Given the current position of Strand, you could probably pick one up for much cheapness.

That is if you can get one.

 

Anyhoo, the 200 is fine for a 12/24 manual desk or for subs, but doesn't have a memory cue stack other than just setting them as states in a chase (max of 99 steps) which wouldn't give you fade in/out times stored for the cues, and so not really an ideal cue stack desk.

[harrison]

On a similar note to this thread, I'm looking for a small desk which will be mainly used for stage lighting with live bands.

I'm considering either the NJD stage 2 or the Zer88 Juggler. They are about the same price and the only difference I can see is the NJD can be sound activated and can soft chase.

But then I believe I'll need three dimmer packs for the NJD, whereas the Juggler only needs one pack.

Is this right and does anyone have any advise???

[MarkPAman]

But then I believe I'll need three dimmer packs for the NJD, whereas the Juggler only needs one pack.

Is this right and does anyone have any advise???

 

:D

 

You need the right number of dimmers for the lights you have. Then you need a Desk that will control that number of dimmers.

[Ben Langfeld]

The choice of desk does not influence the number of dimmer channels needed. If you want control of 12 lights individually, you need 12 channels of dimming, and so on... The desk should be chosen to allow you the level of control you desire.

 

Edit: Beaten to it, again.