Roderick Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 A bit of background information:A present the local theatre runs their shows off Qlab, it works well except that the lighting desk (LSC Maxim L specs) doesn't like the MIDI triggers Qlab generates. At the moment the desk is used to plot the show and everything then needs to be 'captured' in the Qlab machine which is a boring process, I'd rather be tweaking my Q's. The board has approved that we look for a different desk that will play nicely with Qlab. This is not my area of expertise so I am looking for suggestions from people with a similar set-up.My basic wishlist is:- 48 channels on faders. There are only 36 dimmers but I'd like the space to add a few DMX gadgets like relays, etc.- Ability to handle LED fixtures relatively simply. No LED fixtures at the moment but let's think long term!- Ability to handle, either directly or through an additional module, moving lights in the future. It'll never be a big feature but it would be nice to be able to add a couple from time to time.Simple operation is the core requirement, programming can be a little bit more sophisticated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Allen Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 LSC maxim desks have a known firmware bug with midi, never sorted out by LSC as the desk is due for replacement. The 36 fader and up versions of the maxim are very good theatre desks due to the group faders in addition to the scene faders. I have an XLP maxim and have used it for LED's by storing my colours as palettes using the patpad. You can pick a range of colours you think you may need for a show, look up the % of the LED colours that make up a desired colour and use the edit wheel to accurately set the values. It is a pity about the midi.LSC maXim forums midi faults It is not practical to use a 48 channel desk with LED's, but still get a 48 channel desk for inexperienced operator convenience and consider having a pc based program for LED's and your conventional lighting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mal421 Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 How about a Zero88 JesterML48 ? Easy to program memories or subs a separate section for upto 30 LEDs or Movers etc. MIDI notes or Show Control ( have used it with both). However they can be frustrating and slow to program complex scenes. If you work within it's limitations it's not a bad desk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OllieDuff Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 ETC Element plays nicely with QLab, will happily handle movers and LED as it's basically a baby Ion, and comes in versions with either 40 and 60 faders, switchable between controlling channels or subs. The button layout and syntax is also fairly intuitive and it's an easy desk to teach on; I used one last year when working in a school and found that the kids picked it up very quickly, and for a 30-40 lantern rig of generics, the operator has a choice of using it as a fader-based desk or working from the command line, according to preference. If you shop around, you can pick up a new one for about £3k, and there might be some second hand ones knocking around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jivemaster Posted March 31, 2015 Share Posted March 31, 2015 A push fader desk is usable by all which suits community use, but it will NOT cope with movers or LEDs which need lots more channels. A computer desk will be beyond most community users but will cope with movers and LEDs. If you provide a desk in a community space that isn't simply push and go then you will have to provide an operator every time it's used. When you hire in movers or LEDs hire in a desk to suit as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 2, 2015 Share Posted April 2, 2015 Another option may be to look on ebay for second hand older consoles such as the old Zero88 Frog range. Using a Fat Frog would give you 48 generic channels, with the flexibility of adding 12 intelligent fixtures if needs be. These desks however dont' have midi, so if this is a must the Jester ML range has a thumbs up from me. Hope this helpsEdward Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roderick Posted April 3, 2015 Author Share Posted April 3, 2015 Another option may be to look on ebay for second hand older consoles such as the old Zero88 Frog range. Using a Fat Frog would give you 48 generic channels, with the flexibility of adding 12 intelligent fixtures if needs be. These desks however dont' have midi, so if this is a must the Jester ML range has a thumbs up from me. Afraid that the desk needs to respond to MIDI for Qlab to work.Will have a look at an Jester ML. Any hire stock in Sydney someone knows about? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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