ETC Announces New Lighting Console – The Element
Over the past few months we have been hinting numerous times about the long rumored replacement of the ETC Express Console (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) . This finally confirms the rumor.
Directly from the Middleton:
Industry professionals have been asking for an ETC lighting control console designed expressly for modest rigs and maximum hands-on fader control. In response, we are introducing the new ETC Element™ consoles. We will unveil them tomorrow at USITT in Cincinnati, Thursday, March 19th, 2009.
ETC defined the basic lighting controller when the Express™ console was introduced in 1995. We’ve seen over time that the basic lighting rig has changed. With Element, we’ve redefined what ‘basic lighting console’ means, without losing the ease of use of Express. Element comes in two hardware versions, based on fader count (the Element 40 or the Element 60). Each supports a full two universes of DMX output and either 250 or 500 channels.
Element is directed at smaller venues like schools and houses of worship who depend on single console operators or volunteer staffers. It is designed to handle rigs outfitted predominantly with conventional fixtures, while also accommodating some LED fixtures and/or a small number of simple moving lights. We based Element on the Eos® control system but with a simplified feature set in a stand-alone console. Integral faders, a single cue list and command prompts echoing those of the Express console make operation of an Element console simple and direct.
Element navigates basic accessory, LED and moving-light control. At the press of a button, the console’s On Demand ML Controls appear on screen with tools designed to control smaller numbers of non-intensity equipment like scrollers, gobo rotators and mirror heads for conventional fixtures. Element’s color and gel-picker tools simplify the process further, applying just the right colors to LEDs and color-mixing accessories and fixtures.
ETC plans to begin shipping the Element this summer. Pricing has not been released. If you are attending USITT in Cincinnati, make sure to stop by ETC’s booth, 1100 , for the offical release.
Update: ETC Rumor Gets Closer
In the past couple of weeks, iSquint has mentioned a rumor about ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls) re-releasing the express console as well as a new design of the Ion board. After more investigation, payoffs, under the table deals and spy cams, iSquint has a confirmation from deep within inside Middleton that there will be a new lighting console announced in the next couple of months.
The details are still lacking as our message was cut off mid-interview as the powers that be realized that company secrets were leaving the building. The image to the left was snuck out of Middleton by one brave soul that wishes to remain anonymous. The image is of a concept of the long rumored express replacement board. The layout looks similar to the current layout of the Ion console only missing a few features such as the LCD screen and encoder knobs and most likely a few other moving light attributes as far as we can tell from the image. Our insider also mentioned that faders will be built directly into the board thus eliminating the need for fader modules. There was no mention of what operating system this new console will implement such as the express or Ion system, but our insider says that “the new console with firmly replace the Express [console]”.
We here at iSquint will continue our investigation with more snooping and hope to have information soon.