Element Update Training Across Generations

there are two hardware generations of the element, one running XP and one win7. the XP is getting cut off regarding new feature updates. they will get to 2.9.x but not to 3.0. the win7 element is legacy now, but will still get software updates along with the rest of the family.

i'm pretty sure that you have an XP console. to check have a look at the back of the console. does it have one network ports and one VGA connector (among other things)? then it's XP. a win7 would have two network connectors and instead of a VGA you would have a display port. if you have an XP console you can have it upgraded. this costs money, but essentially you get a new new computer inside your console.

so, for both XP and win7 elements the most current version is 2.9.0, but you might want to wait. there were two bugs discovered in 2.9.0 so there will be a 2.9.1 soon. until then maybe stick to 2.8.3 (which you can download here: https://www.etcconnect.com/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737498683 )

now regarding keeping up to date without having to relearn. well... 2.2.0 was released over 5 years ago and in those 5 years a lot has happened for Eos family in general and for Element in particular. to get up to date you will have to read the release notes as well as download the current version of the manual (which has been completely overhauled and doesn't add manual supplements anymore)

manual for 2.8.3: https://www.etcconnect.com/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737497518

for the release notes: https://www.etcconnect.com/Products/Legacy/Console/Eos-Family/Element/Documentation.aspx, then choose Type=ReleaseNotes and read at least 2.3.0, 2.4.0, 2.5.0, 2.6.0, 2.7.0 and 2.8.0.

pay special attention to 2.6.0 because that's when element "grew up", meaning some Eos-functions were added that previously weren't available on element: https://www.etcconnect.com/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=10737491850

last but not least: make sure to have a week to get re-aquainted with your new console

Thanks for the informative answer. Upon updating, I've noticed that since the software is built for both the Element and Element 2 and as such, there is some functionality that won't be useful or useable on the original Element. Would there be any benefit to updating to a version, that while still being younger, is only for the Element?

What functions specifically are you referring to? I don't think there is anything you can't use on an Element classic...

My apologies, I had seen some extra fader buttons under the fader configuration and automatically assumed there would be more. Upon checking the manual, I was proved wrong, so that can be disregarded.