Extra Submasters

I also have an ION with two 2x20 fader wings and I really love the setup. In our theater we host all kinds of events from concerts to plays and even really boring lectures. I think that regardless of what type of show you are running, the fader wing is still invaluable. I have a light template with all of my most common lights on the submasters and it takes no time to set up the basic outline of a show and record it to cues. Then, when I have a random event like the concert this weekend I just put groups of things on submasters and let the operator play. Also, an effect is a parameter that can be programmed into a sub so you can even set up an effect and whenever you want to run it pull up that submaster.

When I started with the ION I, like you, was a little leery of the conspicuous lack of sliders that give me that warm feeling of control. I know have come to realize the power of fewer well programmed submasters, plus it cleans things up and I don't have to spend nearly as much time doing finger stretches.

That being said, as I understand it, the Congo series is targeted more for shows that don't rely on cues than the EOS series, as well as more moving light controls. I have never used one myself but if that is your primary focus then you might want to check those out.

I also have an ION with two 2x20 fader wings and I really love the setup. In our theater we host all kinds of events from concerts to plays and even really boring lectures. I think that regardless of what type of show you are running, the fader wing is still invaluable. I have a light template with all of my most common lights on the submasters and it takes no time to set up the basic outline of a show and record it to cues. Then, when I have a random event like the concert this weekend I just put groups of things on submasters and let the operator play. Also, an effect is a parameter that can be programmed into a sub so you can even set up an effect and whenever you want to run it pull up that submaster.

When I started with the ION I, like you, was a little leery of the conspicuous lack of sliders that give me that warm feeling of control. I know have come to realize the power of fewer well programmed submasters, plus it cleans things up and I don't have to spend nearly as much time doing finger stretches.

That being said, as I understand it, the Congo series is targeted more for shows that don't rely on cues than the EOS series, as well as more moving light controls. I have never used one myself but if that is your primary focus then you might want to check those out.