Help sourcing 24+ fader console with tight budget
Hi folks,
I recently took over at a small theater and within my first week their lighting console died. We had a stroke of luck finding a temporary replacement but I've been trying to figure out a permanent option that meets the needs of the space. Some of the specs:
- The space has 8 S4's and 4 COLORdash Par-Quad 7's. Incredibly simple rig.
- They run the shows entirely off of faders, and need at least 24 but ideally 48 so I can set them up with standard looks and give the show techs (who vary in technical skill) as many options as possible.
- Previous board was a Strand 200 Plus.
- Budget is ideally under 1k: anything over and it becomes a begging game and I don't think I can get them to agree to anything too fancy since the space has fairly minimal needs, even with my ideas for upgrades down the line.
Basically I need something cost effective with a good sized fader bank that will be easy to teach to my techs. I don't want to do another Strand - getting "stranded" once was enough - and I'm incredibly partial to ETC products but I know that might not be possible. I've gotten several options from industry friends that are good but pushing my price range, so I wanted to pitch the problem here and see what y'all would think just in case someone brings up an option I didn't consider or had some insight from similar situations before I go to the board with my charity case.
Thanks in advance, and of course mods feel free to boot me if this isn't relevant discussion!