Quote:
Originally Posted by creativecontrol
Greetings,
S6 builds on and addresses many of the limitations of the ICON Series (D-Command and D-Control) surfaces as well as System 5MC. I would argue that D-Command was actually much more ergonomic than the D-Control which many found to be too large (too deep, hard to reach top knob, too wide on the main section, too hard to reach faders adjacent to the operator).
Two of the huge improvements over ICON include visual feedback (metering, gain reduction, automation, and color coded functions) and customization. With the optional Display Modules (on M40) S6 has an incredible amount of information that can be displayed on the panels including real-time waveforms - audio and MIDI clips streaming out of Pro Tools, high resolution multi-channel metering, gain reduction, clip colors, track colors, EQ, DYN & Pan function curves and even clip names that change as they hit the playhead.
Regarding customization, the user can define not only where the main center section lives in the configuration, but how many faders you want, and using knob modules - from 1 to 9 knobs per channelstrip. The cool thing about this is that you can create a desk (including custom furniture if you want) that fits your workflow, your room and ergonomics and gives you the control where you want it. Regarding ergonomics, the center section of S6 (Main and Automation module) is 1/3 the width of the D-Control which has arguably more control and still allows you to easily get to fader and channelstrip modules adjacent to the center section.
With that, my only recommendation to you would be to sit down and get a demo on an S6. I think you will find that it is a big step forward from all of the control surfaces that have come before from Avid & Euphonix.
Jeff
|
Agreeing with everything Jeff has said here. S6 was really born out of many customer suggestions that would make ICON better. Some of the listed items for D-Control specifically were:
1. A sea of green buttons on the ICON - monochromatic visual feedback
2. Poor ICON channel meters (LED segments) - with limited functions
3. A need to control other DAW's - like Logic and Pro Tools simutlaneously (in fact mapping them on the surface side by side.
4. Limited to 16, 32 or 48 fader buckets - wanting 24 and or being able to have 24 then add 8 on the right side of the center section.
5. A center/master section too wide
6. Feel of the faders and mushroom cap knobs
7. Better feedback from Pro Tools like Track Colors and Scrolling Waveforms
8. Programmable Macros and Soft Keys
9. Expanded EQ/DYN wherever you are - not just in the center section
10. Some sort of touch screen/heads up display technology to do cool stuff like panning and track navigation
Thanks,
Tom