Future of icon?

[Markk]

Hi all!

I'm building a new room on another coast and have been getting ready to buy another icon. But is it reaching the end of its life cycle? What are the rumors before I plunk down all that cash?

[groundcontrol]

Have been considering getting one to replace my ProControl and poundering the same issue...

[Drew Mazurek]

I love mine but I certainly wouldn't buy it brand new again.

Find a well kept used one and pay probably at least 50% of new.

[Craig F]

I think it's the safe way to go
a System 5 would be the deluxe way to go, way better monitor control but it a lot more money (I'm not taking the MC that uses the XMon)

[groundcontrol]

I'm thinking about the used DC ES that are starting to pop out used.

[Markk]

Yep. There are some great deals right now. But I am concerned about support, parts, and of course the next big thing.

[mgoorevich]

Originally Posted by Markk

Yep. There are some great deals right now. But I am concerned about support, parts, and of course the next big thing.

If your concept is mixing in the box, then the D-Command is the way to go and since its just a controller, there shouldn't be anything wrong with it even with a time.
I just bought mine - a used ES24 model. It's a nice controller with great integration into the Pro Tools.
System 5 is different and the price is different.
The next big thing will come for sure but it will cary the next big price tag too.
Get what you need now at a half price and you never won't regret.

[YYR123]

Originally Posted by mgoorevich

I just bought mine - a used ES24 model.

And what was the tab? So I'm assuming HD3 - PCIe or HDX

[groundcontrol]

Originally Posted by mgoorevich

... you never won't regret.

Double negative... hopefully not what you really meant.

Just having fun!

[AINSLIE]

I have a DControl 32. It is by far the best product Digidesign ever created in my opinion (and I have owned most everything since 1999 inc ProControl, Control24). The most comprehensive tactile integrated controller - most knobs, dedicated PT buttons and simultaneous visual feedback. The EUCON products are designed to be more generic across multiple DAW products. That has its compromises. The ICON does not. I believe there will be years more direct support for the ICON then even when it is dropped directly, indirect support will most likely continue - much like ProControl users have under PT10. That product was dropped around 10 years ago.

There are over 4000 ICONs sold. At the high end of the market to users who matter and continue to spend. While Avids focus may be on their Euphonic investment going forward, the ICON is still the ultimate for a PT ITB mixing experience. If you want a hybrid outboard / ITB experience with great DAW integration then perhaps System5 / EUCON is the path. But it is too soon for Avid to abandon ICON - in fact it is still featured in their latest brochures. I think it's more than safe to say there is a good long life left in the product - I have voted that way with my $$. I hope AVID continue the dedicated high end surface support. ITB mix is prevalent and here to stay. Avid's profits may benefit more from the Hybrid path, but that is a limited view. And not forward looking. I am more excited to see what they can do to tempt those of us already at ICON and fully ITB. System 5 def ain't it.