ICON advice for a colleague

[macaholic]

So I LOVE my 24 channel D-Command ES, and try to evangelize other mixers on the benefits of ICON. A colleague at another post house now is "going ICON" and asked what I thought, but figured you folks could weigh in too.

I've seen all the other "D-Command ES or blue D-Control" threads, but this seems a little different. He has budgeted for a 24 fader D-Command ES with "furniture" (Argosy et al), so basically around $35K... BUT he has found a blue 32 fader D-Control for $40K.

To me it is worth the extra $5K (extra encoders, integrated keyboard, more CF's and so on), but he likes the idea of getting a new ICON over a used one, but the price difference is so close he's torn.

I told him he'd kick himself later not buying the D-Control, but it's not my decision. What would you do? New or used?

[Craig F]

got to ask "how used"
keep clean, non-smoking room, I'd buy used
dirty, tar covered, abused, I'd pass

D-Con's custom faders are better than D-Comm's custom faders

[Soundtrack]

No doubt, go for the Blue Dcontrol.....

We had the same question here and asked for a demo with the 2 units to try.
This gave a more than clear picture and we are very happy we found a Blue version of the Dcontrol. (Just check which com boards are in, to have the latest version)

[macaholic]

How do you find out what com boards are in it?

Sorry if it's an obvious question.

[Brandonx1]

You can also have the d controls updated to the new color and new com boards for I think 2 grand. The digi techs come in and clean and install and give you a 2 year warranty. The d controls have a huge footprint tho. He would be gaining 8 faders as well. I just don't like the huge center section of the d-control.

[dr sound]

Originally Posted by Brandonx1

You can also have the d controls updated to the new color and new com boards for I think 2 grand. The digi techs come in and clean and install and give you a 2 year warranty. The d controls have a huge footprint tho. He would be gaining 8 faders as well. I just don't like the huge center section of the d-control.

Brandon,
I have been told this color update is no longer available.
Com boards are more than 2 Grand.

[Brent_Sydney]

Im also not a fan of the big footprint of the dcontrol.

Once PT8 hit the streets Dcommand users could open plugins on pots, map parameters and do all the snazzy custom fader things (that most people don't even use) that were unique to dcontrol in 7.x.

I'd take extra faders and the ability to put my mouse and keyboard in front of me in the sweet spot, over 4 extra pots I cant reach, any day.

[Vedat]

Having worked on both, I would go for the D-Control (especially the 32 fader) depending on condition.

Also agree with Brent that a lot of the pots on D-Control stay as eye candy more than anything.