Is Avid S3L-X Live compatable with Windows?

[zedhed]

All info I've searched comes up with old info saying Mac only.


Edit: Upon further research, it looks like using AVB on Windows is not possible (with Avid anyway).

[albee1952]

Are you referring to using the S3 with a Windows machine(S3L-X is a live mixer system that has its own built-in computer, that happens to also use the S3 surface)? Assuming yes, you CAN use the S3 as a Eucon-enabled control surface. You CAN'T use it as an audio interface(AVB not being compatible with Windows). Given that the S3 is now EOL(no longer supported), I would not invest money into it unless you A-get a super deal, and B-don't mind staying with slightly older OS and Pro Tools versions If you are looking at a complete system with stage boxes and will use it for both live AND studio, then its a bit more appealing, but still quite old in the overall scheme of things.

[zedhed]

Thanks Albee.


I ultimately came to the conclusion that I'll give it a pass.


Cheers!

[James Steele]

It was my understanding that the S3 was slated for support to be dropped either in December of this year, or December of next year? It hasn’t officially hit end of life yet. Also, as far as using it as a DAW controller, it’s using EUCON, which will continue to be supported for a while. Even Euphonix and Avid Artist Mix and Control units are still working today. I bought an S3 used not too long ago for $2k and I’m quite happy with it. I’ve got no reason to believe it won’t continue to be useful for years to come.

[BScout]

End of sale date / End of support date:

Avid S3 12/31/2021 12/31/2026

[JFreak]

I don't even need to express my opinion about Windows, but it is not just OS that Avid/PT has trouble with. PT is also picky on what CPU you are using, just to begin with. Then you need to check MoBo and such are good enough, and so on and so on, and in the end you have not saved money (compared to Mac) but instead wasted time on speccing/building your own.

Mac hardware problems are like "what kind of adapter cable to use with this external chassis?"

[James Steele]

Originally Posted by BScout

End of sale date / End of support date:

Avid S3 12/31/2021 12/31/2026

Thanks for the info! I didn't realize it was all the way in 2026? I'm using it with a Mac and I paid $2K for an S3 in great shape so I feel good about my prospects. Combined with an iPad running Avid Control (I also used Avid Control Desktop as a meter bridge) it's a great system and it fit on my desk better than two S1s.

Given that End of support for Avid Artist series was so long ago and they're still viable, I'm pretty confident the S3 will be useful to me for many years. When it finally stops working, no biggie. I'll move on at that point. :)

[JFreak]

It is not always clear what End of Support means. At minimum it means availability of spare parts, but one could get the impression it also includes software updates

[BScout]

The Eucon team has always been great about keeping the older stuff (even out of EOL) working.
They just don't get new features.
So I wouldn't be worried about the S3 unless there's a hardware failure. I know 3 big mixers still committed to their S3. Biggest failures I see is the OLEDs expiring for a channel and S3 faders needing cleaning (deoxit.)
And I still have an Artist Mix around for traveling.

[James Steele]

Originally Posted by BScout

The Eucon team has always been great about keeping the older stuff (even out of EOL) working.
They just don't get new features.
So I wouldn't be worried about the S3 unless there's a hardware failure. I know 3 big mixers still committed to their S3. Biggest failures I see is the OLEDs expiring for a channel and S3 faders needing cleaning (deoxit.)
And I still have an Artist Mix around for traveling.

You've reminded me to be more conscientious about putting the cover on my S3 at the end of a session. The S3 in its current incarnation has the features that matter most to me. A major one was custom parameter maps for plugins. Can't do that with the Artist series unfortunately.