D-Command Fader Upgrade Option...Please!!!

[JSR]

I just got back from a D-Command demo and while the desk itself is great, I was disappointed in the faders that they choose to use (similar feel to a Control 24). They aren't even close to the P&G faders they used on the D-Control. The rep. that was there did a A/B test doing a fader cycle with the D-Command and then the D-Control; the D-Control was much, much smoother and a lot less noisy. The feel of the faders were night and day different also - I actually think the Pro Control faders feel better. I just think because of the price of this box ($30,000), it should have the same faders as the D-Control (or at least an upgrade option).

[uno1234]

Totally agree. They're garbage. My Pro Control is far better. They give the "Icon" brand a bad name. It was a big killer for me.

[Jeff Hodges]

The faders on the old Pro Control are incredible. I read or heard somewhere at somepoint that Digi developed the Pcontrol faders themselves and it cost them a fortune. The most expensive part in that box. They are arguably nicer than the P&Gs.

[JSR]

I found out Digi is using an Alps brand fader on the D-Command (http://www.alpsusa.com/). These are the same faders (or at least the same brand) used in lower cost mixers like the MotorMix and Behringer mixer. Check the below links:

http://www.fullcompass.com/Products/pages/SKU--80039/

http://remixmag.com/mag/remix_burn_mouse/

Not too happy with this; I really was looking forward to this desk, but now I'm questioning making a $30,000 investment for a sub-pro piece of gear. I know the reason Digi most likely did this is for marketing purposes; they nee someting to pull users to the $100,000 desk, something obvious; besides the less knobs / channels.

[SessionKat]

I found out Digi is using an Alps brand fader on the D-Command (http://www.alpsusa.com/). These are the same faders (or at least the same brand) used in lower cost mixers like the MotorMix and Behringer mixer. Check the below links:

http://www.fullcompass.com/Products/pages/SKU--80039/

http://remixmag.com/mag/remix_burn_mouse/

Not too happy with this; I really was looking forward to this desk, but now I'm questioning making a $30,000 investment for a sub-pro piece of gear. I know the reason Digi most likely did this is for marketing purposes; they nee someting to pull users to the $100,000 desk, something obvious; besides the less knobs / channels.

Not to appear as a salesman, but I must share with you that I have extensively used (tested!) both D-Control and D-Command, including fader balistics, HW dura bility, firmware tweaks on top of all the SW features.

Differences between the feel and response between P&G and Alps faders are really subjective and personal, IMO. P&G's required tremendous amounts of firmware changes to get them to where they are, while the Alps worked well right out of the box. Firmware enhancements are an ongoing process to improve/change fader action and response, as you've all seen over the history with the Pro Control's "digi-fader" and the recent changes (with v6.9) of D-Control.

Basically, its not my feeling that the Alps faders make D-command a "sub-pro piece of gear". I trust the alps faders will be very durable and provide many joyous mixing hours for years to come. Remember, D-Command was "just born" and will enjoy future developments and enhancements, including fader balistic changes based on customer feedback - like we've done with other control surfaces.

Cheers!

-tv

[RobMacki]

I dono Tim.

I have a lot of respect for you, but it would not surprise me if it was originally designed with the P&Gs. Someone must have trumped the P&Gs and thought it would not matter. Digi can't be that hungary. They stand to make a killing on D-Command. You'd think they would be more quality minded rather than cut-cost for short-run ROI.

I'm sure that this (Alps) will make D-Control owners happy and tout their prowess. I was seriously trying to get ready to roll a D-Command into my Avid Lease. But now I'll have to take a closer look. I'm in an area, a State, that does not even have one for me to check out.

I'm just not into a "me-too" @ 30k that is or could be inferior to PC in terms of faders (which is the primary control of the control surface.

[uno1234]

Sessionkat, thanks for chiming in. But I still think it's a drag. The resolution of the dcommand faders are very good. There is no "fall back" like with my procontrol. But they are not smooth like the procontrol or the P&G. And that's not a subjective point. They just aren't. They also make that cheap noise when banking them or automating them. Really, a big disappointment for me, and pretty much killed the deal.

Why don't you check out the SSL AWS 900? Those faders smoke the Icon series, even with the HUI midi control that all your sales guys love to harp on. Before everyone bashes me, go sit down at a AWS 900. Sure, the control surface aspect is pretty weak compared to the power of the icon. But those faders rock. Too bad Digi didn't rip them off. (Or buy them! They were just up for sale!).

My two cents.

[RobMacki]

Why didn't they just use the DigiFaders???
Was there some contract just for the PC??
It makes no sense.
Someone must know the story behind it.

[Chris Lambrechts]

Why don't you check out the SSL AWS 900? Those faders smoke the Icon series, even with the HUI midi control that all your sales guys love to harp on. Before everyone bashes me, go sit down at a AWS 900. Sure, the control surface aspect is pretty weak compared to the power of the icon. But those faders rock. Too bad Digi didn't rip them off. (Or buy them! They were just up for sale!).

My two cents.

I most definately have to disagree there. at least as far as the D control faders are concerned. I have sat down at the AWS. And yes the faders on it are good. But smoke the D control faders ? hmmmm .....

As for the Procontrol faders ..... At first after gettingb the D control I was in duality about the P&G's. Coming from years behind the Procontrol I liked those better. In the meantime I have gone back to work on a couple of Procontrols and I have most definately changed my mind. I for one would not want to go back to those faders. Especially since the last firmware updates the P&G's on the D control have even improved to better and more accurate response then they allready had to begin with.

I have no real experience on the D command yet (we're expecting delivery of a D command any day now so as soon as I have I will comment more).But I did play with them on a venue (I belive they are the same faders) and although different from the D control and the Procontrol, they were far better from a C24 for example (which I do know).

[SessionKat]

Sessionkat, thanks for chiming in. But I still think it's a drag. The resolution of the dcommand faders are very good. There is no "fall back" like with my procontrol. But they are not smooth like the procontrol or the P&G. And that's not a subjective point. They just aren't. They also make that cheap noise when banking them or automating them. Really, a big disappointment for me, and pretty much killed the deal.

My two cents.

Let me repeat that fader performance is not simply tied to the mechanical assembly of the fader itself. With fdirmware changes (which controls the voltage flow, positional scanning, start/end stops, etc.) its possible to improve/change fader performance quite noticeably. Seeing as this is the initial release of D-Command, rest assured fader performance tweaks are in the future based upon users feedback. For instance, (as Chris knows), we improved some aspects of D-Controls fader performance with firmware changes in PT 6.9 - 1 year after its initial release.

Don't sink the D-Command ship before it gets out to the deep seas!

<g>

-tv