Venue D Show vs Venue Profile

[dsmithbsaaudio@cox.net]

Our church is purchasing a new Profile console, and training will begin soon on the new system. I had originally specified a D Show, but budget constraints moved us into the Profile. In comparing the 2 consoles, the D Show appears to be more user-friendly than the Profile, which translates into easier training for lay people. I am interested in opinions related to the 2 console layouts and ease of training for new operators, especially newbies to live sound.
Any help would be appreciated.
Dave

[albee1952]

Actually, I have heard several folks say the Profile is a bit easier. The biggest difference for me was the extra row of assignable knobs, but that's hardly a deal breaker. Trust me, you will love it

[noclevername]

I use a Profile for my church, I find it to be a little (ha, "little") less cumbersome than the D-Show. I really like it and don't feel like there's anything I'm missing by having it. Actually it was the FOH guy for Chris Tomlin that finally convinced me. He said the same thing. There's really no reason to go D-Show, Profile does everything just as well.
Feel free to ask me any specific questions, I've had mine for several years.

[BradLyons]

Check out my website on the Venue for some in-depth information from a user point of view.....

http://www.theaudioprofessional.com/VENUE.html

To answer your question directly, the systems are the exact same console---just a different control surface. I can't honestly say that one is easier over the other because the fact is, they are both incredibly simple to operate! The PROFILE is the most popular not only because of the price, but the smaller space. It takes up far less space than the DSHOW but really does the same thing---but for touring guys, oh that's even more of a reason to go Profile. Of course, there are reasons to get the DSHOW such as the ability to expand up to 56-faders, having (2) rows of encoders to control PAN and PREAMP GAIN simultaneously, having a Compressor Bypass switch in real-time, a larger space for those that really do want a bigger layout, etc. But at the end of the day, it's the same thing.

[dstagl]

Moving from a D-Show to a Profile, there are a couple of things you might miss (adjusting stereo width for stereo inputs on the pan knob, individual safe knobs, separate HPF control, etc.). But if you're just starting from scratch with a Profile you wouldn't miss the stuff. The software is exactly the same so you can still do everything. Sometimes there are just a couple extra steps on the Profile.

I've been mixing on a D-Show for just about 6 years now, and if I was buying another desk right now I'd go with a Profile. The compact size is great because you can reach everything at all times.

Dave

[earldriggers]

Both Brad and Dave make great points. If mixing monitors, I prefer the D-Show. The main advantage I find is access to all the parameters on the selected channel. If FOH, the Profile. I find I can concentrate on mixing instead of navigating, as things come to you. And, as Dave said, you can reach everything without moving. I find that a big part of staying "in the zone" while mixing.

[Noiseboy50]

Yep, I would lend my voice to these comments. I learnt on the D-Show but quickly moved to the Profile and find it to be just as speedy to get around and promoters love the compact size because they can get a couple more seats in.
I did once work on a D-Show with 2 extra fader banks, at a casino in Detroit I think, but I didn't like that at all, far too much walking around.
If you are learning on the Profile you will find nothing missing and should you use a D-Show at some stage you'll probably not even bother with all the extra controls, I know I don't.

[dsmithbsaaudio@cox.net]

As usual, when you need help from real professionals, it comes in multiple forms. You guys have been great and I really appreciate the replys. I'm really looking forward to getting down to business with the new Profile system. Much thanks.
Dave S.

[dstagl]

Originally Posted by Noiseboy50

I did once work on a D-Show with 2 extra fader banks, at a casino in Detroit I think, but I didn't like that at all, far too much walking around.
If you are learning on the Profile you will find nothing missing and should you use a D-Show at some stage you'll probably not even bother with all the extra controls, I know I don't.

I can't imagine using a D-Show with more than 1 sidecar. I would turn the other sidecars off.

Dave

[BradLyons]

Originally Posted by dstagl

I can't imagine using a D-Show with more than 1 sidecar. I would turn the other sidecars off.

Dave

Dave,

I see you are here in Atlanta as well? Perhaps we could meet sometime! Anyway---I know what you mean and that was a response I had to myself, however I designed a system for a client of mine about 2-years ago that is what I believe to be the largest Venue system in existence--- it's a DSHOW with 56-faders, all (5) DSP cards, every I/O option, and tied to a ProTools HD4 Accel. When I saw the full 56-fader system setup with the dual stage racks and the FOH computer sitting next to it, wow did it ever look amazing!