What Console Problem?

What Console Problem?

Last summer, Vibe 56 installed one of the first Digidesign D-Command consoles in the Nashville area. Having had experiences with only analog consoles in the past (SSL, Neve....the usual suspects), I wasn't sure what to expect from this "big mouse".

From a maintenance perspective, it really couldn't be simpler. I'm still getting used to downloading a file, rather than pulling up the master section to address the very few issues we've had with this console.

The most major issue we've experienced was an intermittent talkback button, that was addressed by upgrading the firmware in the XMON - which is the interface between the console and the rest of the world. That's certainly a different fix than having to replace the burned-out bulb in the Neve talkback button. (or was that the monitor selector that wouldn't work when a bulb burned out on a Neve?)

We recently stamped-out a really minor, intermittent problem with the pan knobs on channels 12 and 14 (or 4 and 6 on the middle fader bank). Digidesign simply came and swapped out the circuit board that the knobs were attached to. The most time-consuming part was pulling the console out of the desk, which really wasn't all that difficult. It was actually kinda cool to finally have a repair that required more than hooking up a firewire drive.

So, now that the board is 100% I guess it must be about time to upgrade something else around here. Where's that plug-in that makes a 57 sound like it's a Telefunken U47?