I am in the market for a new console. Now I love A&H consoles, I had 2 QU’s and currently use a GLD112 with AR2412. I am looking for a second console as a backup in case the GLD fails me at some stage. I would love to upgrade to the Avatis but my budget doesn’t quite stretch that far. I could afford the Avantis solo but not with any stage boxes. My other option would be a SQ6 with 2 x DX168’s but I feel like the SQ might be a step backward.
While I was looking at my options the new Tascam Sonicview 24 caught my eye. It looks great with the 16ch stage boxes having built-in Dante and can also be used standalone with remote control via iPad. The layout on the console looks great as well with 3 touchscreens and the screen showing 1-1 with the channels.
I’m just wondering if anyone has had any hands-on experience with the Sonicview and what their thoughts were. Also what your thoughts were if you had to choose between the three options?
I will be using it mainly for local concerts with small to larger rock bands.
Just a few thoughts on this:
If I were you, I would probably try to get another GLD somewhere.
With 2 consoles, you might even have a spare parts donor.
With the SQ - as Showtime has already made clear - you could even continue to use your AR2412.
The switch would also be pleasant because you already know the operating philosophy.
However, you might miss some things a lot - e.g. the channel- and EQ encoders, the informations in the channel strips and the usual channel level leds.
And: I now assume that A&H has long since said goodbye to SQ.
The last function update is now over 4 years old and there are no signs of a final one.
This could well indicate that the console has long since reached its hardware-set limits and that no more functions can be added.
That is a great shame, because it had developed into a kind of standard alongside Midas by Behringer.
And so you get a good, but now relatively old console that you might prefer because you are attracted to the size.
In this respect, the Sonicview could be a modern alternative and also I would be happy to learn more about it - like also here.
Thanks for the responses. SQuser, That is interesting about the SQ. I didn’t realize that the last function update was 4 years ago. Makes sense though if it has reached its hardware limits. I love the GLD but I would like to move forward from it. I suppose I could find cheap Gld 80 or 112 for now and hold off until I can afford the Avantis.
The Sonicview looks great but there aren’t a lot of user cases on it yet to tell what it’s like and any faults it may have, it does seem a little risky at this stage.
Sonicview is a great product, but for example lacks all the emulation SQ has. So even without the updates I would go with SQ. Additionally Sonicview is Dante-based, so you would need new stage boxes.
I didn’t realize that the last function update was 4 years ago. Makes sense though if it has reached its hardware limits.
Oh sorry - this is of course not background knowledge, but just speculation on my part, which would make the current situation seem logical.
And the release of a micro-update today after a year does not make this assumption any less.
Existing problems remain unsolved - and we should stop dreaming about meaningful changes and additions.
Probably the new (?) business partner Harrison put some pressure, because a function he offered did not work with the SQ.
I love the GLD but I would like to move forward from it.
Can you explain this contradiction?
Is it the same for you in a partnership?
Is it the same for you in a partnership? Haha no not at all but I have my concerns that the GLD is going to crash on me one day and in the remote location where I live, it’s not just as easy as getting a replacement quickly.
I should also mention that I am also the main supplier for PA hire when larger acts come into town. Most engineers have been happy to use the GLD but it would be nice to have something a little more up to date.
Another reason is I would like the ability to multitrack record shows. I know I could buy a Dante card to accomplish this with the GLD but not sure I want to spend the money on a console that is now dated and dropping in price.
