Using the Gio
So the Gio is the Mid range Console in its Eos family(that is to say it uses the Eos control software) Since I am already familiar with the Ion, I had no problem Adapting to the Gio, as the program is basically the same its just the Gio is a more advanced desk compared to the Ion.
The desk itself has some Nifty features that while some are cosmetic are very useful. First off the back lit keys are perhaps my favorite cosmetic little feature. Now it doesn’t seem like much, but this is the first console I have ever used that has back lit keys, and not having to struggle in the dark while programming a show is kind of amazing. The Encoder wheels for moving light control have dynamic resistance, which means when you are switching between gobos it will click, and when you are panning or tilting the wheels will move more fluidly. You can change the level of the touch screens, so if necessary you can flatten the whole console, which is very convenient for transporting and since everything you need to make the show go is attached to the console itself it makes it a very good portable console, if you are working on a touring show or concert. The console also has 10 motorized faders that can be assigned to whatever you want them to be.
Another awesome feature with the Gio, on the Desk in-between the two monitors there are 6 programmable buttons that can do what every you want them to (we turned ours in to a channel check and moving light check)
So enough about the bells and whistles on the desk itself lets talk about the Eos software. So we were working on the big musical production of the semester when we were given this board, the show was a very cue heavy show with a few effects. Normaly to do these shows we have a hog 3 a good console for programming musicals and concerts, but you kind of need to be a computer programmer to understand how to make it do useful things.
This is not the case with the Eos software. This program is so simple to use that virtually anyone with little training could program a simple show. However a musical with about 400 cues isn’t a simple show. Still anything I needed to do (referencing multiple cue lists, part cues, etc,) was still relatively easy to figure out, if I didn’t know how to do it already. Also using the Gio many of the useful commands are already buttons on the console, so that cut down my programming time significantly.
The only issue I have with the Gio and the Eos software is the effects engine. I find that to make it work properly is far too time consuming and its just easier to build multiple cue lists.
