Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 22, 2005. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Digidesign’s large Icon D-Control console has been on the market for a year and, according to the manufacturer, has already sold more than 200 units since then. Now the company has presented a smaller version with Icon D-Command. In the basic version it is equipped with 8 channel faders; the system can be expanded to 24 channel strips. Icon D-Command is distinguished by the seamless integration of Pro Tools as well as support for 24-bit/192-kHz and 5.1 surround sound.
Another advantage is touch-sensitive operation. Basically, the console is only the control unit for the software, but that is also what is special about it. Like analog consoles, it allows fast direct access, the adjustment of parameters and the control of processes. Unlike analog consoles, however, the entire operation can be automated – settings made once are adopted and can be recalled again and again. In this way complex settings can be combined into a group and recalled as a set. Its multitasking capability makes it possible for several users to work on the console at the same time. Icon D-Command costs 16,000 US dollars in the basic version.
