"With the Gio @5, we've given you a little bit of everything," says product manager Anne Valentino. This portable console packs all the control necessities into its narrow, 25.5-inch (641 mm) footprint, making external monitors and accessories optional. The desk includes an articulating, 17-inch, multi-touch LCD display, four encoders with haptic feedback, five definable and page-able motorised faders, a master fader pair and a retractable tray with backlit alpha-numeric keyboard.
The Gio @5 derives its name from the Eos command that sets a level at fifty percent, but don't be fooled by its compact size; the desk offers a full programming experience. The console is the perfect step up for Ion users who want expanded hands-on access to playbacks, award-winning colour control, touchscreen Magic Sheets and more, says the company.
The programming surface matches the full, backlit keyboard layout of its larger sister desks, providing an easy transition for experienced Eos users looking to scale down for touring and smaller productions or venues.
The board has everything a programmer needs to rock small, live gigs - right out of the road case. The short-throw motorised faders are designed for efficient busking, but if more hands-on control is needed, the console can serve as a base for a customised, expanded work surface of plug-and-play Motorized Fader Wings, external touchscreen monitors and other accessories.
The upcoming v2.5 software - which will release in time to ship with the console - builds on the playbacks and effects work of the v2.4 release, with even more tools suited to busking.
(Jim Evans)
