Larry: Without a doubt, but this is what we do and what we love, and it's our commitment to keep the Paragon as “The Standard".

soundguy: What's the main difference between the older and newer Paragons?

Larry: The basic electronics are the same. The console was updated to provide more current features and operator options, to better reflect the needs of the industry today. More stereo outputs, more monitor engineer features are the basic differences. The old Paragon tried to be a "be all" console, taking care of house and monitor functions, and we realized that there were compromises on both ends. So the Paragon II has a dedicated Monitor and House console.

Paul Tucci: Like many other system techs, I've inserted high-end comps and gates into channels for visiting engineers. (Hell, I’ve done it myself.) What sort of equivalent comp and gates is the onboard stuff?

Larry: The gate was originally made to be the most feature laden - the best comparison I'd offer would be to the original Drawmer. The compressor has an ATI patent for it's unique operation, and for our buck, it ranks at the top of the heap in performance.

soundguy: Do you still spend time on the room touring?

Larry: Yeah - I still like to get my fingers on a console whenever possible, but with the responsibilities of the company, it's less often. Regrettably.

Paul Tucci: An idea tossed around earlier this month was asking console manufacturers to include a delay for console-mounted monitors. Is that feasible from your perspective?

Larry: It sure is. The original Paragon had an insert point on the cue buss for a delay... and was used by many engineers. The current Paragon II has the same insert, but we are also working on an "on board" adjustable delay to achieve the same result. It's an option on the new Paragon II Production (house) console.

Moderator: Can users of the old consoles get a retrofit?

Larry: I'm afraid not - too many differences in circuit architecture and metal work.
Plus... man, we need your order!

Andy: Is there any chance of a "mini-Paragon"? Perhaps smaller frame, less sends/groups?

Larry: Well, that's a subject of intense discussion here in our company. Our sales people want a product like this for smaller venues.

Andy: Exactly!

Larry: And when we go overseas, our export distributors have been demanding a product like this from us for a long time.

Paul Tucci: How about adding that same time-based feature to a stereo pair out put for aligning the console to mics for recording?

Larry: Great idea. Thanks Paul - you just won a free T-shirt!!!

Moderator: Sorry, all SWAG must also go through the moderator!