first off: thanks for the review ozzy, looking forward to more from current users; i'm considering one for myself in the near future.
the lack of eq is the only stumbling block for me at this point--but i'm considering outboard options... which brings me to this current thought i'd like to propose to the audient guys that posted earlier in the thread:
would you consider a version of the zen that could be purchased with your black series eqs and compressors built in? it would basically be an extended channel strip option. you would offer this version of the zen with X # of open slots, and the user could then mix and match your black series boxes to suit their needs.
you'd have to modify the console chassis, as i don't se any space for it presently, but i think this may be a future option worth considering. you'd sell alot more of those little black modules! (correct me if i'm wrong, but i believe your black series is proprietary. they aren't compatible with the 500 series rack kits or lunchboxes... hence you'd have a convenient new way of marketing and selling them.)
the zen is a great, modern design--exactly the direction i think consoles should be heading in the future: but you have to be able to accomodate those of us who need certain minimum requirements (eq on a channel strip for example) in the analog realm. it is, after all, an analog console right? think of it as something like your own proprietary version of the tree audio console... but one that was actually affordable! (and maybe better, because you have the built in DAW automation and so many other handy modern features.)
please consider, i'd be the first in line to purchase a zen with onboard eq and the option of a dynamics package. (and would gladly volunteer to be the guinea pig when you have a prototype to test
)
ps - another thought: you could even offer 500 series spaces as an option. in that case i'm sure you sell even more of the consoles!