Now that's a surprise !
Like they say, it seems like a bunch of units associated together in an argosy desk, so maybe the R&D is not that tremendous ? Which in a way, could be a good sign cause it could also avoid it to cost $3000 a channel. It also seems like Slate did everything he could to deliver the best integration within the DAW, the current trends are all there (total integration of iDevices like the iPad to add a plugin controller etc). It could actually be good.
I think I see 4 euCon, 6 dragons + fox associations of units
So in a nutshell, from what I get, it's like he made a whole package of associations of controllers, channels, in a custom desk with DAW controls, a final product which implies warranty, reliability, etc all in one.
Now, is that expensive ?
Good surprise anyway !