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Friday, December 30, 2011

What is the #1 Portable PA System Mistake? Not Charging Rechargeable Battery Long Enough


The #1 Customer troubleshooting phone call we receive deals with the rechargeable batteries on the following products.  When a customer first receives the PA system, they should plug it in and charge it overnight so it is at full strength to start its career in projecting your voice.

Each of the following products feature built in rechargeable batteries that need to be charged overnight for a minimum of 7 hours before primary use.

It is also recommended to not let the battery drain before you charge it, it is better to keep it charged for each use.  After each time of use, it should be recharged to prolong the life of the PA System.


The Mity-Vox PA System should be charged overnight before use.














The iPod Portable PA System needs to be charged at least 7-10 hours before first use.






The Titan Wireless PA System should be charged at least 6-8 hours before its first use.



 


The Digital Audio Travel Partner should be charged overnight and should be charged after each use to maximize the battery life.  Recharging the unit only when the battery status light is yellow or red will shorten the useful life of the batteries.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Top 10 Blog Posts of 2011


Here are AmpliVox's Top 10 Blog Posts of 2011:


1. Church Pulpits

2. Can Your Cheerleaders Be Heard Above the Noise?

3. Multi-Purpose Lecterns: Restaurant | 8 Restaurant Hostess Tips

4. Dangers of Flash Mobs

5. Master Guide to AmpliVox YouTube Videos

6. YouTube Star Edbassmaster Uses AmpliVox Sound Cruiser PA System

7. AmpliVox Supports North Suburban YMCA

8. 10 Reasons to Use Technology in the Classroom

9. NFL Commissioner Uses Contemporary Aluminum Acrylic LecternAcrylic Lecterns and Pulpits

10. Custom Mountable Horn Speaker Systems from AmpliVox

Presidential Podium used at School Assembly


Recently, Amplivox Sound Systems had the privilege of supporting local award winning school by supplying a Wireless Presidential Plus Sound Lectern for their celebratory assembly.

The local school was celebrating the award for being one of the top 350 schools in the entire nation (almost 140,000 schools).  That is really quite an achievement!




Related Posts:
AmpliVox YouTube Channel
Amplivox Portable Sound Systems Home Page
Teacher feedback on Amplified Classrooms
Amplivox Supports Local Career Assistance Non-Profit Fresh Start
All Blogs Tagged "Amplivox Cares"
Do you have the Winter Blues? Blog on Seasonal Affective Disorder

Monday, December 26, 2011

Top 7 Reasons You Need Your PA System to Be Portable | Sound Tips


Why a Portable Sound System?

  1. Flexibility. A PA system that is permanent is a pain to uninstall and reinstall.
  2. Outdoor Use Is Easy
  3. Indoor Use is Easy
  4. You don't need to be searching for an electrical outlet.
  5. No more extension cords.
  6. Use the PA system for a variety of events.  A Portable PA system will not confine you to a small space or specific application.  Many of our portable PA systems are iPod and smart phone compatible
  7. Long Battery Life.  The Voice Projector PA System's battery life is an incredible 200 hours.  That is no typo we really mean up to 200 hours of battery life with 10 D-Cell batteries.
The Digital Audio Travel Partner is called a travel partner because this 250 watt system is portable.  You can also connect anything you want to project sound like a computer, iPod, or instrument like a guitar.

The Wireless Audio Portable Buddy is a 50 watt system great for presenters on the go.  It runs up to 200 hours on a single set of 10-D Cell batteries!


Related Links:
-Get this Lady An Adjustable Height Lectern!
-Video: Top 10 Reasons to Use Technology In Education
-Webpage: Portable Sound Systems

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Is AmpliVox's CEO Camera Shy?


A few weeks ago AmpliVox had some reporters come for a photoshoot on our Pink Podium Cause Marketing Campaign.  Needless to say he is not very camera shy...



The song he sings is "Young at Heart" by Frank Sinatra.

Related Links:
Video: The Pink Podium Story on YouTube
Pinnacle Podium Product Page
Video: AmpliVox Featured in Video at Craftsman Experience
 Blog:  Top 10 Reasons to Use Technology in Education

Monday, December 19, 2011

Blind Skiers Prefer the Beltblaster: AmpliVox Mentions




Did you read our old post on how the AmpliVox Beltblaster is used by blind skiers?

Here are a couple links from around the web that give more info about blind skiers and mention the AmpliVox Beltblaster Personal PA System:







Friday, December 16, 2011

Happy Holidays from AmpliVox Sound Systems!


Greetings!
We wish you a very happy Holiday Season and prosperity in the New Year. 
We value our relationship with you and thank you for being our customer.  We look forward to serving you in the coming year.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
We will be closed for the holidays on the following days:
Friday afternoon, December 23rd
Monday, December 26th
&
Friday afternoon, December 30th
Monday, January 2nd



Popular Blog Posts from this year:

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Alternative to a DJ: AmpliVox Portable PA Systems | Disc Jockey Hire


In these tough economic times, people are looking to cut expenses any way they can to stay within their budget.

Events like weddings, dinners at a banquet hall, and high school dances need music and sound system options for the master of ceremonies but do not want to spend outrageous amounts of money for DJ staff, equipment, insurance, gas money...etc.

A simple solution for a DJ would be finding a DJ alternative, or doing it yourself.  One excellent way to do it yourself is to use an AmpliVox Portable Sound System.

Our systems have integrated sound and easy connectivity options for a CD, MP3 player, iPod, iPhone, smartphone or other audio devices.  You can also plug in instruments into these PA systems (guitar, bass, and anything else that has corresponding cords).

In addition to that, the two pictured products have The Voice Priority Feature which dulls down the music when the presenter speaks into the mic.  Many of our systems have the capability of using several microphones at the same time, and all have wireless microphone options available.

Make a playlist with your favorite songs and control your music with the remote control that several of our products offer.

How to Set Up a PA System


Monday, December 12, 2011

Yet ANOTHER Positive Half-Mile Hailer Customer Review


Review of the AmpliVox Half-Mile Hailer:
"We bought one of these Amplivox units about a year ago for our nonprofit organization to use at public educational demonstrations. As an electrical engineer, I had spent quite a bit of time reviewing specifications and prices, and finally settled on this one. It isn't the cheapest on the market, but you get what you pay for.

The cone speaker is fairly directional, allowing you to control the direction in which it projects sound. In particular, you can stand to one side to avoid feedback. Surprisingly, however, the unit is not prone to feedback even if you are standing in front of the speaker, as long as you are not too close. I found that I can stand 10 meters or so in front of the speaker, with volume at reasonable levels, and still not have a feedback problem. Ideally, you are off to the side, but that's not always feasible in all locations.

Sound quality is in my opinion quite good for a public address system, but you should understand that this is a *public address system* and not a music system. You can certainly play music through the amplifier, but it is optimized for human speech and lacks the frequency response and dynamic range for high-fidelity music reproduction. In engineering design, there are always tradeoffs, and the designers were able to make this device work better for speech by intentionally limiting its response range. I have also been very pleased that the speaker has plenty of headroom, and I have not heard any clipping or overdrive.

One very nice feature of this model is that it has inputs for an extra wireless or wired microphone as well as a line-level input for connection to an external source such as an MP3 player for sound effects or background music. This feature is hard to find on equipment in this price range.

The battery life of the unit is surprisingly good. I was skeptical of the manufacturer's claim of how long it can run on "D" cells, but I have to admit it really does run a long time. We bought the 12 volt adapter (and I recommend this if you're going to run it all day), but for most short presentations (up to 3 or 4 hours) I just use the inboard "D" cells.

The manufacturer calls this a "half mile hailer". I haven't tested it at that range, but I would believe the claim based on what I have observed. With the volume at about 40% to 50%, we are able to give educational presentations in very crowded outdoor venues such as a town festival.

The wireless microphones are of very high quality, with no discernible difference in fidelity between wired and wireless in my tests. They operate on different radio frequencies and have so far been immune to crossover in our usage. These are expensive microphones, but as with the amplifier you get what you pay for. My only caveat is that using the wireless microphones properly does require some training. Anyone can learn it, but audio novices may need some practice to get the mic placement right.

My overall opinion is that this PA system does exactly what its manufacturer claims, and does it very well..."
~Review Courtesy of Amazon


Other Half-Mile Hailer Reviews:
Blog: Bull Stomps on Half-Mile Hailer, Still Works!
Blog: Beach Lifeguard Review of Half-Mile Hailer
Blog: Street Preachers Love the Half-Mile Hailer!
VIDEO: Customer Reviews AmpliVox Half-Mile Hailer
Blog: NCAA Track Starter's Review of the Half-Mile Hailer

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

ImprovEverywhere Uses Megaphone and Lectern in Flash Mob Type Video


The internet is a weird thing... it connects people all over the world, revolutionizes the way business is done, and also brings about some interesting ideas.

Our friends over at ImprovEverywhere specialize in doing flash mobs that gather random people to do random things.  The latest one, called "Say Something Nice" and involves two things that are near and dear to the heart of AmpliVox, a lectern and a megaphone.

Although the lectern is not an AmpliVox one (it is similar to our Elite Solid Hard Wood Lectern Stand), we think the megaphone could be ours!


Monday, December 05, 2011

12 Awesome Sports Photos You Have to See


Source: Flickr/cutglassdecanter
AmpliVox Portable Sound Systems has compiled some cool sports photos over the last few weeks.

AmpliVox has supported youth sports in a variety of ways in recent years, click on the following links to read more and view videos:
-AmpliVox Amplifies Football Coaches' Voices
-AmpliVox Supports the YMCA 3-On-3 Tournament
-Gymnastics Class Testimonial/Review on Digital Audio Travel Partner
-Cheerleader PA Systems

Like the pictures?  Tell us which one is your favorite in a comment!


Courtesy: AZAdam on Flickr
Courtesy: Flickr User Foxypar4


Courtesy PhotoDu.de on Flickr

Courtesy: Flickr user Vramak

Courtesy: Avcosihub on Flickr

Courtesy Flicker User DVIDSHUB










Courtesy Greg L on Flickr
Courtesy CDEPaz on Flickr
Courtesy: Joe S. on Flickr










Courtesy: ElbertBarnes on Flickr
Courtesy Lifesupercharger on Flickr

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Video: Products for Religious Worship Services | Church Pulpit and Portable Sound Systems


AmpliVox Portable Sound Systems is your one stop shop for all of your church needs: church pulpits, loudspeakers, wireless PA equipment (great for music), and elegant sound lecterns.

This blog is a podium and PA system guide to explain what products to buy for worship services.  Plug in guitars and iPods to our sound systems into the cable port or headphone jack for crisp and clear sound.

Below is a video showcasing some of these products:




Products Listed in Video:
-Pinnacle Hardshell Plastic Multimedia Lectern
-Presidential Plus Wooden Lectern
-Full Height Wooden Lectern
-Portable Tabletop Lectern
-Executive Sound Column Lectern (Adjustable)
-Acrylic Lecterns
-Expediter Lectern Stand
-Digital Audio Travel Partner
-Voice Carrier PA System
-Mity-Meg Megaphone
-iPod Portable PA System
-Titan Wireless PA System

Webpage: AmpliVox: The Church Pulpit Source
Webpage: How to Set Up Portable PA Systems

Blog: Posts Tagged "Worship Services"
Blog: Customer Testimonial on Roving Rostrum Tabletop Podium/PA System

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Paws for the Cure: AmpliVox Donates Pink Podium for Outdoor Event



AmpliVox has supported Breast Cancer Awareness groups by donating special edition Pink Pinnacle Podiums to their events.  We have done golf outings, special banquet dinners, races, hockey fundraisers, and now "Paws for the Cure" fundraiser.

On April 6, 2011, the Wyoming Komen group hosted a fundraiser called "Paws for the Cure" that had participants bring their dogs on the walk.

To view more photos from the event, visit the Wyoming Komen Race for the Cure Facebook Album.

The reason the Pink Podium was chosen is because it comes from our durable and lightweight Pinnacle podium that is made from recycled plastic.  We recently did a goofy video showcasing some specs of the Pinnacle called, "Will it Float?"


Friday, November 25, 2011

Table Top Lecterns: The Ultimate Guide


 What kind of table top lectern do you need?
  • Plastic, wooden, acrylic?
  • A folding, travel-friendly tabletop lectern?
  • With a built-in sound system?
  • With wireless microphone options?
  • Able to plug into external sound system?
  • Lightweight, rugged plastic casing or a modern stylish design?
  • With optional cart base?
AmpliVox has a wide range of  table top lecterns and podiums to meet any of your needs.
 
Table top lecterns are the most portable lecterns that we provide. With their light weight design, built in sound system, and durable wood finish, they will work great in an office, banquet setting, school, or government office (we even accept GSA Contracts).

1. The Portable Table Top Lectern is a great multipurpose lectern that comes with a Media Cart. It comes with a table top lectern. But, it also comes with a matching wood media cart. The function of the media cart is to turn the table top lectern into a full lectern. This model offers a built in sound system, two choices of wood grain finishes, and four rolling casters.



2. The EZ Speak Folding Lectern is another table top lectern we offer. This lectern can fold up for optimal portability. It also comes with a carrying handle, built in sound system, and a four different wood finishes to choose from. Don’t let your presentation get stuck in one room, go mobile.


3. The Travel Lectern is the next up. Think of this as the relative of the EZ Speak Folding Lectern. This sturdy lectern is made from oak and is space efficient. Pinched for space? This table top lectern folds up and is a great travel companion. Its design allows for it to be converted from a standard table top lectern, to a space saving wonder, with ease.



4. The Pinnacle Table Top Lectern is made of recycled materials. Its lightweight design, rounded edges, and durability make it great for presentations outside your office. Use it everywhere you go!




5. The Victoria Solid Wood Table Top Lectern is another popular choice. This lectern shows true elegance and works great for a local business, presentations, or board meetings. It also comes in five different wood finishes.




6. Roving Rostrum Podium is an option as well. This portable PA system is made of hard shell plastic, perfect for constant on the go speaking. It’s easy to use, easy to carry, and easy to hear. With its Omni Directional speakers you can give your audience the sound volume and quality all in one package.








7. The Clear Acrylic Tabletop Podium Stand is the final table top lectern we offer. It features a extra wide reading surface for notes or books. Its curved front edge and modern design give a professional look.  It is the clear choice. 

All these lecterns provide portability, durability, and the Amplivox brand name.



Related Links:

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Rotary International Chooses AmpliVox for their Sound Needs


AmpliVox has recently announced a partnership with Rotary International.

In case you didn't know, Rotary International is a service organization that has thousands upon thousands of local chapters that seek to enrich society on a local level and international level.  Their tagline is:


Rotary International: Ordinary people working together to achieve extraordinary things

AmpliVox's CEO Don Roth had this to say:
“AmpliVox products make it possible for people to be heard. Rotary speaks up for people in need around the world.“

AmpliVox will product special-made products for Rotary International which includes their logo.

AmpliVox offers custom logo options for our lecterns and PA Systems.  The Rock Hill Run 5K in Rock Hill, New York, used PA systems with custom logos.  Click on the link to watch the video of PA Systems at the Rock Hill Run 5K.


Related Links:
Rotary Club uses Half-Mile Hailer in Rubber Ducky Race
Blog Posts Labeled "AmpliVox Cares"
AmpliVox YouTube Channel

Sunday, November 20, 2011

PA Systems are a MUST for Police and SWAT Teams!


We heard a few years back that our Half-Mile Hailer Public Address System helped end a standoff in a hostage situation (see PA system in Hostage Situation video here).

We recently ran across another hostage situation describing how integral a PA System was in ending the standoff peacefully.


In these stressful, dangerous, and tense situations, a clear means of commuications is vital to achieving a safe outcome.  SWAT teams and police officers need to be able to extend their voices.

"We're not going to leave until we talk to you," a sheriff's deputy said over a public address system in front of the home at 22659 Sunnybrook Lane.
"We need you to come outside with your hands up, Nicholas."
"We're here to help you."
Watch footage of the PA system in use during the standoff:

To read the rest of this article, click here.

Friday, November 18, 2011

iPod Portable PA System Used at Large Outdoor Car Wash Fundraiser Event


Every year employees from United Stationers host a car wash to raise money for charities like the “City of Hope” to help fund research for many life-threatening diseases.

In need of a loud outdoor portable sound system that could amplify their voices and music across a wide area, they chose an AmpliVox iPod Portable PA and the Digital Audio Travel Partner.

Their music was heard over the entire area while they washed cars, played games, and enjoyed the festivities of the day.  Using wireless microphones enhanced their ability to project their voices and not be hindered by wires and allowed them to speak above music with the Voice Priority Feature, that automatically ducks the volume of the music when the speaker speaks into the mic.


This video is in the YouTube playlist called "Fun Uses of AmpliVox Products."

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

AmpliVox Mity-Meg Megaphones Review


MityMeg Plus

It works well, lighter than the old voice coil megaphones we had which kept cutting out.

The "detachable" microphone is the only microphone, and is not detachable completely - it clips on the back where the mike is on a regular megaphone for normal use, but you can detach it from there if you're in a fixed location and want to put the megaphone down and use the handheld microphone. There is not a separate built-in microphone on the back, and you cannot completely detach the one microphone.

The battery level feature is good, but inconvenient - instead of being in back where you see it every time you use the megaphone it's on the side so you have to remember to look at it while pressing down the talk button.

The switch between off and the two sound effects is a simple slide switch, it would be better if it were momentary for the sound effects so you have to hold it one way or the other to get the sound effects, right now you have to slide it to the sound effect and then slide it back.

But overall it works well, sound is clear, and it has nice features like Velcro to keep the batteries locked down in the battery holder.

 25-Watt MityMeg Megaphone

This is a great megaphone all the way around. The ceramic pick-ups/amplifiers make the unit lightweight and give it a battery life many times longer than the older magnet pick-up style megaphones. I don't know why all megaphones being made now don't have this technology -- the high end magnet-style units cost the same amount and often more.

There are three other features that I really like about this megaphone that other smaller and slightly cheaper ones don't have.

First, it has a trigger on/of switch at the top of the handle, making it perfect for one-handed use. It does have whistle and siren features if you need them, but they are accessed independently of the on-off trigger switch. (I really like that)

Second, it has an easily adjustable dial volume switch on the back that can be toggled with the thumb of the same hand using the megaphone -- also perfect for one-handed use.

Third, it has an internal gain adjustment dial. This is ideal for performance and recording, because it allows a little variation in distortion. Just be careful not to adjust the gain to high if you're going to be talking loudly into it or, naturally, you'll get feedback.

Other nice features:
-Battery strength indicator LED lights which show Low, Mid, and Hi.
-Removable rubber cone protector that keeps the end of the bell from being scuffed when set down.


The 25W megaphone has every feature I was looking for: internal microphone, trigger on/off talk switch, adjustable gain, volume thumb-toggle dial, long battery life, lightweight, and above all, excellent sound quality. I'm an actor/musician, and I purchased the S602 megaphone for performance use and it fits my needs perfectly. I've even used it for crowd control while filming a scene with lots of extras.

~Testimonials Courtesy of Amazon reviews.

Watch our Megaphone YouTube Playlist!  It features many uses of our megaphone, including one by a US President!!