2012 in Review: Introducing the iPod Cable and Adapter for iPhones & iPads

The popularity of the SW720 iPod PA System launched an initiative within AmpliVox to extend all of its PA systems to also support iPhones and iPads. The introduction of the S1732 iPod Cable and Adapter made it possible to connect a PA system to common Apple iDevices, allowing a presenter to offer a rich multimedia experience by accessing their music or videos from an external iOS portable device such as an iPod (including the iPod Touch), iPhone, iPad or iPad Mini.

Capture your audience's attention with background music from your iDevice using the S1732 cable.

The S1732 iPod Cable and Adapter has a 30-pin connector that attaches to the bottom of your iPad, iPhone, or iPod while the other end of the cable splits into a 3.5mm stereo audio plug and a standard USB connector.

The 3.5mm audio connector can plug into the ‘auxiliary line in’ of your PA System to play music while the USB can attach to your laptop computer or included wall adapter to simultaneously charge your iDevice while it is in use.

Made for today’s music and video, the revamped SW720 Wireless PA System with Remote Controlled DVD player now includes the S1732 Cable and Adapter to be fully compatible with iDevices from Apple. The SW720 Wireless PA System can reach an audience size of up to 500 people and rooms as large as 2,500 square feet.

The SW720 has a DVD/CD/MP3 disc player with USB/SD card reader and video out that allows you watch DVD’s with a projector or other video displays. The SW720 also has a built-in UHF selectable 16 channel wireless receiver with wireless handheld microphone that has a range of 300 ft.

Simple to operate controls contains a voice priority switch mutes music when speaking and separate bass / treble controls to contour sound as you like.

Rechargeable battery of the SW720 runs for up to 4 hours on a single charge or plug in with the AC power cord (battery charges even while in use with AC power).

Weighing in at 11.5lbs, the molded plastic enclosure of the SW720 is made for exceptional durability and portability with a comfort grip handle. Includes a protective cover with expandable pockets to store all accessories.

For more information on the S1732 iPod Cable and Adapter or revamped SW720 Wireless PA System please visit:
http://www.ampli.com/ipod-pa-system/

Product Spec Sheet: S1732 iPod Cable and Adapter Product Spec Sheet: SW720 iPad, iPhone, iPod Wireless PA System

Coming Soon...Tabletop Version of Pinnacle Podium

A project we are working on here at Amplivox is developing a tabletop version of our popular and nearly indestructable Pinnacle Podium that is made with recycled plastic.

This wood block mold weighs in at about 150 lbs and is several times heavier than the hard-plastic lightweight final product (estimated to be around 30 lbs).

This block was first designed on a computer and then carved by a machine following commands from the computerized blueprint.

Pretty cool, huh?

Some benefits of this lectern are:

• Easy portability
• Indoor or outdoor use
• Made from a durable hard shell plastic that holds up under tough use
• Professional look for a variety of occasions
• Option of building in a sound system

To read up more on the original full-size Pinnacle podium, click on the following link:
Pinnacle Podium Information

Links you may enjoy:
-NEWS: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Uses Amplivox Podium for Super Bowl Press Conference
-VIDEO: Amplivox Hardwood Tabletop Lectern and Cart
-PRESS RELEASE: Amplivox introduces Pinnacle Podium
-Blog Posts Labeled "Lecterns and Podiums"
-FUN: Test your Word Skills with this Etymology test on Lecterns and Podiums

2012 in Review: AmpliVox Upgrades Wireless Microphones to 16 UHF Channels

In August of 2012 AmpliVox was proud to introduce a new series of wireless microphones that broadcasts over 16 UHF channels, a dramatic improvement for sound clarity and system versatility.


The 16-channel UHF frequencies expanded the capability and range of earlier two-channel models by allowing multiple mic users in the same venue to select separate channels. The additional channels also enable users to avoid interference with competing wireless frequencies, assuring crystal-clear sound amplification in any venue. The significant upgrade to 16 UHF Channels was offered as the new standard across all wireless sound systems and wireless lecterns with no price increase.

Side View of the S1690R Wireless 16 Channel UHF Bodypack Receiver

S1601 - Lapel & Headset Mic with Bodypack Receiver and Transmitter

S1623 - Handheld Mic Kit with built in Transmitter & Bodypack Receiver

AmpliVox SW (wireless) models that were affected by the 16 UHF Channel upgrades:

Public Address Systems SW805A Multimedia Stereo Amplifier SW915 Digital Audio Travel Partner SW720 iPad, iPhone, iPod Wireless PA System SW1230 Mity Box Amplified Speaker SW1234 Line Array Amplified Speaker SW800 Titan Wireless Portable PA SW222 Audio Portable Buddy with lapel and headset mic SW223 Audio Portable Buddy with handheld mic SW300 Mity-Lite Portable PA SW6200 Radio Hailer SW6210 Radio Hailer with 2 MURS Radios SW6220 Radio Hailer Command Control Center SW610A Half-Mile Hailer with lapel and headset mic SW615A Half-Mile Hailer with handheld mic SW312 Sound Cruiser with lapel and headset mic SW314 Quad Sound Cruiser with lapel and headset mic SW225 Voice Projector SW227 Powered Speaker Voice Projector Kit SW230A Voice Carrier Wired Speakers & Wireless Mics SW232 Voice Carrier - Wireless Speakers and Mics

Lecterns & Podiums SW3250 Pinnacle Multimedia Lectern SW3300 Multimedia Work Station SW3230 Multimedia Computer Lectern SW3235 Multimedia Presentation Podium SW3430 Multimedia Smart Podium SW3030 Coventry Lectern SW3035 Ambassador Lectern SW355 Elite Lectern SW505 Executive Sound Column Lectern SW505A Executive Adjustable Column Lectern SW450 Presidential Plus Lectern SW3040 Patriot Lectern SW3020 Victoria Lectern SW3010 Oxford Lectern SW3045 Patriot Plus Lectern SW250 Tabletop Lectern with sound SW272 EZ Speak Lectern with sound system SW3240 Pinnacle Tabletop Lectern SW3025 Victoria Tabletop Lectern with sound

AmpliVox On The Simpsons?

Although AmpliVox has been featured on TV the following occasions:

• AmpliVox Lecterns Featured On The Daily Show
• NFL Commissioner Uses Amplivox Contemporary Acrylic Lectern for Press Conference 
• Portable Outdoor Podium with Microphone used at Chicago Ceremony
• AmpliVox Powers "Modern Family" with Battery Powered Car PA System
• Comedian Tom Green Purchases Amplivox megaphone on his Video
• California Senators and Representatives Use Pinnacle Style Podium During Hearing
• Look at This: Youtube Comedian EdBassmaster uses Amplivox Sound Cruiser in Video
• Amplivox Podium Used In Video Done by Craftsman Tools

The Safety Strobe Megaphone

...AmpliVox has never been on the Simpsons. In this short clip from the Simpsons, we see several things AmpliVox products do well.

AmpliVox literally means "Extend Your Voice", and that is exactly what Bart is doing with those megaphones.

The Safety Strobe Megaphone not only will project your voice, but is able to record messages and be played on repeat--communicating your emergency message over and over.

The Radio Hailer Emergency Communication System from AmpliVox allows users to be up to one mile away from their loudspeaker(s) and project their voice and message up to another half mile. This means that instead of needing a couple of dozen megaphones, Bart Simpson could have been standing in that room with only one radio and a strategically placed horn speaker.

The Radio HailerEmergency Communication System

This system allows emergency professionals to communicate their voice and message to a large number of people, over a large area, from a long distance away.

You will possibly be heard all over town like our friend Bart Simpson!

Happy Holidays from AmpliVox!

On behalf of the entire AmpliVox team, we would like to wish you and your family a happy holiday season.

copyright regards.com free ecards - click here to send this free e-card


It’s been a very exciting year for our company. We have a new home in Northbrook, introduced a new line of portable audio products, and promoted our community and charitable endeavors in new and exciting ways. We appreciate all of the support we have received from our dealers, suppliers, customers and friends, and we look forward to working with you again in the new year. Here’s to an even bigger and better 2013!

AmpliVox Office Staff

AmpliVox Warehouse Staff

We will be closed for the holidays on the following days: 

December 24th

December 25th

December 31st

January 1st 

Small PA System for Classrooms – S207 BeltBlaster Pro Review

Adding a small pa system to classroom instructions greatly improves the learning environment by enhancing the sound quality of a teacher’s voice. A majority of a student’s day consists of listening to and participating with their instructor, and adding a classroom PA system to the lecture can make all the difference with the student’s ability to absorb what is being said while making it easier on the teacher with the overall management of the class.

Students that can hear their teacher’s voice clearly have also improved in their performance and have had an increase in attentiveness, participation, comprehension and concentration. Studies have shown that students in amplified classrooms retain more information, have less behavioral problems and receive better test scores.

Teachers are also thrilled with the effects of introducing a small personal pa system to their lectures. Roddy St Yves, a 3rd grade teacher at the Wildomar Elementary School in Wildomar, California had this to say when using the S207 Beltblaster Pro in his classroom:

“ This is my 2nd Unit. I love this unit! My students are so much more attentive when I am using the Belt Blaster Pro. ”
Proven to reduce focal fatigue, improve classroom management and provide greater mobility, the S207 Beltblaster Pro is a rechargeable waistband amplifier that can reach an audience size of up to 50 people.

The Beltblaster Pro includes:

• Headset microphone
• Lapel microphone
• Acoustic sports pack
• Carrying case
• 6 NiMH AA Batteries
• AC Adapter / Recharger
• 44 inch adjustable Belt with 12 in. Extension

The headset and lapel microphone allows you to keep your hands free during your presentation, with the acoustic sports pack and carrying case for easy portability. The 6 NiMH AA batteries with the AC Adapter / Recharge will let you recharge the S207 at the end of the day, providing a full charge for the next day of class. The 44 inch adjustable belt with 12 inch extension will fit any size, weighing in at only 1.5 lbs the S207 Beltblaster Pro is a lightweight solution in portable sound.

For more information on the S207 BeltBlaster Pro, please visit:
http://www.ampli.com/portable-pa-system/207-BeltBlaster-Pro.aspx

Sound Lectern with Custom Logo for the Drug Enforcement Agency

The Drug Enforcement Agency needed elegance and functionality with a sound lectern.

They turned to the AmpliVox Pinnacle Podium with built-in sound system.

The standard Pinnacle Lectern features the speaker on the top panel, but since the DEA wanted to put their logo on this stylish and durable lectern, AmpliVox made the right podium to fit their needs.

 

Read more about custom logos on lecterns and podiums on the following blog posts: 

• Custom Logo and Wood Color for Your Organization's Lectern, Pulpit, and Podium
• PA Systems with a Custom Logo to Help Brand Your Organization

United Vision Trade Show Highlights

Here are some pictures we snapped at the United Vision Trade Show on November 13-16 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pinnacle Podium on the Left, Visionary Multimedia Lectern on the right, and the Safety Strobe Megaphone hiding in the back!

 The new Visionary Multimedia Lectern

Brand New Line Array Speakers

AmpliVox Awarded “Made in the USA” Status by Independent Dealer Magazine

AmpliVox CEO Profiled in "Lincolnshire Review"

 

Logo Design: AmpliVox Portable Sound Systems' Logo

A logo can say a lot about a company. It can communicate what they do, how big they are, what they value, and how big their marketing budget is!

AmpliVox Sound Systems knows the importance of a good logo for branding purposes. 

Here are some cool features of the AmpliVox logo:

• The A and V are symmetrical
• The A and V is easy for customers to remember and leaves a favorable branding impression
• The A and V have a double meaning: it stands for AmpliVox and also Audio Visual
• It looks great on our portable sound systems 

Our desire is for our logo to remind people of the great PA systems and lecterns that we provide.

Here is a short video from PBS on the importance and power of logo design:

What is your favorite logo? Leave it in a comment!

Golf Course Starter Lectern and PA Systems

For owners and operators of golf courses and golfing resorts, communicating with customers and employees is vital. Having the right sound coverage and public address systems in place allows presenters to properly communicate event information and effectively manage crowds across the facility and grounds.

The Pinnacle Pro Starters Lectern provides the course starter a stylish and organized way to store needed supplies while maintaining a professional look. Virtually indestructible, the lectern is made with a hard shell plastic that is rugged and durable, is weather and water resistant and ideal for outdoor use.

The storage shelf and organizer allows the course starter to keep pencils, scorecards, tees and other essentials organized and out of the way. The top of the lecterns features a spring clip to keep tee time sheets secured and organized with an adjustable umbrella holder for a much needed shade from the sun.

“I recommend AmpliVox PA systems to any golf course that hosts golf tournaments or outings. The products and the people are reliable, high quality, and feature top-of-the-line technology.

The wireless unit - in particular - gives you the opportunity to set up the equipment wherever you want to. This allows the host to speak to the group from any position.”

Dan W. - Illinois PGA Pro

The Pinnacle Pro Starters Lectern gives golf courses the flexibility of a stylish lectern whose lightweight frame can be moved easily on two rolling casters to be brought indoors for clubhouse use.

The Digital Audio Travel Partner 250-watt portable pa system helps with organizing tournaments, projecting outing rules and announcing winners of the Long Drive contest or Closest to the Pin contest.

The PA system allows presenters to make player announcements, tee time and drive range announcements while communicating over a large space and spread out crowd.

The additional wireless speaker (S1297) projects the sound to golfers down the fairway and could be heard over the noise of wind and golf carts.

The S1297 Satellite Wireless Powered Dual Speaker has a 300ft. range, with built-in rechargeable batteries and AC power cord, tripod mount, extendible handle and wheels for easy transport.

For crowd management and emergency preparedness, golf course rangers need to communicate above the large equipment, ambient noise and wide areas that characterize a golf course.

The Half-Mile Hailer is perfect for broadcasting your message all the way down the fairways or across the driving range. The Hailer is easy to use and set up, just flip it on and start projecting your voice.

Range-masters will also love the car version of the Hailer, the Sound Cruiser that can easily strap on to the top of a golf cart or any other vehicle to have powerful sound on the go.

Strapping the Sound cruiser onto a vehicle is a quick and easy way to broadcast an emergency message across the entire property.

For more information on how AmpliVox can help with the sound coverage and setup around the golf course, please contact us and our engineers will be happy to assist.

Rechargeable Megaphones with Lithium Battery Pack

Updated on: July 26, 2016

We have upgraded our S602M Mity-Meg Plus megaphone and introduced to it a rechargeable battery pack to operate as a rechargeable megaphone.

The new S1405 Rechargeable Lithium Pack now enables the S602MR Mity-Meg Plus and the S602R Mity-Meg with an alternative power source to its previous required 8 C-cell batteries. With a charging time of 4 hours, the recharger is built-into the battery case with a LED charge status indicator and automatic charge protection that stops charging when the battery is fully charged.

A fully-charged battery will provide an average of 8 hours of operation (speaking 35% of the time at mid volume) and can stand idle on a full charge for up to 6 months. The S1405 Rechargeable Lithium Pack weighs in at only 0.5 lbs. and is a lightweight solution compared to the weight of an 8 C-cell battery power source, offering an overall lighter megaphone.

Never run out of power again, the S1405 Rechargeable Lithium Pack coupled with the battery indicator lights on the S602MR Mity-Meg Plus megaphone will allow you to always know the status of your battery life and how much power you have left.

The S602MR Mity-Meg Plus is a 25 watt megaphone with an effective range of up to one mile. It is driven by Piezo microphone technology that provides a 40% longer battery life while delivering a lighter and louder megaphone.

Constructed with a durable ABS plastic material, the S602MR is an industrial grade megaphone made to take abuse. With a detachable coil corded mic, the Mity-Meg Plus also has a comfortable pistol grip and 3 functional modes of: Talk, Siren, and Whistle.

For more information on the 602MR Mity-Meg Plus or other AmpliVox megaphones, please visit:
http://www.ampli.com/megaphones/602M-Mity-Meg-Plus-Megaphone.aspx

Product Spec Sheet: S602M Mity-Meg Plus Megaphone

5 Teaching Ideas to Spice up your Teaching Process

We recently wrote a guest blog post for our friends over at SCHOOLSin called 5 Ways to Spice Up Your Teaching. 

Here is a small excerpt:

"With nearly 180 days of school during one school year, doing school the same way everyday can wear on both teachers and students alike.

Why not ditch the normal lesson plan format? Here are 5 ideas to spice up your teaching process:

1. Have students teach each other.
Dividing up the curriculum and assigning groups of students to teach their peers is a great way to encourage student interaction with class material. Giving students class time to plan their lesson means that the teacher is freed up to plan ahead, meet individually with students, or catch up on grading.

Another plus for this teaching idea is that it gives students experience teaching and speaking in front of their peers.

2. Throw in some technology."

By Kevin Halloran

Related Links:
AmpliVox Sound Systems
100 Education Blog Posts You Need to Read! 
AmpliVox Education Blogs 

Follow SCHOOLSin on Twitter @SCHOOLSin

Lapel Microphone Pack with Headset Mic, Transmitter and Receiver

Take advantage of going wireless and keep your hands free during your presentation with a lapel or headset microphone. The AmpliVox S1601 Lapel Microphone Pack is a wireless 16 Channel UHF kit that includes:

• Lapel Microphone
• Headset Microphone
• Bodypack Transmitter
• Bodypack Receiver

An alternative to the handheld microphone, lavalier and headset mics allow you to place the microphone as close to the talent as possible to get the best audio sound.

The wireless mic is connected by a cable to the body pack transmitter that broadcasts a signal to the receiver. The awaiting receiver is attached to a PA system or audio recording device.

Lapel microphones (also known as lavalier or lav mics) are popularly used for television, theatre, and public speaking where a small microphone is required or the microphone needs to be hidden. Lav mics come with small clips that attaches to collars, ties, jackets, or hidden under clothing, with a cord from the lavalier mic that runs down and connects to a bodypack transmitter placed in a pocket or clipped to a belt around your waist.

Headset microphones attach to the bodypack transmitter in the same fashion as a lav mic, and may be more practical to use in a performance where the subject is moving around quickly such as an aerobics instructor, singer or dancer. The headset is worn as a headband behind the head and around the ear as the mic hovers near your mouth. The sound level of a headset microphone is more consistent than a lavalier since the mic is often positioned just an inch or so from the sound source while a lavalier might be positioned four or five inches away.

Featuring UHF wireless receiver with 16 Channels for incredible clarity wherever you speak, the S1601 Lapel and Headset Mic Kit has an effective range of 300 ft. with a frequency of 584 MHz – 608 MHz.

For more information on AmpliVox wireless microphones, please visit:
http://www.ampli.com/wireless-microphone/

AmpliVox Awarded “Made in the USA” Status by Independent Dealer Magazine

At AmpliVox Sound Systems, we pride ourselves on ensuring our products are made here in the USA. In fact, about 95% of our expansive and ever-growing product line is designed and produced right here at home.

We’re honored to have been given “Made in the USA” status by Independent Dealer Magazine, a monthly online magazine that highlights success stories and trends in the field of office supply and office furniture development.

You can check out our special profile page at the Independent Dealer Magazine website, which features some of our most popular “Made in the USA” products like the Visionary Lectern, Digital Audio Travel Partner, Acrylic Lectern, Contemporary Lectern and the Pinnacle Lectern.

How Maximize Microphone Gain PA System

Maximizing Gain

1. Decrease the distance between you and the microphone. Adjust the input level for the microphone so that the mic picks up your voice and not the background noise.

2. Increase the distance between the microphone and the speakers. The speakers shouldn’t be very close to the microphone, but don’t get too carried away with this. If the speaker is too far away, you will get an echo effect or lose effective volume for the audience.

3. Point the speakers towards the crowd, not you.

4. Try to direct the sound over the heads of your audience. Reflections off the front of the crowd can actually increase the chance of feedback. Furthermore, the sound is blocked by the people in the front row. They are getting blasted by sound and the people in the back can’t hear at all.

 
5. Use directional microphones. If your sound system doesn’t have too much bass, then a cardioid microphone will definitely increase gain. Here is another case where too much bass in the system will be counter productive. Bass speakers radiate their sound in all directions, you can get feedback sooner from a system with a lot of bass, even if the speaker is pointed away from you.






Download entire Wireless Sound System Setup Guide Here.

AmpliVox CEO Profiled in "Lincolnshire Review"

AmpliVox CEO Don Roth recently sat down with Natasha Wasinski of the Lincolnshire Review newspaper to talk about his experience as head of AmpliVox Sound Systems and being a long-time Lincolnshire resident.

You can view a selection of the Q & A interview below, or head to the Lincolnshire Review website to check it out in its entirety:

Q: What about Lincolnshire makes you proud?A: It has a very congenial spirit and attitude. People are very friendly. It’s a community that reaches out to one another and supports each other. I’ve also known several of the mayors over the years and they’ve been very, very good. 

Q: What is your favorite restaurant or entertainment venue in town?A: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Egg Harbor Cafe, and Viper Alley. Cubby Bear North is a great place. (Owner) George Loukas is the best. We have both been on the North Suburban YMCA board for many years. 

Q: If you were mayor for the day, what would you do?A: I would continue our great arbor and green-spirited activities. 

Q: What has changed in Lincolnshire since you moved here?A: We’re not the small, intimate community we used to be but the atmosphere is still there. I have always had wonderful neighbors. The spirit, attitude and camaraderie have not really changed with the town’s growth. 

Q: What got you interested in the electronics industry?A: Because of Xerox I became interested in electronics. I’m not an engineer. By trade I know marketing and finance. It was a great foundation for my career to be at Xerox for all those years. (Prior to purchasing AmpliVox in 1995, Roth was regional vice president for Xerox and executive vice president of Apeco and Numeridex Cad/Cam systems.)

Remember, we want to connect online! You can follow us on Twitter at @AmpliVox and like our Facebook page for the latest updates. 

Congressman uses AmpliVox Sound Lectern at Large Banquet Hall

AmpliVox's Presidential Plus Podium was recently featured on a local Fox News story about Congressman Jesse Jackson, Jr (see the full story here).

He recently used our elegant podium at a large banquet hall, and filled the entire space with clear and crisp sound from the wired microphone and built-in sound system of the Presidential Plus Podium.

The Presidential Plus Podium has been seen in action in a few other places...

• School Assembly recognizing a Blue Ribbon School
• Presidential Podium as a Valet Parking Stand
• Presidential Plus Podium used at Fresh Start Event

To see more politicians using AmpliVox products for speeches and presentations, read the following blog:

At Least Republicans and Democrats agree on one thing: AmpliVox!

The Pink Podium Got a Face-lift!

Our Pink Podium (which is in the same product family as the Pinnacle Podium) has a new design!

The slight modification of adding the front cross bar and shaping the podium's edges enhances an already stylish podium.

For more information, please visit the Pink Podium Promise page on our website or watch the video below on how the Pink Podium initiative got started.



Related Links:

Product: The Pinnacle Multimedia Lectern
Blog: Lectern Etiquette: 13 Suggestions for Better Presentations
Blog: AmpliVox Pink Megaphone used at NYC Komen Race for the Cure

Sound System Interference vs. Noise

Interference vs. Noise

Two other common problems are interference and noise. If you are getting a constant hum from your AC powered sound system, the cause could be what is known as ground loop. It is caused by improperly grounded components in the sound system. It is characterized by a low itched hum. To get rid of it requires that you carefully make sure all the components of the system are properly grounded. This problem can be avoided by using DC powered system such as a portable car top unit.

Other causes of noise are introduced by using long cable runs between speakers and amplifiers and between microphones and amplifiers. The cables can act as antennas and get local radio stations, CB and other radio frequency (RF) noise. If your system is going to require over 100 ft. of cable, be sure to use balanced cables.

Balanced cables feature three leads. The outer shield is braided wire surrounding the internal wires and forms the ground. There are two wires inside that carry the + and – of the audio signal. The outer wire shields the audio lines from interference originating from the RF sources.


Other Noise Sources
Background Noise - is caused by your microphone picking up the sounds around you. You have the mic set to high or too “hot”. Turn down the mic level so these sources of audio aren’t picked up by the mic.

Wind Noise – The wind is a constant source of irritation for announcers and outdoor presenters. Use a foam windscreen to reduce this problem. It will also reduce popping from having the mouth too close to the microphone. If the wind is still a problem, use a larger wind screen or reduce the mic level slightly. Try to block the wind with your body.

Feedback:

Download the whole Wireless System Setup Guide here.

AmpliVox Celebrates Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with Congressman Bob Dold

On October 30th, we celebrated our grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony at our new headquarters in Northbrook with over 200 guests, including Congressman Bob Dold and business and community leaders from the surrounding Northbrook area. 

The event began as AmpliVox CEO Don Roth, with the help of Congressman Dold, State Representative Elaine Nekritz, Northbrook Village Trustee Jim Karagianis and North Suburban YMCA Executive Director/CEO Howard Schultz cut the ceremonial red ribbon outside the new offices. 

Following the ribbon cutting, we invited our guests inside, and offered them a tour of the new space and the chance to see some of our most distinguished products up close, including the popular Pink Podium.

Visitors then made their way to the spacious AmpliVox warehouse, where products are designed and built. Awaiting them were an array of refreshments and a meet-and-greet with the special guests.

Against the backdrop of the "Dold For Congress" tour bus and several of our preeminent podiums, Mr. Roth thanked guests for their attendance and support of AmpliVox over the years, before turning it over to Dold, Nektritz, Schultz, Karagianis and Northbrook Chamber of Commerce President Tensley Garris for brief words.

Congressman Dold recognized Mr. Roth’s success with AmpliVox as a symbol of the importance and potential of small business within communities and the country, “We’re here to celebrate all that Don and AmpliVox have been able to accomplish, expanding by 60 percent,” said Dold, who followed his remarks with a brief Q & A with audience members. “We don’t hear those stories very often these days. We see a lot of companies tightening their belts and downsizing because they aren’t sure what tomorrow will bring. So when we find a company that’s expanding, I really want to recognize you for all you’re doing.”

Added Nekritz, “Anytime we can celebrate the growth of a company, we should take advantage of it.”

Schultz spoke about Mr. Roth’s impact on the community, “The YMCA is all about saving communities, and we have saved ours with the help of Don Roth and AmpliVox.”

Lastly, Trustee James Karagianis took to one of our lecterns to announce a resolution passed by the Village the week before declaring October 30 “AmpliVox Sound Systems Day.” The resolution, which he read to those in attendance, reaffirmed Northbrook’s appreciation for the company‘s decision to remain local, and complimented Roth’s work to lead a profitable and growing organization in spite of current economic times. .

We would like to thank Congressman Dold and our other distinguished guests for helping celebrate our grand opening with us, as well as all of our dealers, customers and friends for their continued support and appreciation. You can view more pictures from the event below, and visit our Facebook page to see the album of photos in full.

Looking to Buy Portable PA System Lectern? What You Need to Consider

Are you looking to buy a Portable PA System or a lectern? The following questions you will want to consider before you make your final decision.


Should my system be portable?

Titan Wireless PA System

Are you going to want to use your system indoors, outdoors, mainly in one place, or in many?

The benefit of having a portable system is that you can easily pack up and take with you instead of having to unhook all of the cords.

Power?
Does your system need to cover a wide area and large crowd?

AmpliVox Portable PA Systems range from 5 watts to 250 watts of powerful sound that can project to crowds of 50 people up to 7,500 people (even more with additional speakers!).

Batteries?

Mity-Lite Small PA System

PA Systems with built in rechargeable batteries are important for presenters and event planners who are on the go.  Several of AmpliVox's systems last up to 200 hours on a single charge.  That's no typo: 200 hours!

Durability?
When you buy an item like a public address system, you want to make sure that it lasts.  AmpliVox knows this and place our powerful systems in rugged cases to protect the technology and also offer an industry leading warranty on our PA systems, some with a six-year warranty!

Ease of Use?
Nothing is worse than making a purchase you are excited about, just to realize you will not be able to use it because it is so complicated!

AmpliVox PA Systems are known for their simple use.  View our videos on How to Set up a Portable PA System.

Digital Audio Travel Partner

The AmpliVox Digital Audio Travel Partner is the best all-in-one PA System on the market.  It has a built in CD Player, can play external devices, comes with a remote control as well as wireless microphones.

For more information please visit Ampli.com or call (800)-267-5486.

Shoplet's Interview with AmpliVox

Our friends over at Shoplet have recently uploaded this YouTube interview with AmpliVox's very own Dan Kreusch:

Related Links:
Product: MityVox Wireless PA System
Blog: 7 Reasons to make your PA System Portable
Videos: AmpliVox's YouTube Channel

Michelle Obama Uses AmpliVox To Help Get Out The Vote

First Lady Michelle Obama stopped by The Jimmy Kimmel Show last night, and among the topics of discussion was her effort to encourage Americans to vote in the upcoming elections.

To drive her point home, Mrs. Obama appeared in a brief video, where she awoke a still-sleeping Kimmel by barging into his room during the early morning hours, ushering him out of bed and to his local polling place.

Apparently, the first lady knows just what to use to grab Jimmy’s attention, as she employed one of our S604 Safety Strobe Megaphones to help wake him up. Click the read more button to view screenshots and the clip in full.

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AmpliVox Donates Pinnacle Lectern to Amanda J. Buckley Foundation

The Amanda J. Buckley “Give a Smile to a Child” Foundation was created in 2008 to honor the life and memory of Amanda Buckley, an 18-year-old student and softball player who died a crime victim in 2007. The 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization continues Amanda’s lasting legacy as a humble and kind young woman and hard-working athlete by raising funds and other forms of assistance to help children and families overcome sudden tragedies and hardship beyond their control.

Since its inception, the Amanda J. Buckley Foundation has aided thousands of disadvantaged children and families by helping offset school expenses, sponsoring college scholarships and promoting youth athletics and sportsmanship. The organization has also lead in an effort to rehabilitate an old baseball field, which is now home to the Palm Beach Gardens Lady Gators high school softball team, and is aptly named the Amanda J. Buckley “Field of Dreams” Memorial Stadium.

Recognizing the importance of the work being done, we recently donated one of our Pinnacle Multimedia Lecterns to the foundation, which operates in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. As you can see in the pictures, the lectern has been used at various fundraisers and events, helping the organization extend their voice to volunteers and supporters.

According to AmpliVox account executive Dan Kreusch, “The foundation is a great cause. We are drawn to the way the Amanda J. Buckley Foundation combines philanthropy and community development. They are devoted to helping people in need, whether it is with basic essentials like school supplies or with extracurricular activities like playing sports. Their work goes a long way in realizing dreams and improving opportunity for young people.”

You can learn more about the Amanda J. Buckley Foundation at their website. And be sure to follow us on Twitter @AmpliVox for our latest updates.

Wireless Portable iPod PA System Used at Banquet Hall for Wake and Funeral Service

In early May 2012, a local hero passed on.  John Halloran was a firefighter and building inspector for the city of Chicago for over thirty years and will be remembered as a hard working family man who loved his city and country.

Funeral directors chose the AmpliVox iPod Portable PA System to provide professional sound quality for the funeral service, outdoor burial service, and the banquet hall lunch that celebrated this great life.

The system was used during the wake playing many of John's favorite songs, during the memorial service playing more music and projecting audio over the crowd, at the outdoor

The iPod was the perfect choice for a number of reasons:

• The long battery life and recharging ability.  This allowed users to easily transport the system without worrying about pesky wires or extention cords.
• The wireless microphone provided speakers a powerful tool for those sharing memories at the banquet hall and for playing music during the wake.  The Voice Priority Feature (that automatically dulls music noise while someone speaks through the microphone) also came in handy, saving speakers the hassle of pausing music.
• The Remote Control allowed the funeral program director to control the music playback and volume levels from across the funeral parlor.
• Durable Carrying Case.  The case was a great addition because it stores the AC power adapter, microphone, and remote control in neat side pouches, and allow the player to play outside in the drizzly conditions that were at the cemetery that day.
• Music accessibility.  The events used the iPod dock and CD player to play some of John's favorite songs that included "Danny Boy" and "I Can Only Imagine."  Funeral attenders commented that the addition of the music made it a powerful sentimental moment as they remembered their friend, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.
• Built-In DVD Player allowed a DVD slideshow to show pictures of John and his loved ones while playing the audio, filling the room with rich sound.

A truly portable PA System!

Blog: iPod Portable PA System used at Large Outdoor Carwash
Blog: Customer Review of the iPod Portable PA System