10 Summer Attractions to See In Chicago

Good news! After months of feeling like it would never it end, it appears that winter, in fact, is over. As the weather warms for good and we enter the summer season, everyone is excited to get outside and do something fun. At AmpliVox, we call Chicago home, and know our way around the city’s marquee attractions and activities, so we thought we would put together a list of 10 of the city’s must-do attractions to complete over the summer, whether you are a resident or tourist. Click the read more button below to see the list.

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Portable Audio Solutions To Make Life Easier On The Soccer Field

If you or members of your family participated in soccer leagues growing up, you know the scene: hundreds of kids of varying skill-sets and levels playing soccer across a half dozen fields. It's a sport that has risen in popularity among children in the United States over the last two decades, which has prompted parents, park districts, and others to organize and run seasonal soccer leagues.

Most of the time, the day’s worth of soccer games happens without a hitch. But there is a challenge for those in charge of managing these leagues. How do you communicate with so many people spread across such a great distance at a moment's notice? Click the "read more" button below for the answer.

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Preparation Saves Lives - How to Plan for Emergencies

The best investment you may ever make for your school, company, or organization is an emergency preparedness kit.

Emergency situations require reliable communication channels between safety marshals and groups of moving – and sometimes panicky – people.

When emergency situations arise, rest assured that you have the equipment to provide students and personnel with clear instructions regarding safety procedures, exits, and timely updates. Safety of all individuals involved in a dangerous situation hinges on clear communication.

Megaphones

Be sure your facility has equipment such as megaphones, with reliable and rechargeable batteries, that are easily accessible.

Megaphones are available in many sizes – some small enough to fold and store in compact locations, like desk drawers or file cabinets.

The Mini-Meg (S600) is AmpliVox’s smallest and most compact megaphone and is perfect for indoor communication up to 100 yards. One Mini-Meg per building hallway gives personnel quick access and the ability to make important announcements in the event of a crisis situation – especially when evacuation procedures are required.

When large groups of people congregate, sometimes a more powerful communication method is necessary for safety and organization. The “Hailer Family” includes portable amplifiers and radios that project sound from ½ mile to 1 mile.

Half-Mile Hailer

The Half-Mile Hailer features an amplifier with a built-in wireless 16 channel UHF receiver and a piercing siren, effective for groups of up to 5,000 people. Durable and portable, this Hailer allows freedom of movement – essential in an emergency situation.

Since crisis situations do not wait for good weather, all hailer horns are weather resistant. The “All-Weather Hailer PA System” adds additional protection with a weather-resistant case that contains the amplifier for excessively wet, snowy, and otherwise extreme conditions. For communication up to one mile, the “Radio Hailer” combines an amplifier with built-in 16 channel UHF receiver, 2 Murs radios, and a powerful siren feature. Kits that bundle the Hailers and radios with tripods and carrying cases introduce additional convenience and versatility to the Hailer system.


As a school administrator, event coordinator, building or marina manager, club organizer, or golf course, construction site, or parking manager, safety is your responsibility when a crisis situation occurs in your area.

Budget for and insist upon funds to create a safe and organized environment when emergencies arise. Your community will benefit from your preparedness.

The safety experts at AmpliVox are available to work with you to determine your needs and custom-tailor an emergency system within your budget that will provide peace of mind for you and those that depend upon you.

By Vita Schweighart

AmpliVox Attends Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Spring 2013 Vendor Expo and Golf Outing

AmpliVox Sound Systems was one of over 100 manufacturers and B2B resellers to attend the Ingram Micro Consumer Electronics Vendor Expo (IMCE) last week in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The annual vendor expo and charity golf outing brought together consumer electronics and technology manufacturers from across the country for a series of breakout sessions and seminars on topics related to the consumer electronics industry, as well as opportunities to network with other attendees and learn ways to introduce new products into current markets.

The three-day event also included the chance for Ingram Micro representatives and their customers to tour the expo’s show floor, meeting with vendors and learning about new products featured in their exhibit booths. The Amplivox booth was headed by our Director of sales, Bill Gamber, who showcased several of our newest and most popular portable audio devices including:

SW915 - Digital Audio
Travel Partner

The 250 watt system will clearly project your voice or music over an audience of up to 7500 people in a room size of up to 25,000 sq. ft.

SW800 - Titan Wireless
Portable PA

Equipped with a 100 watt amplifier, 8" speaker, built-in accessory storage and microphone battery recharger.

SW720 - iPad, iPhone, iPod Wireless PA System

Made for today’s music and video, now includes the S1732 Cable and Adapter to be fully compatible with iDevices from Apple.

S/SS/SW 1234 - Line Array Passive Speaker

Lightweight, compact line array design can be mounted either horizontally or vertically. Wireless, wired or passive speaker available.

S/SS/SW 1230 - Mity Box Passive Speaker

Full range performance in a small compact design, easily mounts to a wall or computer cart. Wireless, wired or passive speaker available.

S/SW 610A, SW615A - Half-Mile Hailer

Its simple straightforward controls, and lightweight design make it the most practical and portable outdoor speaker sound system.

S/SW 222, SW223 Audio Portable Buddy

Take your pa system with you, battery powered sound system goes anywhere you go and runs for up to 200 hours.

S600 - Mini-Meg 10-Watt Megaphone

Our high quality sound in a smaller size, the Mini-Meg can cover up to 100 yards and groups of up to 50 people.

S604 - Safety Strobe Megaphone

10 watt megaphone with record & play feature and emergency flashing strobe light. Flash light illuminates from bell.

S601 - Mity-Meg 15-Watt Megaphone

Lightweight and powerful with new Piezo dynamic technology. Comfortable pistol grip and 3 modes: Talk, Siren, and Whistle.

S602 - Mity-Meg 25-Watt Megaphone

Weatherproof high impact plastic and steel. Battery indicator light shows power status (low, med, hi) on the outer housing.

S602M - Mity-Meg Plus Megaphone

Lightweight and powerful with optional S1405 Rechargeable Lithium Pack saves you money on batteries.

S207 - BeltBlaster Pro

This personal sound system is perfect for anyone who needs a moderate improvement in their sound coverage and voice clarity.

S206 - BeltBlaster

Personal sound system provides moderate boost to voice or music, leaves your hands free and saves your voice from fatigue.

According to Gamber, “The opportunity to meet face to face with Ingram Sales reps and their customers affords us the opportunity to demo all the different designs and features of our portable sound systems .”

Headquartered in Scottsdale, Ingram Micro is the world’s largest wholesale technology distributor and has helped bring AmpliVox products to dealers, resellers and retailers across the country.

Be sure to visit ampli.com to learn more about how AmpliVox Sound Systems can serve your portable audio needs.

Portable Podium - Educational uses for Lecterns

As an educator, you can provide students of all ages with a realistic public speaking experience in any classroom. You don’t need a dedicated area to give your students the practice they need. A portable, tabletop lectern gives all educators the flexibility to customize a presentation area for K-12 students as they refine their communicating skills. Tabletop lecterns allow flexibility to create a comfortable speaking height for students of any age.

Public speaking skills prepare students of all ages for future leadership opportunities. Training and practice develops confidence, focus, and poise as students learn to become better communicators. Speaking skills can be learned in many places, from traditional schoolrooms to organizations such as Toastmasters. Portable podiums provide individuals, road warriors, or groups “on the move” with clear sound and iPod functionality for an affordable price.

Debate teams, speech teams, educators, and road warriors will all find the perfect lectern from AmpliVox Sound Systems. Whether you need a portable and easy-to-carry tabletop lectern, or a full height lectern for meets, AmpliVox has a wide selection of hardwoods, laminates, acrylics, and eco-friendly recycled products for every budget.

Travel-Lite Folding Tabletop Lectern

Product Spec Sheet: W242 Travel-Lite Folding Tabletop Lectern

For the ultimate in convenience, consider the Travel-Lite Folding Tabletop Lectern. Carried easily from room to room, or to speech tournaments, it sets up in moments to provide a realistic public speaking experience anywhere and anytime!

Incredibly lightweight and portable, this lectern saves space when not in use and can fit into a large tote bag. A built-in handle also allows for easy carrying.

EZ Speak Folding Lectern

Product Spec Sheet: W/S/SW 272 EZ Speak Folding Lectern

The EZ Speak Folding Lectern is also an excellent portable lectern with the added benefit of sound. This lectern contains an amplifier with a built-in wireless 16 channel UHF receiver, and can be connected to any iPad, iPod, or iPhone. For clear sound in rooms up to 10,000 square feet, this portable lectern – with attached handle – folds into the size of a briefcase and facilitates public speaking with a built-in microphone. Additional wireless mics are available as well.

Whether you choose a portable or full height lectern, AmpliVox has models for every speaking need. You may choose lecterns that clearly project sound on their own, or through your in-house sound system. Most lecterns are also available in non-sound models. Our friendly customer service representatives are always happy to answer any questions you may have about lecterns, sound systems, and how they can satisfy your particular needs. With sound – or without – all lecterns are customizable with your logo or school colors for a modest additional fee.

For more information visit our Portable Podiums or call AmpliVox customer service at 1-800-267-5486.

Product Spec Sheet: W242 Travel-Lite Folding Tabletop Lectern
Product Spec Sheet: W/S/SW 272 EZ Speak Folding Lectern
Product Spec Sheet: S1732 iPod Cable and Adapter

By Vita Schweighart

UHF Wireless Microphone: 16 Channel Lapel, Headset or Handheld

AmpliVox wireless microphones broadcast over 16 UHF channels, expanding the capability and range of earlier two-channel models by allowing multiple mic users in the same venue to select separate channels. A dramatic improvement for sound clarity and system versatility, the additional channels also enable users to avoid interference with competing wireless frequencies, assuring crystal-clear sound amplification in any venue.

S1601 - UHF Wireless Lapel & Headset Microphone Kit

• Bodypack Transmitter (S1690T)
• Bodypack Receiver (S1690R)
• Lapel and headset Microphone
• Frequency: 584 MHz - 608 MHz

Lapel 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.

Lapel microphones are popularly used for television, theatre, and public speaking where a small microphone is required or the microphone needs to be hidden.

The headset microphone attaches 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 much 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.

S1623 - UHF Wireless Handheld Microphone Kit

• Interchangeable Microphone Head
• LCD Screen
• Power / Mute Control Switch
• Select Button
• Microphone Input Sensitivity Adjustment

Handheld mics are easy to pick up and use, however, they keep you from using both hands and they are subject to some handling noise.

People trained in microphone dynamics can be very effective with handhelds since the gain can be controlled and even the tonal quality of the sound varied by using the microphone in different ways.

"The availability of additional channels raises the standard for wireless mic technology," commented AmpliVox CEO Don Roth. "We're proud to bring our customers the most reliable, advanced, and versatile sound equipment in the industry."

For more information on the S1601 Lapel & Headset Microphone Kit or S1623 Handheld Microphone Kit, please visit:
http://www.ampli.com/wireless-microphone/

Mark Twain Quotes: Inspirational Quotes about Life

Great American author – Mark Twain – is known as much for his literary works as his wit and humor.

Samuel Langhorne Clemens took the pen name of Mark Twain in remembrance of his days as a riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River. Pilots called out the words “mark twain” to indicate that the water level was a safe depth for a riverboat to pass.

Embracing his early years, he gave a voice to the language of the “common folk,” creating classic works such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, The Innocents Abroad, and A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court, among others.

He inspires us to write in our own voice, and from personal experiences. The following is a collection of Mark Twain’s most “tweetable” quotes that give us a sense of the humor and wit of this American treasure.

Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

A person who won't read has no advantage over one who can't read.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

My mother had a great deal of trouble with me, but I think she enjoyed it.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

A man's character may be learned from the adjectives which he habitually uses in conversation.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Don't let schooling interfere with your education.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

All generalizations are false, including this one.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Denial ain't just a river in Egypt.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

The secret of getting ahead is getting started.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

The most interesting information comes from children, for they tell all they know and then stop.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

There are lies, damned lies and statistics.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble. It's what you know for sure that just ain't so.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Humor is mankind's greatest blessing.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Don't part with your illusions. When they are gone, you may still exist, but you have ceased to live.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

It's no wonder that truth is stranger than fiction. Fiction has to make sense.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world and moral courage so rare.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Civilization is the limitless multiplication of unnecessary necessities.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Grief can take care if itself, but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Laws control the lesser man... Right conduct controls the greater one.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Thunder is good, thunder is impressive; but it is lightning that does the work.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

When in doubt tell the truth.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Man is the only animal that blushes - or needs to.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Any emotion, if it is sincere, is involuntary.
Mark Twain [Tweet this]

Four Products that Can Help Direct Sellers Be Heard

A few weeks back, we blogged about the respect and interest we had in the direct selling industry. Since then, we have heard some great feedback through our social media channels and connected with some exciting individuals and organizations that work in the direct selling field.

One of the reasons we are drawn to direct selling is due to the shared understanding of the importance of having your voice heard. Direct sellers rely on verbal communication when speaking with clients in a variety of settings. Whether it is in one’s living room, or a massive hotel conference room, ensuring your voice is heard is pivotal to success.

Naturally, as producers of portable audio equipment, we could not agree more, which is why we thought it would be helpful to highlight a few of our products that would provide strong audio support to direct sellers regardless of their environment or audience size. Click the “read more” button below for more information.

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Delivering the Message: New Options for Lecterns and Sound Products for Your Sanctuary Space

More than any other presentation setting, religious sanctuaries require furniture and equipment that complement the tone of the message being delivered. When all eyes are turned toward the pulpit, the setting requires a lectern that evokes dignity, elegance and permanence, while unobtrusively accommodating sound equipment, reading space, storage, and other necessities. Sound systems, for their part, must be selected to adequately project sound given the logistics of room and congregation size. With a multitude of options available, church administrators should seek advice from a company that understands the connections between attractive lecterns and practical sound equipment to deliver the clearest message possible.

Sanctuary lecterns are available today in a wide selection of acrylic, hardwoods, and other materials, with styles to fit both traditional and contemporary settings. One of the first choices to be made in selecting a lectern involves the main material elements that will be visually appealing in a specific setting. Lecterns can be found in clear or smoked acrylic, elegant wood veneers, solid wood, or combinations. Each material offers its own particular advantages and stylistic tone that should complement the overall sanctuary theme.

Acrylic lecterns offer a broad range of options, from slender pedestal styles to modern combinations of Lucite, metal, and wood veneer. Acrylic lecterns lend a quality of clarity and lightness to worship spaces, allowing the person speaking to be seen without obstruction. Top-quality acrylic lecterns include panels cut from thick sheets of plexiglass for long-term durability. Adding a smoke finish to the acrylic creates a more substantial appearance while still presenting a contemporary, translucent style. Acrylic lecterns also offer the possibility of customization with logos or other artwork, to enhance the beauty of the lectern and provide unity to the overall room décor.

For a more solid appearance in a contemporary setting, consider the many options in modern veneer styles. Lecterns with veneer panels deliver the elegant wood patterns that blend well with any décor, but offer that impact in a lightweight product that blends well with other materials. The solid front panel also serves to conceal items stored on internal shelves, such as water, reading materials, and sound equipment. The best manufacturers offer a multitude of mix-and-match options with veneers, metal trims, and designs, so that each customer can create the perfect lectern to match their sanctuary space.

Lecterns are also available to serve in other building areas, including narthexes, fellowship halls, and conference rooms. For these less formal areas, look for products that combine attractiveness with practicality in features for mobility, sound amplification, and connectivity with external media devices. Frequently, elegant lecterns can double as high-tech media presentation workstations.

Some lecterns are even designed to be weatherproof for use in outdoor services and events. Products for outside use should feature high-durability polyurethane construction, which offers the advantage of water resistance and easy portability. Rolling casters also improve the mobility of indoor/outdoor equipment; be sure to look for high-grade, locking casters that will last as long as the lectern itself.

Choices about presentation lecterns necessarily raise questions about sound amplification, an area where new technologies offer an ever-growing range of options. For indoor settings, investigate compact speaker systems that deliver perfect sound quality with a minimum of space and obtrusiveness. Microphones and PA systems are also necessary parts of overall sound plans, whether inside the sanctuary, in a meeting room, or outdoors for retreats or outreach events. Whether presenters prefer to use handheld or lapel mics, choose wireless equipment that utilizes a 16-ch UHF frequency range to optimize sound clarity and avoid interference. Boundary mics can be attached to hard surfaces within the room to enhance amplification. PA options range from waistband mini-PAs for small audiences to powerful megaphones that project sound up to a mile. Your sound equipment specialist should be able to deliver specific advice on how to select the appropriate sound products for any setting, and help match lectern choices to sound equipment requirements.

A sanctuary’s lectern is a vital centerpiece in the overall presentation of its speaker’s message. Fortunately, the many new options available for lecterns and supporting sound equipment make it possible to create a personalized, elegant, and practical solution to serve any setting. To make selections that will work together seamlessly, consult with a manufacturer or dealer who understands both the stylistic imperatives and the technical requirements of your church. A comprehensive plan will deliver unified, effective messaging in worship spaces and beyond.

AmpliVox Corporate Values: Service First

AmpliVox Sound Systems is a manufacturer, designer and distributor of portable sound systems and lecterns. Our commitment to excellence in design, testing, and quality control has made AmpliVox an industry leader for product development and production. Our employees are committed to providing the finest PA systems and presentation equipment that can be produced, from the finest materials available. Our dealers and distributors are rewarded with customer service that is knowledgeable, supportive and dedicated to their success.

AmpliVox also values the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, both locally and globally. We work to strengthen our communities by supporting many causes, events and charities. AmpliVox is especially proud to support the fight against breast cancer with its innovative Pink Podium Promise donation program.

• Customer Service: AmpliVox considers customer service its top priority. We pride ourselves on responding promptly and accurately to every request, using top quality technology to ensure perfect order fulfillment. We value customer feedback and respond with meaningful, proactive solutions to improve every aspect of the customer service experience.
• Supplier Relationships: AmpliVox recognizes the value of high ethical standards in all interactions connected to our business. In working with suppliers on a global level, we support work environments that respect the dignity and inherent human rights of the individual. We are dedicated to business practices that deliver fair compensation for products and services and respect all intellectual property rights.
• Employment Policies: AmpliVox values the contribution of each member of its team. Employees of AmpliVox are provided equal opportunity and treatment in matters of hiring, continued employment, advancement, and compensation without regard to issues of race, color, gender, ethnicity, or religious belief. Open communication and partnership with our team members makes AmpliVox a better company for its workers, management, and customers
• Environmental Stewardship: In pursuit of new products and methods that protect the environment while supporting a healthy bottom line, AmpliVox Sound Systems’ products comply with approved standards to minimize the environmental impact of manufactured products and promote the use of recycled materials. AmpliVox also specifies Green Cross-certified particle board and recycled post-industrial wood residues in the manufacture of its products, and uses recycled packaging materials and biodegradable packing peanuts to dramatically reduce toxic landfill waste.
• Commitment to Community: AmpliVox works to strengthen and improve the communities we serve, through innovative programs that channel financial support as well as product and expertise assistance to public service organizations. AmpliVox created the “Pink Podium Promise” cause marketing initiative to provide breast cancer awareness groups with distinctive, versatile pink Pinnacle lecterns. Since 2009, the program has delivered hundreds of free lecterns to breast cancer events around the country, and has been expanded to include donations of Pink Power Megaphones and Blue Podiums for Prostate Health. AmpliVox has also actively supported local community organizations including the North Suburban YMCA, in the firm belief that a strong community enhances both our personal and business lives in the short and long term.