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Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
This is my review of Wireless Wizardry’s recent release – The MP3 Tech.
I am not affiliated with Wireless Wizardry or Kerry Pollock in any way. This review is not meant to diminish the features and benefits of other sound controlling systems on the market, but rather to give insight into this one specifically for those who may be considering the purchase of an MP3 Tech. Firstly, let me say this; I have utilized Wireless Wizardry’s Mini Tech for well over 8 years and have had ZERO problems with it. Knowing the quality of the Mini Tech and having trust in WW provided me with the confidence in ordering not one, but two of the MP3 Techs. (I like to have back-ups of props and equipment – especially electronic props and equipment – because without it, I have no show). The MP3 Tech was shipped within a week and arrived well packaged. It came insured and required me to go to the post office to sign for it. A small inconvenience, but I would rather have done that, than have it left by the front door to be subjected to the weather or possible theft. The 7.5 X 5.5 X 1.75 inch unit is custom made and is emblazoned with WW’s logo on top. It looks very slick and professional and its small size makes packing it up a breeze. The antenna is attached to the back of the unit and pivots up into place when it’s show time and folds neatly back down for packing and storing when it’s time to go home. One of the advantages that a friend pointed out to me is that regular Joes with a propensity to steal won’t know what the heck it is, and therefore, will be less likely to steal it as they might a mini disk or an iPod or something they can readily identify as something of value to them. I rarely leave my equipment unattended back stage, but he does make a valid point. Some people can have sticky fingers if an opportunity presents itself! The back of the unit has four inputslabeled; Power, LED, Audio, and iPod. It comes with two remotes, an ankle remote strap, a stereo to RCA jack cord for attaching it to your mixer, a power cord, and an LED indicator cord that lets you know with visual confirmation that the unit received the signal. I’m not really sure what the iPod input is for. I can only assume that you can run one through this particular system as well. The online instructions (see next paragraph) that I downloaded do not mention this input at all. What it didn’t come with was an SD card (mandatory to operate the unit) or any instructions. This was a bit confusing since the Mini Tech came with both a manual for it and a manual for the Mini Disk player that was mounted on top of it. If I had not been familiar with the Mini Tech, it would have taken a little thought to digest all of the contents of the box and figure out how to hook it all up. I thought that for the money the unit costs, it really should have included an instruction booklet and an SD card as well. …Although, I must admit that the Mini Tech didn’t come with any mini disks either – so I guess that they leave the purchase of the storage media up to the end user. I called WW about the fact that it came with no manual and they referred me to the free software on their web site at http://www.wirelesswizardry.com I told them that I had already downloaded and installed the software which is used to formulate your play-lists for your various shows on the MP3 Tech, and they told me to click on the “help” button. When I did so, I found a one-page help sheet about the MP3 Tech and another one about the Software utilized to organize the play-lists on your computer. Although the information was not very detailed, it answered most all of my questions about the unit. Again, having prior experience with their Mini Tech, made my learning curve much shorter. After creating your play-lists on your computer, your files have to be transferred to an SD card. If your computer is not equipped with an SD slot, you’re going to require a USB card reader – available for about 10-12 dollars. I personally have 127 individual pieces of music which includes all of my various introductions, play-on music, play-off music, pre show music, etc. All total, it took up 8/10 of the space on a one gig SD card. If I had it to do over again, I would probably have bought a 2 gig SD card to allow for plenty of future expansion. Most performers won’t have the space issue with a one gig SD card unless you’re like me and want ALL of your music from ALL of your shows (i.e. holiday shows, Halloween shows, etc.) on your one SD card. The alternative is to buy a card with more memory or keep several smaller capacity SD cards on hand for your various types of shows. Two features that stood out to me right away on the MP3 Tech were the auto pause/auto cue feature and the volume pre-set feature. When a piece of music is finished, it will automatically pause and cue up to the next track on your play-list. The volume pre-set feature allows you to program the MP3 Tech to play different pieces of music at different volume levels if you so wish to. This is extremely helpful to me when I perform snowstorm. I have soft piano solo music play behind my words. If the music was at the same level as the rest of my show music, it would kind of kill the “tender moment” that I try to create with that routine. The remotes are Super Het. Which means they are small but powerful. They have a more than adequate range (approx. ¼ mile – but WW recommends that you only use it it within 250 feet). The range on the remotes should allow you to hit the unit with the signal in just about any imaginable performance venue. The remotes (you receive two) are about the size of a car key chain alarm and the buttons are easy to find through the fabric of your pants pocket. (That’s where I keep mine.) Here’s a side tip – put a piece of rolled sticky tape on the back of it that will adhere to the inside of your pocket. This keeps the remote from moving around in your pocket and insures that you’re going to push the RIGHT button. The functions of the remote are as follows: Button number 1 starts and pauses your music. Button number two cues to the next track. If your music is playing when you press button number two, it fades your song out and it auto cues up to the next track in your play-list. Button number three increases volume and button number four decreases volume. If button number one and two are pressed simultaneously, it backs up a track on your play-list. This all sounds somewhat complicated written out here, but it’s actually pretty easy to grasp once you have the unit in hand and play around with it for a little while. The LED indicator cord which plugs into the back of the unit is a bit short – only about six feet long. This could present a problem if you need the indicator LED quite a distance away from the unit itself. The best alternative is to buy the optional Wireless Track Display unit that WW also sells. This is a small, completely wireless device that can be easily concealed behind a prop or table that tells you the complete name of the track playing and what the next track on deck is going to be. It actually displays the name of the track (whatever you name the mp3 file) so there’s no guessing or trying to figure out what “track number 13” is… Over all, I’m extremely pleased with the MP3 Tech. It’s going to make my life a lot easier and effortless when it comes to controlling my show music! Lyndel |
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Doug Arden Special user 886 Posts |
Great review!
I just got my new MP3Tech (with wireless track display) and I concur with everything Lyndel said. |
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kenscott Inner circle 1869 Posts |
Ditto to what Lyndel said. Having had the MP3 tech for a while now it really is a no brainer to making this system work. I own two showtech and I have already sold one them. I now only have the 1 showtech and I am using it as a back up. The MP3 tech is nice along with the display.
Enjoy! Ken |
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Marvello Inner circle It's amazing how little I can say in 1612 Posts |
Thanks for the great review. I was wondering if anyone knows whether the unit can be rack mounted? Is the front equal to a half space rack?
Never criticize someone else until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Then, when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away from them and you will have their shoes.
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Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-09-06 09:26, Marvello wrote: Marvello, It's pretty thin, but it doesn't have any screw holes for rack mounting. Before taking screws to it, I would definitely consult with Kerry Pollock @ WW. Lyndel |
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Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
Screw holes! Want to know if it can be mounted on a rack! That is what duct tape is for! LOL
Lyndel, Great review. Now I have to get one of these toys. Ray Noble |
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Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Hey Ray,
Low Tech Duct Tape PLUS High Tech MP3 Tech = ? Something just isn't adding up here! LOL! Seriously though, it is an awesome little gadget! Lyndel |
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Marvello Inner circle It's amazing how little I can say in 1612 Posts |
Not having be able to rack mount without a retrofit is not a big deal, but it seems like an oversight. I have all of my audio gear rack-mounted for safety and ease of transport, so it was one of the first things I started looking for in an audio system like this. I hope that they are able to come up with something to be able to rack mount them at some time since it seems like one of the only things they left off
Never criticize someone else until you have walked a mile in their shoes. Then, when you do criticize them, you will be a mile away from them and you will have their shoes.
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Magical Dimensions Inner circle 5001 Posts |
Marvello,
You sure do bring up a great point about having it in a rack. Safty and easier to troop. A mounting unit (kit) would be great. Ray |
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ThePartyMagician Loyal user Bristol, UK 216 Posts |
Lyndel,
Thanks for the great review - you've set the standard by which all reviews should be judged. I was going to get one anyway after another friend raved about it, now I'm drooling at the mouth in anticipation! Mike |
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John Martin Inner circle 1017 Posts |
I have the mini tech and if memory serves me well the operating instructions said to keep it as far away as possible from the amplifier to prevent interference with the remote signal. I assume this is the same with the Mp3 tech, therefore rack mounting it would not be a very practical idea. As pencil case from the dollar store holds mine nicely inside my "music" case. Just a thought.
John |
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Lyndel Inner circle wrote the theme to the TV show COPS! 1623 Posts |
Mike, Thanks for the kind words! Just trying to help shed a little light where I can...
John makes a good point. The closer the MP3 Tech is to other electronic equipment, seems the more interference that might be present... Might be safer to keep it seperated from everything else. Lyndel |
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aceofillusions New user Seattle, WA 25 Posts |
This definitely sounds like a very good unit. I've been doing some research while trying to find a solution that isn't as expensive. $900-$1300 for Wireless Wizardry's MP3 Tech seems a bit high for me. I only say this because I only require 3-4 songs for my performance. This is not meant to knock on WW's MP3 Tech, but I've found a highly feasible solution that will integrate your iPod or iPhone in your shows. They sell it at Amazon for $39.99 and has some favorable reviews. Check it out and let me know what you think? It certainly doesn't do all the fancy things that MP3 Tech does, but may do the job depending on your application. It even has a wireless cue screen which displays the current track.
http://www.amazon.com/iJet-Two-Way-Remot......duct_top Posted by: http://www.SeattleCorporateMagician.com
Seattle Magician
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g0thike Special user 722 Posts |
Aceofillusions,
Not to rain on your parade but you commented to a 3 year old post. The IJet two way was mentioned by me a while ago. The MagicCafe has a SEARCH box that you might consider using. The main problem with that remote is that it has a sleep function, the remote goes into power saving mode after 90 seconds to save battery. That requires a button press and waiting a couple of seconds to wake the unit up. Also after testing it, I discovered a bug in the firmware which I notified ABT, I talked to their head programmer who was shocked I discovered that error. The error in question is that the unit falls out of sync when you skip or rewind more than three tracks in the playlist too fast, it looses its place. ABT will replace faulty units with the correct firmware, minus shipping. G0THIKE |
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aceofillusions New user Seattle, WA 25 Posts |
Thanks for the tip. After receiving my iJet I've decided to go for the MP3tech. Lesson learned.
Seattle Magician
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Mystical Matthew Elite user 468 Posts |
Not to be a jerk but um...
Please tell me that's not an Amazon Affiliate link... I'm 99% sure that it is based upon the "ref=" at the end of the URL. If you copy everything before the "ref" and paste it into your address bar the link works fine So... It looks to me like you found a three year old post and replied to it for the soul purpose of adding an affiliate link to an alternative product in an attempt to rake in some EZ-Cash... Real classy. Do you wear a top-hat and monocle as well? |
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night New user 21 Posts |
Since this is about showtech's I want to give a big public THANK YOU to Kerry Pollock & Don Lucas from Creative Entertainment Solutions. (The old W.W.) I had a small problem with my Showtech. Both of them went out of their way to help me. They are very helpful and they care about you and your show. I have now ordered the MediaStar - I love all you can do with this! Thank you again guys! Now the show can go on!!!
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tropicalillusions Special user Tulsa Okla 631 Posts |
You can not go wrong with their service if needed, No matter How small, these guys step up to the plate, They covered my over night shipping and a quick fix Immediately!!!!!!!!! they are always just a quick phone call and Fix away. No out of business signs here...LOL. anfd that is only if you may need them for a fix. Mine was a rare glitch, that was also caused by 12 years of wear and tear,,, that's right,, they fixed me up even with my old model showtech,,, you cannot beat this team of wireless wizardsa. well worth the price. I too was one that was afraid of spending that kind of money, but after I saved... I got the unit, and the cool part is even if now you only use 2 or 3 songs, it leaves you plenty of room for growth. And trust me, when you get this,,, you will want to grow, you just cant help it.
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night New user 21 Posts |
Hey Chris- how have youy been!? My first showtech was the first ones he made. I bought it used for I think $200.00 and was the best money I ever spent. I then got a new one many years ago- but used it as a back-up. I use up evey bit for music lol. I look forward to doing video with the MediaStar.
If anyone has any tips for the MediaStar - I get it tomorrow and only have tomorrow night to load- learn and practice before I hit the road. Thank you!!!! |
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tropicalillusions Special user Tulsa Okla 631 Posts |
Hey Michael, when you get that bad boy and get it going, write me and fill me in, This will be my next step. Still going strong with my VERY old Showtech, but want the media star so I can play with new changes in the show, Good to hear from you,, Be sure to stay in touch both here and facebook,
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