Worth a look though. He's got some really cool stuff on his http://www.stagecue.com website. His pricing has changed as well..

He's now offering a 3" LED Display for $249...

The total system cost (MD controller and LED Display) is $848 with the ability to upgrade to remote FX triggering through a special power bar for only $150! ...As I see it all of this is controlled using the same remote!...cool.

The LED and remote control option are the two features that I need. I'm going to do some more research to compare it with the other guys...I'm not ready to buy just yet.

There are some other stage props available too

seeya

We here at the VSM lab have recently come across the Stage Cue- and have a response to one issue was just brought up with its comparison to the VSM—i.e. the “Pause control”, although we are not doing a comparison here, as we consider ‘it’ to be imitation instead of innovation. In one respect the device is reminiscent of our earlier years, and this device proves to be at least 5 years behind the curve. But I thought that this would be an interesting opportunity to give you some behind the scenes of our earliest development of the VSM 7.5, in a way to explain how we do things. I am not doing a critique here, nor do I want to solicit angry or argumentative responses, I think more highly of you than that.

Recently, we discovered the Stage cue utilizes a recorded “4-10 second Blank space pause” concept at the end of your music track.
However- this idea was explored a few years ago by us when we were about to release the VSM version 7. We eventually found it to be a very troubling idea, and we discovered a failure rate no less than 35% of the time. The failure rate was not because of the programming and software side of the equation- although we felt sound about that and still do. Now year’s later- I am looking at the Stage Cue- and they are following our procedure exactly as we did back then.

There are 2 problems:
The first problem came when we started to experiment with different types of music. We discovered that music ‘Recorded” at low volume - often did not register on the LCD of the Mini disc recorder when played back. This low volume, or minimal instrumentation in the track of music would almost always give false triggering of the pause- as the software/chip would not hear the music- and would think that the music was over.

Imagine- playing (purposely recorded) soft ambience music in the background- so you could speak over the music to tell a story- make instructions ect. Or even have moments of quiet in the music itself – like the 2001 Space Odyssey theme song for example. Having 4-8 seconds of very light or quiet spaces within the music track. This almost always created false pauses right in the middle of your music- the software chip would advance to the next track --and pause! At that point- you could never bring the music back to the place where it triggered- in order to finish your routine. This could be maddening, embarrassing, and ruin an entire routine.

Still other performers incorporate music as a medium for games- a track of music could include several sound effects, & or music shorts. If the “Silent pause” triggered after any of each of the music pieces within the track- you’d go nuts.

The 2nd problem- and equally as troubling- is the idea that folks had to record at least 5 seconds of blank- and perhaps a few more tacked on for good measure- at the end of your music track. This becomes a problem when some performers want to go start up the next track immediately and not have to wait 5-10 seconds. They would then have to press a button to advance to the next track to avoid this lag- when all along- we were trying to help them to avoid ‘pressing a button’ in the first place. At this rate- you might as well record 2 minutes of blank at the end of your music so you can press a button eventually - and forget about the “auto pause” idea altogether.
The problem is- you will often forget your track is still playing. The end result – (whether it’s 5-10 or 120 seconds) is that you are always concentrating on your music- and becoming intolerably distracted the entire show.

[Our Pause tone idea could be recorded in a 5-10 or 120 second (ideally at 5 seconds) track- but the trigger signal is placed at the beginning- within the first 1/2 second. So there is no lag- or guesswork]

Interestingly enough- we actually sold people on this “Silent Pause trigger” concept year’s ago- and had telephone conversations with many customers, some of which placed an order at the time. When we found the errors- we fought tirelessly to bring down the error rate, and tweaked the software a hundred times before we released the first shipment of our version 7. However, we could not solve the problems I mentioned above- the Silent pause idea in itself is horribly flawed- and rather than sell the public a device that would come back to haunt me- I decided to completely revise the entire pause idea, (This incidentally cost me several thousand dollars to accomplish, but my conscience was rewarded in the long run) that is when we decided to go back to my plan B, - as you now know as the Pause tone method, and redesign the entire product. Which is 100% reliable- and once it is recorded- you never have to worry about it again. (Incidentally this Pause tone idea has and is still being used by professional radio today – for commercial breaks) As a reward for those who waited so long for the changes- and their order to be filled, I also added the On-board speaker (for rehearsal purposes) and the Music Interrupt Circuit to the design- on a lark, because I was so grateful for their patience and trust in me, and my product. Little did I know that these two additions would become the favorite items on the Virtual Soundman 7.5 today.

I strongly believe in giving folks more than they expect, exceeding their expectations, as well as having the courage to make the tough decisions even if it costs me. And lastly, but not leastly, I believe in innovation, introducing new ideas, working toward the best solution AFTER I have exhausted research. It is important to me that I actually spend a good time asking the potential customers what they really need and want—before I sell it.

Hmm… Sounds a lot like how I conducted my performing career…

Cheers

I brought up this auto-pause issue up with Stagecue as a concern..apparently they're using some new leading-edge electronics..I got this e-mail response..

"Right-Now, the auto-pause feature can be switched to disable if needed at any time during your show...Also, if enabled, the unit will not trigger unless there is exactly 4 seconds of "dead-silence". It will not trigger unless there is dead-silence. After 4 seconds the next track is cued-up ready to go!"

According to Joe there is a new "ultra-pause" circuit that he is ready to release in a few weeks that is a foolproof automatic way to pause between tracks..

"The new ultra-pause circuit: not only is the stagecue sending info to the minidisc player to control it but, the minidisc player sends info back up the sony cable to the stagecue receiver to tell the receiver what track its on....the data is deciphered in the stagecue receiver and it knows when the track ends, and when to pause, because of the 0:00 time display...info can be found at http://www.stagecue.com ."

Does anyone have one of these

That Genii thread was pretty severe...

Just wondering: why the hell are we bickering over which system works better? True, the difference between a MiniTech and VSM is a case of top-shelf Tequila and a couple of hookers, but why all the accusations?

However, please let me re-interpret my approach: I'm a full-time entertainer who's tired of relying on other people to get my music right. I have $5000 to solve my problem (but, like anyone else, would like to spend as little as possible). I'm writing this as a consumer. I have few needs; my music is straightforward (play, stop, play, stop) and all I really need is for the thing to work. Honestly, I'd really like to hear more reviews by owners about their own machines (enough with the mud-slinging!).

Hello- procyonrising

If you got $5000 then I will come do your sound for you personally- I wont come drunk, but I will wear a dress!

As for the Severe bickering-- I can't answer it. It is confounding to say the least.

Cheers,

I recently purchased a VSM 7.5 from Kelly, and can give it my highest recommendation. I was able to EASILY create CDs for not one but 4 complete shows in an afternoon, and have never had a single problem with the unit in the 25 or so rehearsals I've done with it. I'm using the unit in conjunction with a VHF wireless handheld microphone, and a UHF wireless sound effects unit (BOSS 303 sampler through an wireless instrument transmitter) and have had no interference whatsoever.
I did upgrade to the FM transmitter unit. I'm currently wearing the transmitter on my belt, but could just as easily clip it inside my jacket, put it in a trouser pocket, or tuck it in a vest pocket. The buttons on the remote are easily located by touch, and quick to utilize.

My only complaint? That I didn't buy this unit sooner.
Thanks Kelly for helping me add music to my show!

So I'll add a one time comment to this conversation before I hit the road to my next gig...I have to say Kelly backs up his word on service. I've pasted below the email response from him when I requested his help after having my VSM Aiwa MD player/recorder get ripped off. I wanted to know about obtaining a now hard to find Aiwa unit or switching my VSM over to Sony...his reply...kelly@majiloon.com writes:
>> Just send it over here- I¹ll switch the VSM 6 over to accept Sony machines- no cost...
>
> Thanks Kelly, I'll put it in Priority Mail & enclose a check or prepaid label to cover return postage. I really appreciate you taking the time to help me
out after all of my equipment got stolen at the superbowl gig...you're the best & that's why I keep bragging & converting folks over to your great line of products! Thanks!
> Sincerely,
> Terry D
Comedy is not pretty & it's not suppose to be easy, one man's wisecrack can be another man's insult, but hey, didn't Don Rickles fling all of his wisecrack remarks to garner laughs...it's a style...bottom line is, Kelly delivered on service and cares enough to take pride in his product, the way I see it you can't blame a guy for that...thanks for allowing a road dawg & new reader to input before heading out the door. TD

I have the smaller VSM 6 and it works great. (I might add that I too think it seems silly to argue about all this)

I think I said it before somewhere in these posts. I am a Showtech DUDE. I have at since 94 Yes Kelly 94. It works great for infact I own two of them now. I don't think you can compare ther two units.

VSM and the Mini yes you campare them together.

I like the showtech for a numbers of reasons. One the remotes are smaller and can be concealed which makes the magic coming on and off more magical. I can set program for my tracks. I can program the volume in these tracks to go up or down or I can do it with the remote anytime.

I have lectured at many conventions and clubs. I have apart in my lecture that talks about adding music to your show and when I talk about the showtech and the price alot of people cannot afford that price. So they go with the VSM, in which I encourage them to buy the VSM. So I am by NO means dogging out the VSM as others do to the Showtech. I am enjoying and thrilled that people are seeing the benefit of using music in their acts.

Happy Remotes,
Ken Scott

I love my Show-Tech! If you can afford it it is the way to go, and Wireless Wizardry has great customer relations! It seems to be the choice product of the pros.

Harry Anderson
Amazing Jonathan
David Williamson
Mike Caveney
Ed Alonzo
Giovanni
Hobson
Rich Block
Brian Gillis
Dana Daniels
John Ferrintino
GoldFinger & Dove
Amos Levkovitch
Paul Gertner
Greg Wilson
Rudy Colby
Gene Anderson
Lance Burton
Penn & Teller
Mac King
Jason Byrne
Vito Lupo
Jonathan Pendragon
Marshall Brodien
Kevin James
Bill Malone
Tom Mullica
And many many more

Thanks for the giant billboard Den...

However- some of those people are on our customer list as ones who have jumped over to the Virtual Soundman instead, and are current users to this very day!

In Fact they chose the Virtual Soundman because of our customer relations!

I however am not going to point out which ones -- they deserve NOT to be exploited, and I don't take their support for granted as they could decide to drop my product if I were to exploit them. That would be bad customer relations. The name-dropping is a foolish ploy and one that proved only to backfire, so I will not go there.

Perhaps it would be more interesting to see which product has more impact in the industry-- as our sales approach the 1000th customer World-wide this year. It would appear that the Virtual Soundman has effectively influenced more performers than the other competitors--

This thread is labeled the Virtual Soundman-- It has become obvious that Den (and others) has an emotional bias against the Virtual Soundman product.

I wish them success with the product, but can we get back to folks who have productive things to discuss?

Let's stop the bickering, please
Cheers!

(qoute)this thread is labeled the Virtual Soundman-- It has become obvious that Den (and others) has an emotional bias against the Virtual Soundman product.

I jsut thought I would jump in , and once again said nothing "bad' about your system. I am glad others have another way to go. You Kelly in past post have been bias. Bascially saying in so many words if they don't own yours then they don't own the best.

I don't see Kerry and Tim from wireless wizardry telling their clients to post on the magic Café about their product????

Ken

Well, Kerry it seems that you have been using/abusing the Magic Café to market and praise your product. At least your posts reek of self praise. Your sarcasm did not go unnoticed by me as well as others.

If you recall, you sent me this email admonishing me for speaking about what I read and what others have told me so I could make an informed decision on which product to buy.:


I will send the Magic Café Staff an email asking them to evalute your abusing the Magic Café to pursuade Café Members that your product is the one and only, and using this medium to sell your product, without compensation to the Café!.

As for Customer Relations, it was your email above that made the decision for me which product to buy and obviously you did not like the fact that your competition was mentioned.