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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
I have read a few posts here on the Café' regarding the little system that Florida Magic sells and I have found different points of views from everyone.
My question is this.... How many of you that own this system or have owned it or used it at some point have had problems with it "cutting out" during your program? I have read posts where some people love the thing and others (more than one) have saod that theirs cuts out every once in awhile. I owned one of these at one time but ended up selling it because of the "cutting out." I was just curious if anyone else has had the same problem. Why do I ask? I get a ton a schools, churches and libraries that ask me about PA systems after my program. I currently use a PORTABLE BUDDY which is made my Amplivox but the price scares them off. I have recommended the Florida Magic system to several schools but wanted to know if I should keep doing so because of the "cutting out" fact. I had one school that bought one and the counselor called me saying that the one she bought cut out when she was talking. Would like someone else's input! Thanks! |
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
It sounds like the wireless microphone is having interference issues. I suspect that it's a VHF wireless system, which in some parts of the country is more prone to interference than UHF systems. It depends on the radio and television stations that are broadcasting in the area.
With so many items using radio frequencies now, even UHF can have it's share of problems. That's why the higher end wireless systems all have the option of changing the frequency. (My Sennheiser has 1440 options while my newer Shure has 85 frequencies.) I'm not a proponent of built-in wireless microphones, especially in the less expensive units. You don't have the option of using the wireless with another PA and, unless you buy a more sound system, they don't usually come with a high quality wireless mic, transmitter and receiver. Even with the Portable Buddy, I wouldn't recommend using the built-in wireless microphone version. The best way to keep the cost down is to purchase the best quality, low cost sound system and a corded microphone. It's not as flexible as using wireless but you don't have to worry about interference and you can get excellent microphones for a lot less money! Michael |
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donsmagic Loyal user 258 Posts |
I just bought one after having a lengthy talk with Dan the owner of Florida Magic. I told him my concern about it cutting out. He said that happens when the 9 volt battery is weak in the headset. I plan on replacing the battery for every show. I already do that with 2 of my Collector's Workshop pieces. So far so good. Three people in my town bought one and are very happy with them.
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Don,
If that's the case, it would be a lot cheaper to buy a battery tester and test the batteries before each show. The cost of 9-volt batteries is pretty high. Michael |
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donsmagic Loyal user 258 Posts |
True Michael. I just never wanted the problem to be weak batteries. I own the Collector's Workshop Snakebasket and Sidekick and always replaced the batteries for every show.
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Seems to me that for the florida system (which I owned for a while) you're better
off getting a bigger PA and spend more money. Giving you a PA that would be usable in many more situations. I cannot imagine one of these being powerful enough for a school show. unless it's just a classroom show. but then you would not need a PA. The Yamaha stagepas 300 seems like a great pa from what I've read. Or the Fender PD-150 <--- which I use now (or the PD-250). About the Yamaha... The Yamaha comes with some beefy speakers. Can you switch those out for some smaller, more convienent, less expensive speakers for smaller shows?
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
Changing the batteries out before each show does make sense which is why I currently do it. Some say you should do it after every 2 shows but I don;t like to take that chance. I'd rather be safe than sorry!
FYI- at cheap at may sound..go to a store called Dollar Tree. They sell 9V batteries made by Panasonic. You get 2 batteries for only $1.00 I use these all of the time withut any problem. Again, change the battery after EVERY show- without fail. As far as not being able to handle a school audience- I can tell you that the Florida Magic PA will work for large groups. Back when I owned one, I used it for schools with 300-400 kids and it worked just fine. Only thing is that the little thing is VERY sensitive to the point of not being able to turn it up at all without getting feedback. |
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Everything is relative. I'm not satisfied with the sound of the smaller PA systems in larger settings but I'm picky and I use a lot of music. Some people are quite satisfied with the sound that the Florida Magic PA, the Fender P-10 and the Amplivox Portable Buddy put out.
It's not necessarily that anybody's right or wrong. It's just a matter of different tastes. I know musicians who are unimpressed with the sound that my largest PA system puts out and those speakers have 15" woofers! In the end, everyone has to make their own decisions. Michael |
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
You are right, Michael!
I think no matter what you use that there is nothing worse than being in the middle of a program and the mic. starts cutting out. This screams "cheap" sound system to the audience! At the moment I use a portable buddy system without the built in mic. receiver and it NEVER cuts out. However, when I used the one with the built in receiver, it cut out. Maybe it's just me but I have never had any luck with the smaller PA system with built in receivers. It seems like they use cheap receivers! I am curious- has anyone else used the Florida Magic system in big shows for more than 300 kids at a time? My buddy who lives in New York uses his on a daily basis and loves it. He has used it for 600 kids in a school gym before. A speaker that I know says he has used his for 750 people before. Wow! I think if you a true "music" nut that a little system like this is not for you. However, if you don't use a lot of music and very low music, it is great. There is just nothing like having a unit that weighs only 4-6 lbs. that pluga in and turns on. Who wants to spend 5 minutes putting their PA system together and making 3 loads to and from the car? |
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
I agree Todd, although my Carvin StageMate is as convenient. It just weighs a whole lot more. (I take two trips to my van for all shows. One for the two suitcase tables and one for the cart with my StageMate, balloon bag, wireless mic system, electric fan (I work up a sweat when I perform!) and assorted accessories. Yes, I do that for birthday parties, too! (I could never do 5 shows a day!)
Michael |
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Brian Lehr Inner circle Edmonton, Canada 1605 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-05-15 18:01, todd75 wrote: But there's the rub -- he's a speaker. So in this case, everyone is extremely quiet, waiting to hear what he has to say. The situation is different of course in a magic show. And, although I changed the batteries frequently, I always had the cutout problem. When I contacted the supplier about this, they said the reason that it cuts out is that my voice sometimes gets too loud, and it naturally cuts out to prevent the speakers from being blown. I was told that if I kept my speaking on a normal, steady level throughout the show, then it would be fine. I don't know about most kid's shows, but that ain't the way it happens in my show! Also, regarding the wireless mic, while I love the idea, I hated that the belt pack didn't have it's own volume control. As was already mentioned, when the system is approached to increase the volume, feedback abounds! Brian |
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Hello Brian,
I don't know of any wireless microphone transmitter (belt pack) that has a volume control on it. Some have a gain switch that does affect volume but it's not the same thing and shouldn't be changed randomly. The manufacturer may be telling the truth about the system cutting out when your voice gets too loud. I have an Audio-Technica wireless mic that will cut out a little rather than give you feedback if you walk in front of a speaker. (It can still feedback but it will cut out first.) None of my other wireless systems do that and a local sound shop said that it was intentional. The key thing is it didn't do that often. Only, when I walked in front of a speaker, which you shouldn't do! Michael |
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
Hi Guys!
I really appreciate all of your input! It's been helpful and interesting all at the same time. I've been curious about this little system simply because I am getting fed up with running wires and taking a few minutes to put my PA system up. As mentioned earlier, I am currently using an Amplivox Portable Buddy which I love but I also have to plug in a seperate wireless system to it and then my music. This results in lots of wires! Call me crazy but I like my biggest show to set up quick. So, I had my eye on getting another Florida magic PA so that I can simply plug it in and turn it on and I am all ready. Brian: you are right! In what we do, we are not mines and kids tend to get excited and loud so we have to have something that will be louder than what they are. I do nothing but elementary age children which get really pupmed up and laughing. I just love the idea of having something very small (5 lbs.) and not big at all that does it all. However, since this is my living, I am very concerned with having a system that is going to "cut out" during the program. This tells the client that you bought a "cheap" PA system. Does anyone else know of any other system on the market that is very small (less than 10 lbs.) that has the built in wireless receiver that will not cut out? |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
If you get one with a built-in reciever you're limited to that wireless system.
How about the Crate Limo? At musisiciansfriend.com they sell small carts to haul all your stuff in one trip from the car. I love mine and now don't mind hauling an extra item or a heavier item. Also, all these systems can be run off battery. I use battery with my Fender PD-150 too. Lastly, all wireless will cut out. Period. Some less than others but don't think that it won't happen 100% of the time. That is life with a wireless. Always be prepared. Bring a regular mic and a Gim-Crack just in case. I try to do this all thetime. A Gim-Crack is a must have item. Keep looking but don't limit yourself at this point. There are a lot of great options out there. Don't limit yourself to 10 lbs. Don't limit yourself by requiring built-in wireless. You might be very happy you didn't. Just a thought. Posted: May 16, 2006 11:25am --------------------------------------------- Here, for example is the Limo. Add a wireless that's the same or better quality than the FLA PA for cheap and you've got quite a wonderful sounding system from what I am told for the same price? And it's battery powered right out of the box. That saves you money right there in comparison. musiciansfriend.com The Limo, though I've never heard it gets great reviews here at the Café. Let me know what you think. And here's the cart I carry things on... musiciansfriend.com .. which packs up extremely small in the car.
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
Frank:
I appreciate your suggestions. However, I am all about quick and easy. I use a simple rule of thumb in ALL of my programs... If it doesn't fit, it doesn't go in the show! I am looking for something small around the same size as the Florida Magic system. I have a little MIPRO system that I use for birthday parties and such but it's not all that great for larger shows with 300-500 kids. |
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
Todd,
Have you tried the SoundTech all in one system for $630? It has everything including built in CD with remote. Wireless is also built in and the way I got around the problem you have (with my small system) is I switched to a wireless handheld. No more problems! And on the batteries, even better then the dollar store (which I have purchased from also). Pick up rechargeable 9V batteries w/charger from EBAY. Cheap! Candini Thoughts
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
Understood.
From personal experience, I think you will be very very disapointed if you got a FL system with that many kids in the audience. And probably other systems of the same size. Speaker size DOES make a huge difference. They are not bigger just to look better. They NEED to be bigger to reach out into the audience with any descent quality. It's just physics. When I listened to my new Fender system the sound quality difference was in the "oh my god" range. with one little tiny speaker, whoever is going to be the closest to it is going to have a very bad, loud, experience unless it is way up high. People farthest away? It's going to sound just bad. If there are 500 kids, you're looking at covering a lot of ground. Now for my opinion. With that many kids, you need to have: 1. descent sized speakers 2. more than one speaker 3. speaker stands 4. proper speaker placement 4. a lav or headset (if it works correctly at that venue) 5. a wireless hand-held (with Gim-Crack) which can be found cheap and good now. 6. a wired handheld mic just in case (with Gim-Crack) 7. a mic stand just in case. if you're doing shows with 300-500 kids, they deserve to have good sound. Your rule of thumb is a great idea in theory but not with a sound system. Does anyone else really think that 500 kids and a system as small as the Florida system would work in ANY situation and sound ok, let alone sound professional? What if you decide to upgrade the wireless system, add a spectator mic, and use music? Now you need to buy a mixer too. ... just stirring the pot of choices for you
www.theambitiouscard.com Hand Crafted Magic
Trophy Husband, Father of the Year Candidate, Chippendale's Dancer applicant, Unofficial World Record Holder. |
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todd75 Inner circle 1277 Posts |
Good point! For someone like me who only uses a PA for school Caféteria and an occasional school gym, it works just fine. If I were performing in a huge auditorium, it would be different.
At one point I used a Fender Passport and will confess that it sounded great and more than did the job. The problem was the setting the system up, then the wireless and finally trhe speaker stands. Way too long of a setup if you ask me. I am not saying that is bad but I got tired of my back hurting after every show. And when I started getting so busy I knew I had to make a change. |
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Decomposed Eternal Order High Desert 12059 Posts |
I agree, I want something practical and not a lot to carry Todd. I'm already got a full load and recently ditched my backdrop out of my shows (banner looks good enough thanks to Dr Wilson:::) Being professional but practical.
ClICK HERE for HOW TO MAKE TRANSITION FROM MAGICIAN TO MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER WORLD NEW BOOK!
Click here for NEW PROMO TRAILER! 90 seconds of pure laughs without a standing ovation! Click here for Magicians Austin Mentalist Performance https://www.facebook.com/AustinMagicians https://www.speakermatch.com/profile/gianicano/ Magicians Company Entertainers in Dallas, TX https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8sHW_zVuSc https://about.me/motivationalpublicspeaker |
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Dynamike Eternal Order FullTimer 24148 Posts |
Quote:
On 2006-05-15 15:19, Michael Messing wrote: Now rechargeable 9 volt batteries are made. That can save you a lot of money, especially when it comes to 9 volt. The only question is how long one would last. amazon.com onlybatteries.com Quote:
On 2006-05-16 15:10, Candini wrote: Oops. I see Canini already mentioned rechargeable 9 volt batteries. |
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