In order to maintain the integrity and focus of another thread, this new Posting has been created.

Therefore, the postings below are really a compilation of a string of posts that were originaly posted on ththe other thread and shifted (copied and pasted) over to the current thread that yo are now reading.

The hope is that this discussion on Mingling Vent Work: Waistband Portable Sound System" can continue on its own.

All input on this new subject is welcomed and greatly appreciated.
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...Does anyone use a portable mic system for walk around venting?

If so, what is your system and recommended set up?

Jonathan
Max & Maxine Entertainment
Magicians with a touch of comedy!
http://www.maxmagician.com
http://www.magicalpresentations.com

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Hi Jonathan,

A friend of mine has this mic and speaker strapped around his waist ala belt bag...sells for about $80...

I wouldn't really know if it works or if you actually need one for walk around. But I can only guess that it will make your job easier because it will amplify your voice

Wanlu

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Dear Wanlu,

Any chance of you speaking to your friend to find out the make and model number of the set up he has and if he is satisfied with it?

If he could provide a web link for thi sproduct, that too would be very helpful.

Jonathan

Wanlu

New user
Manila, Philippines
88 Posts Posted: Sep 20, 2006 10:34am

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Hi Jonathan,

okay...I'll do that and will let you know as soon as possible

Thanks

Wanlu

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Thanks Wanlu!

Jonathan

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Hi Jonathan,

So sorry to disappoint you but my friend only sent me an SMS saying that the brand is UKAI...it's like a belt bag that has the speakers in it and a mic attached to it.

Wanlu
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Thanks for trying Wanlu.

There must be a thread about this on the Café.

I will fire up the search engines sometime soon.

Best regards.

Jonathan



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Hi Jonathan,

I found this, I hope it helps

http://chattervox.com/

Wanlu

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Jonathan,

I bought this 10 years ago. Ronjo Magic still has it.
http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/S/M010033
Harris

Inner circle
Harris Deutsch
1693 Posts Posted: Oct 3, 2006 3:34pm

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For a few years I have been using a Hisonic

15 Watts

180 x 300 x 110 mm

180-260 mhz.

It is fairly light weight and has a great sound. I got it used for about $75.

It can be used for small groups(such as library shows of 1-200, and light enough for walk arounds with a wrap around head set microphone.

Prior to getting the above item I used a waist belt system of 3-5 Watts.

Harris

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Harris Deutsch
Laughologist
"Bringing Magic and Laughter to the World, One Group at a Time!"
Harris.deutsch@leesummit.k12.mo.us
http://magician.org/member/doctoroflaughology
http://www.nearlynormalmagic.com
DougTait

Veteran user
Chambersburg, PA
312 Posts Posted: Oct 4, 2006 6:44pm

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Jonathon;
Do a Google search for "waistband amplifier" and you will get a slew of similar product in the price range of $50 - $250.

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"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men [and women] to do nothing."
mandrake01

Special user
Rhode Island
848 Posts Posted: Oct 5, 2006 12:08pm

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Maybe this is a dumb question (in truth, I don't have what it takes to do vent work) but if you have a sound system, (and it's obvious that your voice is miked) do you make a dummy mike for your figure? (Kinda drips with irony, doesn't it?)

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Thanks guys... great suggestions and sources for mics!

Jonathan

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Are their many vents that "do not" use a portable mic (ie. belt-mic) for walkaround vent performing situations?

Jonathan
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Hi Jonathan,

If one plans to do walkarounds with a puppet, I think the waistband amplifier makes great sense.

I'm not planning to do walkarounds but I would buy a waistband amplifier if I find one here just to help me practice without setting up my actual sound system...plus, I can use it when I show my puppets to my friends and house guests.

I saw one last December in a "Bazaar" but I didn't buy it because I was not yet into puppets then. I started working with puppets just less than a couple of months ago...

I'm going to a local "Electronics Haven " here in Manila next week. We call it RAON...I'm optimistic that I can find a waistband amplifier there. If the price is cheaper here including shipping to your place, I'll be happy to send you a unit if you want. If I find something less than $50 shipping included, I'll let you know.

Wanlu
New user
Manila, Philippines
88 Posts Posted: Oct 6, 2006 11:15am

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Thanks for your kind offer Wanlu,

Let me know what you find. Not sure how much the shippin gto Montreal would be, but I woould still like to know the details (quality of the system, and price).

Although it is a bit costly,I like the one that Lou directed me to via the link to Ronjo: http://www.ronjo.com/page/R/PROD/S/M010033

I will also start doing searches on e-bay and google for a good "sound" system, as Doug suggested.

Jonathan

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I would be interested to know if a 15 watt waistband system (like the one Harris uses) is recommended for walkaround/mingling ventriloquisim, witin a corporate cocktail setting, where 4 to 8 guests maximum at a time.

Would a 3 to 5 watt system be sufficient?

Does the 3-5 watt waistband system weigh less than the 15 watt waistband type system?

I believe that Hisonic makes both.

Please advise.

Jonathan

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Hmmm... one of our seasoned member was kind enough to point out that when he used the waistband model for walkaround venting, and kept the speaker psotioned on his backside, the sound appeared to be coming out of his.... "a_ _ hole".

Does ths mean that if the speaker system is positioned on the front-side of the performer, the sound will appear to come out from his _______ ....zipper ??!!!

Seems to be a no-win situation.

Perhaps I will simply need to project my voice more during walkaround situations where I often have to compete with ambiant noise (ie. nearby conversations, music from a nearby Jazz-trio, piped-in MUSAC, etc.)

Opinions?

Advice?


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One link to the Hisonic waistband (HS116 model,7 watts) system can be found at:
http://www.radios4you.com/hs-116-LG.html The weight of this system is not mentioned on this site, so I will need to do some more searching to find this specific info out.

One member has suggested the "Califone" waistband mic system is a lighter model than most. With the Califone, their 5 watt model is 19 ounces, and their 2 watt model is only 10 ounces... is 2 watts enough for walkaround with groups of 4-6 people around the ventrioquist?

Is anyone else familiar with this particular system?

http://www.schooloutfitters.com/catalog/....../PRO3832

From the specs and photo found on thier site, I find the shaope and size to be a bit awkward, I prefer the waistband Hisonic design, and would like to position such a system on my front-side to look like a magicians "card pouch" or money belt. However, it was also pointed out that if a waistband system is positioned at the fron, there is feedback caused by its proximity to the mic.

To resolve the feedback issue, it was recommended to position the speaker system on the performer's backside, which results in a muffled sound (it under a coat) or the sound seeming to come form the amgician's a_ _ hole...

Any recommendations to avoid the feedback issue and /or the "Row, row row your boat" effect?

Jonathan
Special user
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
640 Posts Posted: Oct 6, 2006 7:26pm

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The MiPro system has also been recommended. Although it is significantly more costly, it is said to be a much better quality system.

However, when I try to do a google search for a MiPro waistband product,I cannot seem to find one. Perhaps MiPro does not make a waistband product.

Jonathan
Max & Maxine Entertainment
Magicians with a touch of comedy!
http://www.maxmagician.com
http://www.magicalpresentations.com

Hi Jonathan.

Most of my stuff has come second hand..though the Hisonic Unit was close to new. So I can't suggest a dealer.


I have had success buying on ebay with those in the 99 or 100 % positive feedback. but as they say buyer beware.

Wish I could be more helpful.

The Hisonic is not a waistband unit.

Re: 15 versus 3. Although the shoulder strap and unit is more cumbersome than the waist band I find it works for me.

At times I will set it down on a chair, the floor or table depending on the venue. As I switch from vent to schtick to magic, I find it useful.

Harris

Thanks for the additional info Harris.