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Jeff Haas Special user 929 Posts |
Here's a question for the A/V guys out there...
How realistic is it to try to run a show without plugging into the wall, using just battery-powered speakers, music and wireless mike? I figure there are several options for battery-powered speakers, starting with units like the Fender Amp Can and getting bigger. And if you've got a remote-control music system based on a iPod, that would work. But what about the wireless mike? I noticed there are wireless mike/receiver combos designed to work with camcorders, so someone can have a mike on and the cameraman can follow him around without needing to plug into power anywhere. Does anyone have experience with this, or recommendations? Ideally, you could go into a gig, set all your stuff down, flip a few switches and go on, without having to find a plug. And then you could set up anywhere, including outdoors. Jeff |
boppies2 Elite user Arizona 422 Posts |
I recently bought a 'Pyle Pro' system on the Café for just that purpose. I have two other systems for larger venues. The Pyle Pro system is batter operated and came with a wireless mike (also battery operated) and a wired mike. Great for larger birthday parties, especialy outside.
Max |
Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
Jeff,
I had been wondering the exact same thing. THEN, I stumbled upon a Café member who was selling exactly what I needed. Here's the lowdown...I was originally using a Peavey MP4 amp, 2 Peavey 112 speakers (the older, heavy ones) a Gemini wireless headset mic and a ShowTech (original BIG one, 15 years old). All that needed power. Very heavy load, and not feasable for smaller shows like 100 people in a gym. Todd75 was selling an Anchor "Explorer Pro", and it comes with a wireless mic reciever built into the thing (he had added a Countryman earset). ALL that works off an internal RECHARGABLE battery! Incredible, and compact! Next, I've ordered an iCue2 from Virtual Soundman. It uses (and comes with if you need one...I did) an iPod (battery) and the unit itself uses a small battery pack! Now, I'm completely wireless. I know Kerry at Wireless Wizardry sells Anchor products, but if you buy 'em new, they're pretty darned expensive. The Explorer Pro with single wireless and the Countryman earset would've cost me over a couple grand. I would check ebay or ebay stores to see if you can find a used one. Todd is a great guy and I got the whole setup for $550, including shipping! Lucked into that one! The Anchor is the key to solve your problems! Steve |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
I use a Carvin StageMate, which is a battery-powered self-contained PA system: http://www.carvin.com/products/single.ph......CID=SYS1
I opted to go with a second battery in it and I get at least 6 - 8 hours per charge. The system is pretty inexpensive at $399 new. In addition, I made an inexpensive "AA" battery pack to use with my Sennheiser and Shure wireless microphone receivers. (It cost me less than $10. If you want details, send me a private message.) I also use a Virtual Soundman system. (I have both the iCue Duo and a VSM 7.5.) So, I too, can run totally on batteries. Michael |
Jeff Haas Special user 929 Posts |
To take this topic further, you would need...
- Speaker system - Remote-control music system - Wireless mike and receiver Possible speaker systems: - Anchor Explorer Pro - Carvin StageMate - Fender Amp Can - Pyle Pro (recommended model, anyone?) Some of these speaker systems come with built-in wireless mikes; others would need external ones. For the external ones, Michael has figured out how to wire up a battery pack to replace the wall adaptor. There are also camcorder receivers that run off batteries; has anyone tried those out? I figure the iPod system is pretty obvious, I won't list those options. My question is, what seems to be the best small, battery-powered system, which has the least amount of setup time? This is going to be for smaller gigs, you want to roll in, set up and go. |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
The only disadvantage to the Carvin StageMate is the weight. It's about 38 lbs. because of the wooden cabinet and built-in amplifier. It has terrific sound. I tried the Fender Amp Can when it first came out and was very disappointed in the sound. Really tinny.
I owned an earlier model of the Pyle Pro portables and, although I loved the sound, I really questioned the overall durability. The version I had was very nice when new but the vinyl they covered it in started coming un-glued as soon as it got hot in my van. Then, I had trouble with the lead-acid batteries not holding a charge. Fortunately, Pyle did send me replacement batteries but I got rid of the unit quickly. (A friend of mine had another Pyle unit and it stopped working within a year.) The Anchor Explorer is really nice but too pricey for me. I don't particular need a built-in wireless system, although that would be convenient. I like using the wireless I bought (I have a Shure and a Sennheiser system.) The problem with built-in wireless units is that you can't take them out and use them with someone else's PA! If I got to a show where there's a DJ or band set up, I can patch into their system with my wireless. But, if my wireless is built into my PA, I have to run my PA through their system or just use my PA. That's just my take on it. I know not everyone agrees. Michael By the way, Jeff, there's one more system to look at if you're talking small shows. Check out the Paso system that Todd75 loves: http://www.themagiccafe.com/forums/viewt......&128 It's small, has built-in wireless and is really convenient. If your show is for a small library or in a home, the Paso is ideal.(Todd uses it for schools, although I wouldn't.) I'd love to have one for birthday parties but I just can't justify the expense right now. |
Stevethomas Inner circle Southern U.S.A. 3728 Posts |
Michael,
I'd agree with you on the cost of the Anchor Explorer Pro, but, thanks to Todd, I picked up the whole thing WITH Countryman ear-set for $550! Heck, the ear-set mic itself will cost you over $350! I can't complain about this deal, but I can tell you that it's solved all my problems! Steve |
Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Steve,
You definitely got a good deal from Todd. (How many PA systems and wireless microphones has he sold?!!) You've got a great set-up. Michael |
Jeff Haas Special user 929 Posts |
I read through that thread on the Paso ProCast 50. It does sound like one of the better choices for a small audience (100 people or less.)
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