I also purchased a backup unit from Jim ($50,). As a ventriloquist, I will use either hand to operate a character. With one control unit on each side of my body, I can work the functions with either hand. The remotes all operate on the same frequency so multiple control units can be used to run the same ipod.

Bill, for about $250 you can purchase an IPod Nano and Soundcontrol and have a way of providing audio to your shows that you can run through nearly any sound system whether it's yours or not. It works as it says...it made my life so much easier this past week, and made the program more professional

I totally agree with Terry.

Arthur

I have always been a mini disc person. I purchased an ipod 2 years ago and just couldn't get on with it.
When I was at KIDabra this year I went to Nathan Roberts mini Lecture andboy did I learn enough about ipods to change my mind.
I purchased his Maxell P-21 remote for $50 also included is a 1 hour blank CD. and a DVD to tell you how to hook it up to PA Systems etc. Well worth the $50

Just received an email from Jim, that his sound control system is not compatible with the itouch.
Details on his hompage!

It still is worth the investment to buy a nano or classic. I am so loving having this to work with.

I have already ordered one.

I purchased Sound Control from Jim along with and a back up unit. The package is complete. Jim does all the work for you. If you are mildly tech savy you can put this together yourself but for $97.00 Jim has done it for you. The display is certainly large enough for me. I have a VSM 7.5 and will be parting with it ASAP.
Jim admits that his system is not designed for large theater venues but for small to medium shows. I love mine and you will too.

I don't see why it couldn't be used in a large theater venue. It depends where you have the unit placed. In my opinion, depending on your configuration, it could work it the largest of venues as long as the have microphone jacks on the stage. At least in the configuration I use it with.

I agree Terry -
It all depends on how far you have the IPOD from the remote. I have used mine in a 500 seat community theater and the IPOD was in the sound booth about 70 feet from the stage plugged into the mixing board and it work fine from far upstage (an additional 30 feet from apron.) I just think Jim is trying to upfront about reliability with the remote. I love mine and I did not have to do the hard work of creating the files. I make a playlist and I am off and running.

Well, there is also the circumstance of being able to see the display. If your iPod is 70 feet from the stage, you can't see the display. Is seeing the display absolutely necessary? No, of course not but I do like having a visible display for the security of knowing that I am on the correct track.

When I perform my illusion show, it would be impractical for me to have an iPod with an audio cable running from it to a mic jack because my table gets moved well away from center stage during an illusion. In addition, I don't want a cable running where someone might trip on it.

For my one-man performances, it would be fine to have the iPod on my table.

Mcihael

Indeed it is impractical to try and see the display from that distance.
I have not found myself in a situation that I have needed to see the track # to "get back on track". Previously I used a VSM with display The digital read out certainly was large enough to see from a distance but I had reliablilty problems on occasion as the Mini Disc players aged. I am willing to trade off reliability for visualization.

Cables are a problem I agree. I only use wireless mics so I would not even have an option of setting up close enough for the IPOD to be seen.

Again - potential buyers should understand what they are getting, contact Jim if needed. He is a great guy and I am sure will answer any question.

If you are happy with the way you control your music and keep track of your skits this will not interest you. However, if you want to add a lot of music or sound effects and/or you have several versions of your show then you might need something else.

Want to be able to control your music, see what that next skit or effect is, and what the next one is going to be? You can hire a sound/stage director (or marry one), or buy one of the systems out there that can run around $1000.

My system does require a laptop (if you do not have one they can be bought used for $100 and new for under $300)which gives you a great display. The software is free. The rf remote that transmits through walls costs $20-$80 depending on which one you prefer. The knowledge of how to get the software and how to program it (and where to get the remote) is what I will provide for $24.95.

If you are interested in knowing how to add music and or visual cues to your show without spending a huge amount of money I can tell you a way to do it. Look at the video I posted on Youtube (see below). I state the shortcomings and what I think is the best item out there right now (it is $1200) other than my idea. What I have to sell is knowledge...where to get the free software, how to program it easily and where to purchase the remote, all for $24.95.

For the video of my idea:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWG7dQ-IG7A

Peeps,

The Ipod Nano v3 supports crossfade but not when you hit forward. It will crossfade Only when it hits the end of a song it will blend in to the next song. But then again you can just add a fade at the end of the song itself.

Here is what I would do for a large display. If you jailbreak an Iphone or IPOD you can install some software from the CYDIA repo. called "ScreenSplitr". It allows any application (screen) on your iphone/ipod to display on a display/TV.

For a display I would get something cheap that is small and portable such as a radio display. etc. and of course you need the special cable that has the audio and video rca outputs.

Then get a copy of that blank 20 minute mp3 file and number them (save them). Such as:

1.mp3
2.mp3
3.mp3
4.mp3

Get it? Depending on the number of tracks you got. Then create some art work (art file) and add them to the correct mp3. Check the tutorial. Or maybe someone in this Café will do everyone that favor. HINT....

http://gizmogates.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1245308758

For example the 3.mp3 will display the #3 art file you created.

For the best remotes to control an IPOD its the Ijet ABT brand. that's it. The other brands have a smaller range (EXPECT if you got a Nano which the regular Ijet blocks the audio port).

Any question just ask in this thread...

G0THIKE

I've used software to create silent MP3 tracks, I can make them any length needed. I then import them into itunes, works great.

Has anybody tried the sound control with the new generation of ipod nano 5th?
I tried but I was not successful.
Hanno

Nathan J Roberts sells exactly the same hardware with the same modification as well as his own instructional CD. I purchased the package about $50 at Kidabra.

$50.00 for a How To CD?

First of the Maxell P 21 has a range of less than 40 feet. The ABT Ijet has a range I have personally verified of over 100 feet.

The Silent Track is available for FREE and the directions have been posted by myself and others in this forum for Free.

But if you like spending the money without searching TheMagicCafe go ahead.

G0THIKE

I received much more than what I paid for, the unit has worked flawlessly from great distances and the information and extra hardware provided in Nathan J. Roberts package saved me a lot of time and money. I am extremely happy with the purchase.

Mike

(Gothik - If you read other threads on this subject, I have already provided a direct link to the 30 min silent track that I created that anyone can download.)

Hi Mike
Maybe I'm going blind in my old age but I cant seem to locate a link to a 30 min silent track.
Could you point me in the right direction please.

Thanks
in advance
STEVE