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shonuffpreacher New user Indianapolis, IN 5 Posts |
To The Magic Community At Large,
This will probably be a long post, but I encourage everyone to read it all. I have read several posts concerning the Happie Amp being sold by Brian Foshee at http://www.bhappie.com. As a recent/new owner, I would like to post, for the record, my personal experience with Brian and the Happie Amp. I purchased the Happie Amp back around the first part of December, and my first impression of it from the outside was, "This is nothing but a toy", but I did not get a chance to use it until I had a corporate gig in a small restaurant here in Indianapolis. I brought the system in, turned it on, and got nothing but squealing feedback. I readjusted the settings and managed to get rid of the feedback, but had a great deal of "white noise" that could not be eliminated. I ended up just turning the Happie Amp off, and using my not inconsiderable personal volume the rest of the show. Everyone was pleased with the performance, but the thought in the back of my mind was, "I have been ripped off on a cheap plastic toy!". I should mention that I have dealt with sound systems of every scale and size, from running boards for Heart, ZZ Top, and Head East, to small childrens' parties, and everything in between. I know sound systems. I emailed Brian about the system, and got a return phone call the next day. Brian was very apologetic in his message, and offered to work through the system with me, to try and troubleshoot the problem. It was probably three weeks before I could get back with him, and he was still just as apologetic, and just as willing to help try and find the problem. We went through several common "tests", and he determined that the system was damaged, and offered to send another one out at no additional cost to me. I was somewhat sceptical that another such "toy amp" would be any better, but since he was so willing to try and make good, I decided to take the chance. He sent me another amp, and included pre-paid postage to return the old amp. The second amp seemed to work fine, but the headset didn't work. Turned out that the manufacturers had put the wrong channel beltpack with the amp. I called Brian, and that day he sent me the money for postage to return the beltpack, and sent me the correct one. Now to the system: never in my life would I have ever thought that something that small and cheap-looking (sorry Brian, but it does look cheap from the outside!) would be the answer to all my sound needs for all my smaller shows, but that is the case with the Happie Amp. Brian told me that I would have to try and make the amp feed back, and he is correct. Unless you stand directly in front of it at a close proximity, it just doesn't squeal! The sound quality is simply unbelievable for such a small unit, and the clarity is the same. I will say that the lavaliere mic leaves much to be desired, but unless one is willing to shell out several hundred dollars, most lavaliers are that way. the handheld and the headset work well together, and the mics don't cancel out the mp3 player I have my shows on - They are both crystal clear. I now have the new black-cased version on my list of things to purchase,for those times when the color might matter. I can unreservedly recommend the Happie Amp to anyone who is looking for a small, portable sound system, and doesn't want to compromise on the clarity, quality, or volume. I don't know that I would depend on the Happie Amp for a show in a gym-sized room, but I will be taking it with me to my next large school show, along with my Fender Passport 150, just to see if the little one will do all I need it to in such a large room. If it will, I will save the Passport for my medium sized shows, and save many pounds of stuff I have to schlepp to and fro. However, the main reason that I recommend the Happie Amp is not because it is such a good system (which it is, hands down!), but because of its' proprietor, Brian Foshee. Brian is an honest, fair-minded businessman who not only believes wholeheartedly in his product, but that good customer service is absolutely vital to doing good business. He did not have to do all he did to take care of my problem - I have been cold-shouldered and ripped off by magic dealers before - but he did. He did not have to pay for all the postage back and forth on the return and shipment of the new amp, but he did. There were a lot of things he didn't have to do, attitude-wise, but he did, and because of that, and the quality of the product, I am most pleased and happy to recommend the Happy Amp to anyone needing an economically-priced, high quality sound system. I am also very pleased to be able to recommend Brian Foshee as a fair, honest, genuine person to do business with in the magic community. We need a great many more like him! Thank you, Brian! Pastor Timothy Walker Thin Aire Illusionary Productions http://www.thinairemagic.com |
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sethb Inner circle The Jersey Shore 2719 Posts |
Glad to hear that your Happie Amp works well for you, and that Brian was willing to do what it takes to make it right.
The $64,000 Question is: what frequency does the wireless transmitter run on? I will probably have to junk a perfectly good 3-year old PASO ProCast PA system because of new FCC regulations that now prohibit wireless PA's in the 700 Mhz range (click HERE to read this thread). The technical specs on Brian's web page (click HERE to view) don't specify the frequency for the transmitter. SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC |
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Seth,
The Happie Amps are VHF not UHF so their frequency range would not be in the 700 mHz range. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Very_high_frequency By the way, the correct link for Happie Amps is: http://www.happieamp.com/ |
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Skip Way Inner circle 3771 Posts |
Seth, I'm talking to the Paso folks and they're working on a potential solution. Hang in there and I'll post the results when I get them. Cross yer fingers!
How you leave others feeling after an Experience with you becomes your Trademark.
Magic Youth Raleigh - RaleighMagicClub.org |
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sethb Inner circle The Jersey Shore 2719 Posts |
Michael, that's good news about the Happie Amps. I believe VHF transmitters are older technology (and sometimes have their own interference issues), but in this case, it apparently works out for the best.
Skip, I'll be very interested to see what you learn from the PASO people. I was beginning to think I was getting the cold shoulder! SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC |
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Yes, VHF tends to be older technology because most of the newer higher end wireless systems are UHF. On the other hand, the switch to UHF occurred because there was less interference with in the UHF band since fewer people were broadcasting in UHF. With the proliferation of mobile phones and cell phones using UHF frequencies, the UHF band is likely as crowded as the VHF band.
The advantage some UHF wireless systems have is they are frequency agile, which means they can change frequencies to find a clear channel. (That's some of the newer technology.) I don't think I've seen any VHF systems that were frequency agile. |
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bhappie Regular user B. Happie Entertainment, LLC 123 Posts |
Yes, the Happie Amps are good to go for frequencies (VHF). It was a scary moment when someone sent that article and I looked over my shoulder at the stack of 300 Happie Amp's that had just arrived. I can now breath again and pluck or dye the white hairs.
Thanks Tim for posting a review from someone who actually has a Happie Amp! Michael- I tried to get the Happie Amps made so they can switch frequencies but it was not available. The new Happie Amp 2.0 does have 2 transmitters on 2 different frequencies. Double your chances for success each time. I have used mine in thousands of shows and only once been unable to use it due to interference. I was on the river between Bayonne, NJ and NY city. Can't figure out what could have been the issue. hmm. :o) |
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Michael Messing Inner circle Knoxville, TN 1817 Posts |
Brian, If I had the extra money right now, I'd be ordering one of your new Happie Amp 2.0 units. The reviews have been terrific and it's a really convenient system. It's very appealing.
Michael |
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TheAmbitiousCard Eternal Order Northern California 13425 Posts |
So far this is the only little amp I'd say makes sense as far as price/features go.
I've not heard it, personally, but it certainly seems to fill the needs and good customer service as well. I can see buskers using it when that want a little boost with no setup hassle.
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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devlinn Regular user Orangeville, ON 118 Posts |
I have to agree with Timothy's comments, Brian was wonderful to deal with.
I didn't have any of the issues Tim had. My unit was fine straight out of the box. Brian was simply very good about communicating when the product was shipping and answered any questions I had about the product. I have the 2.0 Happie amp and am very pleased with the results so far. It's loud enough for a small hall. (On the battery) It's great for a living room / Basement for a b-day. It's nice and clear at louder volumes. you can also "shape" the tone a bit with the tone control on the external input. I use it with Jim Kleefelds "Sound Control" which, along with the iPod, fits nicely into the back panel of the Happie Amp. I use a Nady Hm-20 headset ($40-$50) with the wireless and it sounds decent. For the small shows that I typically do, it's perfect. Because of the product, the overall value, and the amazing service, I will be buying a second one soon. regards, |
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Chris LaBarge Regular user Upstate New York 134 Posts |
I recently purchased the Happie Amp (original) and am very happie with it. I have only used it for a few shows but it has been working great. The largest show was in library with 150 people and it worked great at less than half volume. THe sound is clear and and loud, not what you would expect from this little box. If you have any doubts about this system, don't, it is an awesome solution for your small to medium gigs. I plan on taping a performance using this in the next month and I will try to remember to post a link so you can hear its clarity and throw.
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drosenbe0813 Elite user Long Island, NY 405 Posts |
Does the amp have a hole for mounting it on a speaker stand?
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sethb Inner circle The Jersey Shore 2719 Posts |
If I have to replace my PASO ProCast because of the FCC 700 Mhz wireless ban, I might seriously think about one of these, now that questions regarding the wattage and transmitter frequency have been resolved.
At $235, it seems to be a very good value/alternative to a $600+ Anchor Mini-Vox, which is also a rechargeable 30-watt system, or an $800+ Galaxy PA, another rechargeable unit that's very comparable to the PASO. SETH
"Watch the Professor!!" -- Al Flosso (1895-1976)
"The better you are, the closer they watch" -- Darwin Ortiz, STRONG MAGIC |
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Chris LaBarge Regular user Upstate New York 134 Posts |
The unit has mounting holes on the back, not a traditional bottom hole. I am rigging up and easy fix that uses an old music stand to get it a 4-5 feet off the ground.
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Doc Eason V.I.P. Aspen Colorado 429 Posts |
I needed some kind of boost for the bar I am working in now. Often the ambient noise would increase to an extent that I simply couldn't be heard at all. I decided to try this .. why not.. it has a return policy.. so I ponied up the 250 pricetag and I am pleased to say that it is perfect for my specific needs.. Are there other systems out there that might have worked? sure.. but they were either pricier or heavier (or most of the time) both. As you have read, it looks like a toy when you see it.. but I assure you it isn't. I am very happy with my Happie Amp.
If you have a specific need in a specific venue, do yourself a favor and test this out.. I think you have 30 days to return it.. plenty of time to give it a real test. Your mileage may vary. Doc
Doc Eason’s Rocky Mountain Magic
PO Box 50 / Basalt CO 81621 doc@doceason.com http://doceason.com http://doceasonmagicshop.com |
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Bill Wilson Special user 536 Posts |
There's an endorsement money can't buy.
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bhappie Regular user B. Happie Entertainment, LLC 123 Posts |
I am very pleased (not suprised) to see glowing reviews of the Happie Amp. I am dedicated to customer service no matter what. I do bend over backwards to make sure everyone is happy. I grew up and live in a small town and that is how you have to be here to survive.
To answer the question about the return policy- If you are not satisfied with the Happie Amp I will take it back for a full refund. Including your shipping. AND including your return shipping! 30 days with absolutely no financial risk. I guess I can't say with no questions asked because I will be very curious as to what went wrong :o) You can find it at http://www.HappieAmp.com |
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jcorb New user 34 Posts |
Do they come in black as the picture shows?
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Bernie Balloons Elite user N.Y.C. 480 Posts |
The 2.0 amp only comes in black.Also you can hook up an I Pod or a CD player to the extra belt pack and keep your music source close to you at all times
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WmsonProd3104 New user 7 Posts |
I've been very pleased with the Happie Amp 2.0. I started carrying them at my store (US Toy Magic in Kansas City), and after buying one for myself I was then able to speak intelligently about this product. We've almost sold out on our second shipment and I've heard nothing but good comments from everyone who has bought one from our shop. My wife and I use both lapel mics and an IPOD, and I've been in a gymnasium sized room with 300+ senior citizens and it carried the room well. I was first hesitant to buy one (even to carry it in our store) because it sounded too good to be true. After hearing from Del Wilson that it was wonderful and a good return on your investment, I have to agree. NO worries mate.
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