Steve, I have a new computer and have lost the address of the Magic Amplifier Systems in Florida. Last week I saw a great ventriloquist at a fair. He had a Fender Passport system. I'm wondering though if the Passport system doesn't involve an amp and two column speakers. My understanding is that the Magic system combines amp and speakers in one unit(plus the mike). I am convinced the system I use must be light, good and very portable. Steve, I applaud the erasing of vent figure selling on your site. By this summer I had reduced my visits to the site because it was just a buy and sell site. Thanks for being there. Ron Crowley

Dear Ron,

Just thought I'd throw in my two cents worth about different amps out there that are portable.

SCHOOL GYM QUALITY:
Fender seems to be the number one in popularity. It has two sizes available and an optional separate rechargeable battery system. It comes in 150 watts and 250 watts and each is separated into two speakers. (ex. 2 75 watt speakers) The 250 is a LOT of sound and has a nice bass quality if you use music. It is much heavier than the 150. On each set the speakers attach to the amp and have a pocket area for your mic, but don't have a built in for wireless.

SoundTech has a 100 watt system which I have used in about 1000 shows. It comes with wheels, 4 channel input, and a collapsible built in luggage rack for very easy towing. I throw my equipment box of cables and mics on top of it and am good to go. The 10 inch woofer and 4 inch tweeter give me all the bass and treble I need for clear sound. It will easily cover 300 students in a gym, but if the audience is seated widely I plug a second speaker into it for aiming purposes.

Yamaha has come out with something similar to Fender, but it looks just as big and bulky.

Anchor has a system similar to SoundTech, but it does come with a rechargeable battery for outdoors and with a built in wireless mic. It costs about $300 more, but would quickly become the only system you need!

Nady has a 20 watt that will handle birthdays and groups up to 70 or so. However, ask for an upgrade to the metal headband on the built in wireless mic. I ALWAYS use a headset mic and snapped two of their cheap plastic ones before ordering a metal band. It only weighs 5 pounds and works on batteries. The quality is about what you would hear from a boombox.

Anchor also has a 5 pound little unit with built in headset mic. It is strong enough for 200 or so, BUT is very directional, working more like a bullhorn. People on the side don't hear near the volume that those in front hear and you as the performer behind the system are clueless as to how loud it really is. "Is this thing on?"

If you do a search for portable PA + mic + battery you should come up with an ideal. There is another known brand that came out with one like the soundtech with luggage rack and wheels, BUT it also has a built in receiver for the mic. I can't remember the brand. Check out www.musiciansfriend.com and do a search.

Good luck.

Thanks Tony. You seem to be the prof for Speakers 101. Ron

The Pedal Pause system for starting and Pausing CDs and mp3s is at http://www.stevejonesproductions.com/

I have been using a Peavey Escort for 7 years more or less.
Its very strong...it can also handle outdoor venues and gymnasiums.

Very portable too except for the speaker stands...the whole thing packs into a small contraption with wheels

I use it with my I-Pod to provide the music and my Shure Headworn Mic...I also attach a wired mic for volunteers who might want to join the show


Thanks

Wanlu