This is an IPOD question. How does one use Ax Trax sound effects on an IPOD? It's a dawdle to dub the effects onto the IPOD. Also easy to transfer them to one's Playlist. Yet, how does one use(i.e.-Old McDonald sound effects)? One could use a sequence of Play-Pause-Play which should play the effect; advance it to the next clip and be ready to Play again? Future Shop people have really had fun with this. Their best idea is to carry the IPOD and do the above sequence. Now for magicians and vent people this conjures up the comedy skit of the One -Armed Paper Hanger! Also one would have to do this while performing a magic trick, or manipulating a vent figure, possibly on a darkened stage! Surely there must be a way to use this admirable little machine without employing a sound person. Hopefully an Apple person might be trolling this vent site and will give us some sound advice.Ron

If you want to simply play the vent sound-fx on the Axtrax, for example, the iPod would be a great device to use. All you need to do is create a playlist of the sound fx in order. Go to the playlist and select the first sound effect. When it is done, there will be that dead air in the middle, so just pause the track and skip forward to the next song. The new track will remain paused until you hit play.

This advice may have been what you were describing as "Play-Pause-Play," but it is the best solution if you still want the freedom of time between sounds. If you are worried about doing this while manipulating something, don't. The layout of the buttons on the iPod makes playing and skipping so easy that you could do it with your eyes closed. The other benefit is that there is no noise when stopping/skipping/playing tracks, like CD players have sometimes.

I think your biggest concern is not how to play the music but how to get the sound from your iPod to the sound board. This could get tricky, especially when it has to be plugged into a cord snake. If that is a concern of yours, we can talk about that later.

Robbie, thanks. The kernel of my cunundrum (sic) is using one hand to do magic or vent manipulation and another hand to manipulate the IPOD. How do you suggest one can keep the IPOD relatively invisible to the audience? The IPOD connects easily to my mixer with a Radio Shack cord with two different sized jacks.Thanks, Ron

Whoops, you're right..my problem IS how to connect the IPOD to the mixer. The cord I now use to attach the IPOD to the mixer( for background music) is a beautifully flexible cord..standard mike cable size. Obviously I could run it back a metre or so to where I am standing. Hmmm. Thanks. Ron

I HOPE that Jim Adams of www.jamesandtheprofessor.org doesn't mind me sharing his way of hiding the ipod. I think it is clever. He brings out a "book" and opens it onto a music stand. His vent stand is in the regular position. The "book" is a hollow shell and when he opens it he has his ipod hooked to a wireless transmitter. Clever, Jim!

I made two huge mistakes with my Ipod (Iriver brand) today. I plugged it into the mic input instead of headphone jack. Couldn't figure out why I wasn't getting sound! When I realized my mistake I changed it, but when I cranked the volume up on the Ipod the sound would cut out sometimes. I realized that I had it too loud and the headphone inhibitor was on.

Actually, a third mistake was when I accidentally put it on lock and couldn't switch to a different folder! Wow! I have found so many ways for it to go wrong! I miss my mini-CD player!

Tony..thanks for getting in. Okay..how would you suggest one learn more about The Prof's "wireless transmitter"? Now my mike system works on a wireless rig...does the eminent Professor use a wireless mike and also a wireless IPOD system? The remote method for the IPOD baffles me ..as it has many electronics store clerks. Actually, I gave it up this week..and now..revelation from Tony! Next time I'll ask how one hollows out a book.Thanks, Ron

If you want your iPod to go wireless, you can use an "instrument wireless system." You can get these at music supply stores. It works and sets up much like a wireless mic system. It was made to hook up guitars wirelessly, but it should work for the iPod. The only draw back is that it only sends a mono signal, so if your fx have anything panned to the right, you will lose it. This probably will not be a problem for you. All you'll need is a 1/4 inch mono adapter for the 1/8 inch stereo plug on the iPod. These wireless instrument systems are as cheap as $69 at Musician's Friend, and they may come cheaper.

I have not tried this, but in theory, it should work quite nicely.

Robbie..such solid suggestions). Do you see any problems with a guitar wireless(IPOD) and a sound system wirelss mike operating at the same time? Thanks, Ron

I'm enjoying the puns that are hidden within the sound advice that has been given in such novel ways, Jack! Funny stuff!

I forgot the question? You can bring your first wireless transmitter in to the store where you want to buy the second and ask them about the frequency. It is doubtful that it will be a problem. There has only been one time that my mic, which I brought with me, was picked up on the church's sound system. So the sanctuary started hearing some jokes from children's church during the worship service. It's only fair. We usually hear their music through the wall.

Jim did not use a wireless controller on the ipod, as it was right there in the book. You can find hollow books at most Ross or Home Decorating stores.

My ultimate goal is to have a speaker and receiver built into a suitcase table, so I just wheel it on and plug it in! All the connections will stay and it will hold my magic tricks on the top and become my vent stand. I was going to be a stand up comic but I have a sore back.

-Tony

You should not have any interference problems. Most wireless systems (including the instrument one at Musician's Friend) give you the option of choosing the frequency at any time, so it can be changed to eliminate any problems.

Robbie..such a help. On a break today I checked out a wireless guitar system..Stage 5 by Samson..gee, that system should fit into a suitcase! Thanks again for the suggestions. Ron

Robbie,your IPOD advice is working. Now, I find I'm too slow working the IPOD with my left hand. Is it advisable for a right handed venter to maipulate the puppet with one's left hand. Thanks again. Ron

Sure! In fact, if you can use both hands well, you will open up a world of possibilities for your act.

I guess it all comes down to which will take more practice: learning to manipulate the puppet with your non-dominant hand or learning to manipulate the iPod with your non-dominant. Either way, you will surely become an even better performer in the process.

Good luck!