Thanks for your comments about microphones in outdoor shows...I found I had the same problem 2 times this past week! When I got to the parks, there was no electricity!! By the time I got home from Sioux Falls, my voice was quite hoarse.

Are there any recommendations about microphones? I have the older version of Florida Magic, but am having major problems with it. I'm in the market for something new...for indoor AND outdoor...with a built-in battery, etc.

My shows did go very well, and they LOVED my Axtell puppets...of course!!

shari,
look back through these pages, there is a great string on pa. systems. many good answers and ideas. i use an alesis transmobile. 6 hr battery, it comes with its own mic, cable and dock for an ipod built in. it also works on ac. i have found it to be very easy to work, it even has wheels and luggage handle built in.

I believe the string is called "sound advice". There is a new portable pa system available through Axtell, but I had trouble finding it. If you are having trouble with your Florida Magic set you should e-mail the owner. He is extremely helpful. The new Florida Magic set has a built in receiver for either a wireless lapel or headset (you get both) and also has a battery.

I almost never need my battery, but when I do it's great to have. Another option is to buy a converter for your car's cigarette lighter. You plug it in there and it changes your car's DC current to AC complete with a plug in. You'll have to park close enough for an extension cord, but it shouldn't drain your battery too badly. (Famous last words.)

You can get the AC adapter for your car from Radio Shack. My kids would plug in the laptop for long trips so they could watch a movie.

In our band we use Shure 58 and 57 Beta's, and with our puppets we use and like a German face mic, which is reasonably priced, in Australia anyways. The brand is ARS Akustika which is excellent for puppet work. They are small, have a good gain and are easy to slip on and don't seem overly fussy on the position near the mouth. We have a small Peak amp outfit to use with it, and they are connected via a Nady true diversity system. The set-up runs very quiet, and is easy and light to carry. I don't think the Peak amp would be suitable for outdoors, but is perfect for homes or halls etc. If we ever needed to work in a large venue we would use our band PA. I think vent is heaps easier with a face mic!
best always,
Terry Wild

Again, Thank you for your input! I did find the string of other posts...after I had already posted this one! Sorry for the duplicate. I'm learning!! About my Florida Magic sound system, I did contact Dan...he's very kind...and I will be sending my system to him while at Vent Summit! Thank you everyone!

Shari

Found it! It was listed on the What's New page down pretty far.
http://www.axtell.com/remotepa.html

Axtell Expressions sells a 20 W system with a rechargeable battery and a mic choice of lapel or headset. It says it is good for up to 100 people. I find that to be true of my 20 W system, which I use for birthdays and most libraries.

It recommended something I hadn't heard before. Set the transmitter volume very low and the speaker volume higher for the best clarity. That would probably save some batter life on the transmitter as well. Plus it gives you control at the transmitter if you do need to raise the volume, rather than having to approach the speaker (and risk squealing).