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Amplivox Frequently Asked Questions

Please select your topic of interest:

• AmpliVox Models with S805A or SW805A amplifiers
• Wireless Systems
• Power Supply
• Warranty
• Travel Audio Pro

1. Will the AmpliVox sound system overpower a small audience of only 20-30 people?

Will it be too loud for people sitting in the front?

      Although our sound systems are designed to cover audiences up to 1,000 or more, depending on the number of speakers in them, they work equally well with smaller audiences

2. My audience can range from 20 people to over 1,000 people. How do I choose a PA system or lectern that is appropriate for any size audience?

Use this as a guide: AmpliVox sound system with 50 watt amplifier and:
One speaker audience up to 1,000 rooms up to 10,000 square feet
Two speakers audience up to 1,500 rooms up to 15,000 square feet
three speakers audience up to 2,000 rooms up to 20,000 square feet
four speakers audience up to 5,000 rooms up to 25,000 square feet

3. Can I add more speakers?

Yes. The amplifier has two outputs for speakers. You can add up to 4 AmpliVox speakers by adding a Y adapter. The total speaker impedance per channel should not be more than 16or less than 4 ohms.

4. What is a Dual Module Speaker?

Model S1201 is a Dual Module Speaker. It has 2 speakers built into a durable acoustically carpeted cabinet with built-in handle & tripod mount.

5. Can I get a lectern in a special color?

Special order colors are available on many models. Please call to get price and availability.

6. What is the difference between the S805A amplifier and the SW805A amplifier?

Both are 50 watt amplifiers with 3 external mic inputs (wireless, condenser, dynamic), 2 external speaker jacks, aux line input with volume and tone controls, and line out to record presentation.Model SW805A includes theextra feature of one built-in wireless receiver with 2 user selectable frequencies.

7. When I turn my amplifier on, nothing happens.

First, check your power source: If you are powering the system with 10 D-cell alkaline batteries, check each battery to see that it is producing 1.5 volts (15 volts total). If you are using the external AC Adapter/recharger (AmpliVox Model S1460), connect it to the jack marked "DC In". The output will be 15 volts, 2 amps, with center positive.If you are using our rechargeable system, turn the amp power switch to the "OFF" position, connect the S1465 NiCad Battery Pack to the matching connector inside the amp, and plug in the S1460 AC Adapter/recharger. Leave the amp power switch off until youcomplete the charging process (8-12 hours or overnight).

8. How do I avoid squealing or feedback?

Where should I be in relation to the "speaker" in the unit?

Feedback occurs when your microphone is too close to the speakers. To avoid feedback in anysound system the presenter should stand to either side of or behind the speakers. When standing in front, the presenter should leave at least 10 feet between herself and the speakers. You can also turn down the microphonevolume.

9. I just received a Roving Rostrum (Model S122A) or Amplipod Podium SW124 and I can't find the accessories that come with it.

For 122A DiscontinuedRemove the reading table. All accessories are packed in a zippered pouch located under the reading table. For SW124 Remove front panel which is attached magnetically.

10. Can I use a CD or cassette withmy sound system?

Yes. The amplifier has an auxiliary line input. You can connect a CD or Cassette with a cable so that the sound comes through the AmpliVox speakers. You can even control the volume separately from the mic volume because the aux input has itsown volume and tone controls.

11. Can I use my computer or video projector with the AmpliVox sound system?

Yes. (See #10 above).

12. Can I add more microphones to my AmpliVox soundsystem?

Yes. You can add wireless mics as well as wired mics. The amplifier has 3 mic inputs. You can purchase an external mixer,which will increase the number of mic inputs.

1. How far away can I be from the sound system and still be heard?

You can move around in an area up to 300 feet from the amplifier.

2. Why doesn't my wireles smicrophone work?

Your amplifier, transmitter, receiver, and microphone must be receiving power (either from batteries or AC). See that the amplifier is switched to the ‘ON' position. If you have an SW805A amplifier, make certain that the internal wireless receiver switch is in the ON position. If the transmitter & receiver have selectable frequencies, set them to match each other.

3. Can I add wireless mics?

You can add one wireless receiver to the external “Wireless Mic" input. You can add more wireless systems with an external mixer (see question 12 above.)

1. Is powerincluded with my sound system?

No. You need to order the power source you prefer separately. You have a choice of power sources:

• 10 alkaline batteries
• Model S1460 AC Adapter/Recharger
• Rechargeable system (S1460 AC Adapter/recharger + S1465 NiCad BatteryPack)

2. How many batteries are needed?

I only see a place for 5 batteries. Ten fresh alkaline batteries are required to operate the sound system for up to 200 hours. Pull out the battery holder. You will see 5 slots on one side and 5 onthe other.

3. Can I leave my batteries in the amplifier when poweringthe sound system with the AC Adapter /recharger ?

Yes, but it is advisable toremove them if you do not plan to use your sound system with batteries for a period longer than one month. Alkaline batteries can leak corrosive material as they age, which can damage your unit.

4. How many hours use can I get from 10 new batteries?

You should be able to get up to 200 hours talk time with 10 fresh alkaline batteries. When you use wireless mics, extraspeakers, or sound equipment from the auxiliary line input, you will reducethe battery life.

5. How does the rechargeable system work?

The rechargeable system consists of Model S1460 AC Adapter/recharger and Model S1465 NiCad Battery Pack. To install the NiCad Battery Pack, remove the alkaline battery holder and connect the Pack to the matching connector inside the amplifier. Plug the ACAdapter/recharger into the input labeled “DC IN". Then connect the AC powercord into your electrical wall outlet. With the amp power switch in the'OFF' position, leave the system plugged in for 8-12 hours or overnight. Follow the same procedure for subsequent charges after the system has been fully discharged. You should get approximately 20 hours use after charging the battery pack. Avoid recharging the battery pack before it has been fully discharged. A well-known property of all NiCad batteries is that repeated charging of partially-discharged cells can causethem to develop a 'memory' which will drastically reduce their useful life.

6. When should I recharge my system?

Recharge your system only whenthe battery pack is fully discharged. Your NiCad Battery pack has completelyrun out of power when your AmpliVox sound system will no longer operate. Ifyou want to be prepared for your next presentation but are not sure how many hours of battery life you have left, let yourCD or cassette play through the aux line in until there is no more sound. Then follow the charging procedure in #5 above.

1. How long is the AmpliVox warranty?

We have an outstanding Six year limited warranty, the best in the industry, on electronics for all systems with the Amplivox S/SW805A 50 Watt Multimedia Amplifier, and the Digital Audio Travel Partner. One year limited warranty on electronics for MityMeg Megaphones, BeltBlaster, and MityVox Products.

2. Who will service my AmpliVox sound system?

During our six-year warranty period, AmpliVox Sound Systems will make all evaluations and repairs at our Northbrook location. Once a warranty has expired AmpliVox can still provide service at a very reasonable cost.

1. Will I need to replace the internal batteries?

Eventually they will wear out, but the internal sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries will last years with proper maintenance. When not in use it is recommended to leave the unit plugged in; the built in ‘smart' charger willswitch from fast charge to float charge based on the battery condition. Unlike NiCads, SLA batteries do not suffer from a "memory effect" and can be partially re-charged repeatedly without damage.

2. Can I add more microphones to my Travel Audio Pro?

Yes. the SW905 has 3 external mic inputs and up to 2 built-in wireless receivers. A number of additional microphones can be added with anexternal microphone mixer.

3. Can I add more speakers?

Yes. The SW905 has one externalspeaker output for Model S1290 4 Ohm speaker.

4. Can I use myTravel Audio Pro with a built-in sound system?

Yes. The SW905 has a line insert featurethat allows the unit to either feed signals to a house sound system or takeexternal signals from a house sound system. To feed a house PA from theSW905, connect a cable from the Line Out jack to a line level or auxiliarylevel input on the house sound system. To receive signals from a house PA,connect a cable from its line output or record out source on the house systemto the Line In jack of the SW905.

5. Can I leave the unit on the ground when I use it outdoors?

To get the best area coverage put the SW905 on a tripod. You may also put the unit on a raised platform. When the unit is placed on the ground, the usable range is reduced, but if this is not a concern you can do so.

6. What is the Warranty Period?

Six years, except the CD player and cassette recorder, which have a 1 year limited warranty.

7. Can I use several Wireless Audio Portable Buddies at the same time in different classrooms in my school?

When wireless sound systems are used within approximately 300 feet of each other, they must be on separate frequencies. Each “Buddy" has 2 built-in frequencies, but different ones can be added. Please call us at 1-800-267-5486 to discuss your special requirements.