Tuesday, November 13, 2007

DAK wireless unit field report

We used a DAK wireless PA at a recent concert, and found out it does not work well for rock and roll or louder volume stages. It can't transmit over 100 feet or so, and that is not enough to get it away from the stage. Plus the wattage (about 10 watts) is not enough to be worth doing that.

The sound is pretty good if you are doing something with just voice or several voices, it comes with a microphone that is wireless. We bought the $50 line input device and played a boombox through it, and it actually worked 125 feet away around corners. But it would not transmit through a human body, we would turn away from the transmitter device with it our hands and the signal would vanish.

Customer service is very good, though it took a few voice mail messages to get through. One of the two units we bought failed, the power supply burned up probably. We powered them with a 12 volt tractor lawnmower battery, which probably would power it for at least 10 hours. The device will run on 8 D batteries, but they only last 4 hours or so. Or you can use AC power, but we wanted wireless battery due to the nature of the terrain and access to power.

Rockitz wants to provide music for your party!

Rockitz can provide any type of music for any event or club date, just contact us at booking@rockitz.net or call 212-BAND.

Heart Walk at RIR Sat Nov 3rd for A.H.A.

This event features nearly 15,000 walkers who circulate the track several times and are sponsored by individuals and businesses. The proceeds go to the Heart Association to promote healthy hearts by excercise and diet.

Rockitz brought out four bands, Leslie Dripps Moruza, Chris Jamerson & Secret Circus, Force of Habit, and the local AC/DC tribute act "Sin Sity." When we arrived it was cold and windy, the force of it shook the tents and staging, but eventually the sun came from behind the high aluminum seats. After solving the power problem, the announcements took place, and the Leslie took the stage as a three piece, sax, drums and Leslie on keyboards. She has a wonderful voice, and "I Can See Clearly" was especially nice. She played a mixture of originals and covers to appreciative crowd that was collecting to start the walk.

Next up was Chris Jamerson, a 19-year old from Charlottesville who recently moved to Richmond. His five piece act features acoustic guitar, piano, lead, bass and drums. They have a great sound, smooth, with a touch of Paul Simon and Cold Play, but very original. The mood is reflective and instrospective, though solid and rocking at times. Their first CD is absolutely great, recorded in America and England, including mastering at the famed Abbey Road Studio in London.

Jamerson finished a great set while the walkers cruised around the track and returned for the awards ceremony. Up next was Force of Habit, a Richmond rock band headed by Sarah Massey. They performed mostly original tunes, with a dash of rock and reggae. The bass player was great, fast riffs and attack, really good playing, as was the drums. Sarah has a strong clear voice, and this band is emerging as a force, hard working and talented.

Next came announcements for the winners of the walk, not sure how they exactly win, but there were a lot of awards and a speech or two. The sun shone brightly now, as the the day warmed up, jump roping demonstration was next on the agenda, and then the music started again with Force of Habit finishing their set.

Last, but not least was the powerful "Sin Sity" AC/DC tribute band, based in Richmond and ably led by Andy McGrady. "TNT" was one of the first songs, they have the guitars down totally, undistinguishable from the original. "Blaxel Rose" is the lead singer, an African-American who came from the local Guns and Roses tribute act, and does a fine job belting out AC/DC. It was my first time seeing the band, and a truly amazing group they are, they are even sanctioned by the AC/DC organization. A great day for walking and rock and roll.