Intrigued by the offer, a prospect wrote us asking if we could put him in touch with any other AnchorMAN users so he could glean their impressions. We contacted several customers who previously bought AnchorMAN systems from us, and (”long story short”) a number of conversations and emails ensued.

We’ve obtained the participants’ permission to publish one such email:

First off, I must say I took a major gamble ordering the AnchorMAN system. I researched it a bit, but really just wanted to try it out. So we ordered a system, with the WingMAN accessory box.

I must say as soon as the box arrived I was impressed. Each system was perfect, and worked great! Our 4 wireless belt packs and headsets were awesome. I got them specifically for my flyman, on our 48 line set system. They were beating up our wired system so bad, running up and down the rail to fly. Our first show we tried the new system, and it worked amazingly well.

We tied the Wingman Accessory Box into our wired (Clear-Com) system, and it worked perfectly. All wired people can talk in duplex to all wireless people. It was truly a perfect match for us. This allowed us to tie in approximately 23 people: stage managers, flyman, spot decks, lighting, spots, everything into one system.

As far as distance we haven’t found anywhere in our Performing Arts Venue [to be] a dead spot. My Wingman box is in our Theatre Control Room which is the highest point in the Performing Arts Center, and it broadcasts all over. From the control room to our large dressing room is over 500 ft, and we were able to communicate perfectly. Our building is only 3 years old, with tons of steel and concrete [and nevertheless] the system worked wonderfully.

As far as battery life, we ran a 6 hour tech call with our belt packs, and still had room to spare. The only downfall I found with the system is more of a personal one. The headsets that came with the system are made for the left ear, and personally I like the headset on the right ear. Small adjustment was to take a Clear-Com headset and plug it into the wireless belt pack. Then somebody who prefers the left ear takes that headset. Just a small adjustment, but I thought I would share it with you.

Lastly, let’s talk about service. The service of Anchorman is First Class! I had one beltpack which was broadcasting static (but you could still hear on it). Without question, Rocky sent an RMA and we returned the beltpack for service. Within a few weeks we had a brand new beltpack.

I know this is a lot of information in an e-mail, but we are truly grateful for our system.

SDM, Johnstown, PA

To ease your pain, consider leasing. Leasing lets you convert large capital expenditures into small monthly payments. Its benefits include:

• obsolescence protection by matching payments to the projected utilization and value curves of equipment, facilitating upgrades and keeping equipment inventories “state of the art.”
• enhanced cash flow by requiring little or no down payment. Because of the 100% financing, cash outlays for equipment acquisitions are significantly lower than those required under bank loans or other forms of financing.
• better terms including fixed, not floating, rates; no restrictive covenants or cross collateralization with other company assets; and inclusion of both hard costs of equipment and soft costs related to its acquisition (delivery, freight, labor, etc.).
• tax advantages since payments are deducted as direct operating expenses, reducing short term taxable income. In addition, leasing can be a tool to avoid certain negative effects of the Alternative Minimum Tax.

American Capital Group is an established provider of leasing services to the theatrical industry. Call us at (800) 424-9991 and we’ll be glad to show you how a leasing arrangement with them can help you meet your specific needs.

Thanks to Steve Prettyman of ACG for providing material that formed the basis for this post.