So you want to use a lapel (sometimes called Lavalier or Lav) microphone because you don’t want to wear a headset mic and look like a Madonna impersonator. (actually headsets are quite accepted today)..You just want to clip the little mic on your shirt and everyone will hear you, right? WRONG!


Please listen to me – I’ve been in this business (Sound equipment and musical instruments) and worked as a a professional performer for a long time – this isn’t my first rodeo! No lav mic is good - none of them! Clip it on your shirt or lapel...you turn your head and the sound drops out. Because it is further from your mouth, you have to turn the volume on the PA higher to get it to work which greatly increases the odds of getting annoying feedback. I know, I know - everyone loves the idea of just clipping on the little mic but in the real world they just don't work well! The ONLY time they are used is for TV production where they are used (for fill-ins) TOGETHER WITH an overhead boom mic (unseen by camera) that is doing most of the work… Maybe your boss uses one clipped onto his lapel when addressing the employees at the sales meeting. Now really, how many are truly listening to him drone on about this month’s numbers??...you’re probably thinking of where you’ll be going on your vacation or how much longer till lunch...and who’s gonna tell the boss that he sounds like crap?


If they’re so bad, then why do I include one with your PA, you may ask? Because nobody listens to me or believes me when I tell them the truth as they are still living the “fantasy of the cute little mic clipped onto their shirt”. So I simply tell them, “both a headset and lapel mic are included. Try them both out and use the one that works best”....(that's called....psychology!).


If you still hate the idea of the black headset, a great alternative is this small tan colored “Earset” microphone that goes on quickly over one ear and is almost invisible. These have become the preferred mic used everywhere from Broadway to Vegas. We sell a very good earsest mic for our PAS-8000/8500 PA Systems for only $99. - These are very popular - I use this one personally and can tell you it works great. Compare to the other earsets that cost over $400. (for the mic alone).
https://www.alphavoxaudio.com/store/p11/Earset_Mic_for_PAS-8500%2F8000.html

I received an email from a customer who had purchased one of our (older model) PAS-8000 units. He was having problems charging - the internal 12V battery just needed to be changed. I sent him instructions on how to do himself and he replied the next day with this message:

"That was almost easier done than said!
Got a battery, got it replaced and we’re back to green flag racing :)
Thanks for amazing customer service and a phenomenal product!
Matthew" 

Here is the email I sent to him. If you are having charging issues, it is most probably the battery and can be easily replaced by you. Please read below:

Most likely the internal battery is bad and will not charge. Just like a car battery, it needs to be replaced every few years. If you like, you can send the unit to me (along with $45. for the battery and return shipping..) and I'll replace the battery for you, or you can do it yourself - its not hard. The battery is commonly available and I can walk you through the process.
Here's the type battery you need for the PAS-8000(12V 5ah with F1 terminals): (you can usually find on Amazon for under $20. delivered...)
​
Your local Home Depot may also carry (they are used as back up batteries for alarm systems..).

​To replace, looking at the back of the unit, first remove the 4 chrome metal corners (2 screws each). Next, the 10 allen screws around the perimeter of the back panel. Now turn the unit over into your lap and give it a shake to dislodge the back panel (its a tight fit so you may have to give a little twist to pull it out...just be careful you don't disconnect any wires...) You will see the battery on the bottom, held in by a bracket with 4 screws. Remove screws, bracket and wire connectors from terminals. Replace with new battery and put back together in reverse....Done.
If you are apprehensive to doing it yourself (or screw it up...) , send to me. Otherwise, you should be able to do the switch in about 20 minutes and be back in business....