Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock

  • Discontinued
  • B&H # IOTAILGATER
  • Mfr# TAILGATER

Product Highlights

  • Built-In iPod Dock
  • Rechargeable Battery or AC
  • Microphone, Line & Guitar Inputs
  • Includes Microphone

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Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock
iPod(s) iPad or iPhone not included

The Ion Tailgater Portable PA System features an iPod dock, inputs for microphone and line level devices and even includes a high-quality microphone. No bigger than a small guitar amplifier, the Tailgater is a lightweight solution for outdoor leisurely activities, classrooms, or anywhere portable sound is needed.

A built-in rechargeable battery will supply power for up to 8 hours, or just plug in the AC cord. It's full rich sound and enhanced bass output will make any iPod playlist sound great, and a guitar input makes the Tailgater a viable practice amp for the inspiring guitarist.

Built-in iPod docking station
Internal rechargeable battery keeps the Tailgater powered for up to 8 hours
Line, microphone and instrument inputs are provided
Rugged, lightweight construction with durable carrying handle
Includes a high quality microphone
Power Rating 16W (THD: < 1%)
Frequency Response Aux Input: 78Hz - 80kHz
iPod Input: 63Hz - 77kHz
Power Input Voltage: AC 100-120V/ 60Hz 220-240V/ 50Hz
Output Wattage: 16W (THD: < 1%)
Output Voltage: 8V
Time required to fully charge the TAILGATER: ~ 12 hrs.
Battery life: 8 hrs. with typical use (at 2/3 volume)
Dimensions (WxDxH) 12.5 x 9.5 x 14" (317.5 x 241.29 x 355.6mm)
Weight 20.2 lbs (9.16 kg)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock
 
4.8

(based on 22 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (20)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (1)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

95%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Great sound (13)
  • Easy to transport (11)
  • Excellent interface (7)
  • Fast charge (6)
  • Attractive (5)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Home (7)
    • Portable electronics (5)
    • Travel (5)
    • Basic use (3)
    • Large rooms (3)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Audiophile (5), Practical (5), Traveler (4)
      • Was this a gift?:
      • No (12)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Tailgater is AWESOME!!

    I LOVE this Ipod dock. I saw one similar in [*] (their 'discount' price was the same as B&H and the ION is MUCH nicer[...])It comes wit...Read complete review

    I LOVE this Ipod dock. I saw one similar in [*] (their 'discount' price was the same as B&H and the ION is MUCH nicer[...])It comes with an 8 hour battery, or it can be plugged in (it works with our car's power converter plug just fine) and has a microphone for singing along...but even better, you can plug in a guitar (or for my Hubby, a Bass) and play along. Great for practicing or just having fun. It fits all of the Ipods we have plugged into it very well. He loves it, it looks cool and fits with all of his amps. He was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality and overall quality of the product. It is much nicer than the other brand I looked at (so glad they were out).[...]. I am very, very happy with the purchase, the product and the company. I plan to buy another one for my home studio soon.

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Tailgater

    The quality of sound, for my purposes, are not sufficient. For a little extra money, I would go for a unti that has treble and bass controls.

    The quality of sound, for my purposes, are not sufficient. For a little extra money, I would go for a unti that has treble and bass controls.

    REVIEWS

    Reviewed by 22 customers

    Sort by

    Displaying reviews 1-20

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    5.0

    I love it, would definitely buy it again

    By Jan

    from Tulsa, OK

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Easy To Transport
    • Fast Charge
    • Great Interface
    • Great Sound
    • Stylish

    Cons

      Best Uses

        Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

        I bought 2 one was a gift and I just had to have one for myself. I would buy again either for myself or as a gift, I will be telling all my friends what great sound it has and all the many uses.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • Yes

        Comment on this review

         
        4.0

        So far so good

        By Chris

        from The hamptons

        About Me Free

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Easy To Transport

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Portable Electronics
          • Wedding

          Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

          Seems solid, built well, worked first time without a hitch.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          better than I expected

          By m.c. Hannah

          from roanoke, Va

          About Me Music Lover

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Transport
          • Great Interface
          • Great Sound
          • Versatile

          Cons

          • Longer mic cord needed

          Best Uses

          • DJ/Mixing
          • Home
          • Pool pary

          Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

          The tailgater can power 4 devices at one time. has excellent sound quality and enough power to fill a good size party venue

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Comment on this review

           
          5.0

          5 stars!!!!

          By Kelley G

          from Burbank, CA

          About Me Audiophile

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easy To Transport
          • Fast Charge
          • Great Interface
          • Great Sound
          • Stylish

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Home
            • Portable Electronics
            • Travel

            Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

            [...] The product is the best, it's perfect for what I needed it for. Super loud and the microphone is a great bonus!I can't wait to order more products from B&H.Thanks again!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            This ROCKS for the price!

            By Rob

            from Orland Park, IL

            About Me Audiophile, Frequent Traveler, Gear Head

            Pros

            • Easy To Transport
            • Fast Charge
            • Great Sound
            • Stylish

            Cons

            • Weak Bass

            Best Uses

            • DJ/Mixing
            • Home
            • Portable Electronics
            • Travel

            Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

            Great for tailgating at BEARS games!
            Good Sound quality.
            8 HR battery for remote usage.
            2 MIC inputs.
            Good value!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            A great thing!

            By beck

            from seattle

            About Me Frequent Traveler

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Transport
            • Fast Charge
            • Great Interface
            • Great Sound
            • Stylish

            Cons

            • Weak Bass

            Best Uses

            • Home
            • Portable Electronics

            Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

            We purchased this to use for my sons birthday party and it was loud enough and we have canceled the DJ for our older sons graduation party. No base control, but that can be controlled on the ipod. The mic is a great feature!!

            • Was this a gift?:
            • No

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            This is a great product

            By USMC

            from Phoenix, Az

            About Me Technically Challenged

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Easy To Transport
            • Fast Charge
            • Great Interface
            • Great Sound
            • Stylish

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Portable Electronics
              • Travel

              Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

              I bought to put on my rhino that I use in Military Parades. Plugged in my ipod and played music throught the whole parade. No problems. I was a hit. People would stand when they heard the music.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Comment on this review

               
              5.0

              Thats Wzup

              By Thuglink

              from Miami, FL.

              Verified Buyer

              Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

              Im a walking Party. This thing is awesome. True story. The DJ was whack. I took the tailgater in the parking lot and took the crowd with me. My Ipod and the tailgater had the Parking lot Jamming for 4 hours straight. Now i started my own business called iJam On Demand (IJOD). if your board and feel like jamming call me up and ill jam with you.

              Comment on this review

               
              1.0

              Tailgater

              By Cantor Dave

              from Delray Beach

              About Me Audiophile, Frequent Traveler

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easy To Transport

              Cons

              • Poor Sound Quality

              Best Uses

                Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                The quality of sound, for my purposes, are not sufficient. For a little extra money, I would go for a unti that has treble and bass controls.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • No

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                perfect

                By enemy

                from houston tx

                About Me Frequent Traveler

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easy To Transport
                • Fast Charge
                • Great Interface
                • Great Sound

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Travel

                  Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                  Used for performances and the sound is clear and the mic and it charges the ipod..perfect

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Comment on this review

                   
                  5.0

                  Good buy for price

                  By MDS

                  from Pittsburgh

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Easy To Transport
                  • Great Sound

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Home
                    • Travel

                    Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                    [...]Product was a Christmas gift. Great sound, good size. Price was good for quality received

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • Yes

                    Comment on this review

                     
                    5.0

                    Great compact PA system

                    By Happy1

                    from Boston, MA

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Easy To Transport
                    • Great Interface

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Home

                      Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                      The caterer wanted $250 to rent one for one night, we bought this instead. Nice, compact unit that does just what it says. Very happy with quality and sound for what it is. Would buy again.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      5.0

                      Extremely versatile.

                      By Jim Lad

                      from Victoria, Canada

                      About Me Professional Singer

                      Verified Reviewer

                      Pros

                      • Attractive Design
                      • Easy Controls
                      • Easy To Set Up
                      • Great Sound
                      • Powerful

                      Cons

                      • Plastic Body

                      Best Uses

                      • Active Monitor
                      • Smaller Rooms

                      Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                      I just did a gig with this.
                      True!
                      I'm a folk singer and play some open air markets so I decided to give it a go on a rainy Saturday.
                      It was a blast. I used 2 AKG C1000S, 9V battery powered, condenser microphones and played for 2 hours with the tailgater.
                      It was just fine and I didn't have to risk my best amp and speakers.
                      The sound quality is a bit boxy (but quite acceptable) and there are no effects/EQ to deal with but I knew that when I bought it.
                      I will be using this as a powered monitor in the future which is why I bought it.
                      Keep in mind that this unit can send a signal or mix to your amp via the "Link" jack or receive a signal via the line in.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Comment on this review

                       
                      5.0

                      This equipment is AMAZING!

                      By Gs mom

                      from Texas

                      About Me Practical, Technically Challenged

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Attractive Design
                      • Easy Controls
                      • Easy To Set Up
                      • Great Sound
                      • Powerful

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                        • Basic Use
                        • Larger Rooms
                        • Offices
                        • Smaller Rooms

                        Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                        I purchased this equipment to use for
                        Girl Scout meetings. Because I can use my iPod, I am able to play Girl Scout
                        Music through the speaker. I was surprised at
                        How loud the speaker can go.

                        • Was this a gift?:
                        • No

                        Comment on this review

                         
                        5.0

                        "Where did you get that?!"

                        By Pele33

                        from Louisville, KY

                        About Me Practical

                        Verified Buyer

                        Pros

                        • Easy To Set Up
                        • Great Sound

                        Cons

                          Best Uses

                          • Basic Use

                          Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                          That is the most common question when we break out the "Tailgater." It is compact and has great sound. We love it!

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Comment on this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Tailgater is AWESOME!!

                          By Wife of a Bass Player

                          from Bentonville, AR

                          About Me Audiophile, Movie Enthusiast, Practical

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Attractive Design
                          • Easy Controls
                          • Easy To Set Up
                          • Great Sound

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                              Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                              I LOVE this Ipod dock. I saw one similar in [*] (their 'discount' price was the same as B&H and the ION is MUCH nicer[...])It comes with an 8 hour battery, or it can be plugged in (it works with our car's power converter plug just fine) and has a microphone for singing along...but even better, you can plug in a guitar (or for my Hubby, a Bass) and play along. Great for practicing or just having fun. It fits all of the Ipods we have plugged into it very well. He loves it, it looks cool and fits with all of his amps. He was pleasantly surprised with the sound quality and overall quality of the product. It is much nicer than the other brand I looked at (so glad they were out).[...]. I am very, very happy with the purchase, the product and the company. I plan to buy another one for my home studio soon.

                              Comment on this review

                               
                              5.0

                              great sound

                              By Richie

                              from Summit NJ

                              About Me Practical

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Attractive Design
                              • Easy Controls
                              • Easy To Set Up
                              • Great Sound
                              • Powerful

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Basic Use
                                • Larger Rooms
                                • Offices
                                • OUTDOORS near the pool

                                Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                                This is the 3rd one I bought. Everyone wants mine. They are the best sound. I used it to provide sound for an outdoor movie I projected. My son uses his in the Frat. Everyone asks him where he got it. So portable. I gave it to him in the parking garage where I work. He plugged in his ipod and blasted away, and he was thrilled with the sound. Not some little tinny sounding toy. Its awesome. I also have the larger version by Ion and dont think this one is any worse. I hook them up together I guess you can have stereo effects since they have RCA jacks Take it with you anywhere. tailgaiter is small and relatively light weight

                                Comment on this review

                                 
                                5.0

                                This is GREAT!

                                By Sam The Fan

                                from DFW, Texas

                                About Me Tailgate Fanatic

                                Verified Buyer

                                Pros

                                • Good Power Output
                                • Great Sound Quality

                                Cons

                                  Best Uses

                                  • Outdoors

                                  Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                                  If you are looking for a portable great system for tailgating, get this! It is loud enough at half to 2/3 volume. It is even great to take outside to the pool! This is the best deal that money can buy for a tailgate system.

                                  Comment on this review

                                   
                                  5.0

                                  perfect!

                                  By salt

                                  from philadelphia, pa

                                  About Me Audiophile, Movie Enthusiast, Practical

                                  Verified Buyer

                                  Pros

                                  • Attractive Design
                                  • Easy Setup
                                  • Easy to Mount
                                  • Great Sound Quality

                                  Cons

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Basic Systems
                                    • DJ / Mixing
                                    • Home
                                    • Home Theater
                                    • Larger Rooms
                                    • Multiple Rooms / Whole House
                                    • Outdoors
                                    • Smaller Rooms

                                    Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                                    I searche for 2 weeks in the local pawn shops and sam ash music stores. They wanted $200-300, And that was without an ipod dock. Nothing came close to what this product can do. I was searching for something to sing into while i played my guitar trough it at the same time. With the tailgater, i can do what i want to do and play ipod music to back me up!

                                    Comment on this review

                                     
                                    5.0

                                    WOW

                                    By Sam G

                                    from San Jose

                                    About Me Tech Savvy

                                    Verified Buyer

                                    Pros

                                    • Great Sound Quality

                                    Cons

                                    • Heavy / Bulky

                                    Best Uses

                                    • Outdoors

                                    Comments about Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock:

                                    This thing is awesome! Best buy for your money hands down! Everything i needed. Only thing it is missing is wheels.Great product though. Perfect for camping, tailgating or just a summer bbq.

                                    Comment on this review

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                                    Cables

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                                      • Original: $16.95
                                      • Save: $1.69
                                    • Price: $15.26
                                     

                                    Microphones

                                    Shure -  PG58 - Vocal Mic with XLR-XLR Cable
                                    • Price: $59.00
                                     

                                    Wireless

                                    Audio-Technica -  ATW-T252 200 Series FreeWay Handheld Wireless Microphone System (T3 / 170.245 MHz)
                                    • Price: $76.02
                                     

                                    For system compatibility, the component's frequency MUST match your existing system/component frequency.

                                    CONSUMER ALERT
                                    Most users do not need a license to operate this wireless microphone system. Nevertheless, operating this microphone system without a license is subject to certain restrictions: the system may not cause harmful interference; it must operate at a low power level (not in excess of 50 milliwatts); and it has no protection from interference received from any other device. Purchasers should also be aware that the FCC is currently evaluating use of wireless microphone systems, and these rules are subject to change. For more information, call the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC) or visit the FCC's wireless microphone website at www.fcc.gov/cgb/wirelessmicrophones.

                                    Tools

                                    General Brand -  Gaffer Cloth Tape - Matte Black
                                    • Price: $12.95
                                     
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                                    What's in the Box

                                    Ion Tailgater - Portable PA System with iPod Dock
                                    • Handheld Microphone
                                    • Microphone Cable
                                    • Power Cable
                                    • 1 Year Warranty
                                     
                                     
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