Karaoke Forums

Hello. My wife and her friends love Karaoke. I had bought her an all in one Karaoke machine, but it had limited functionality and changing disks was a pain as after a few drinks they never got put away. Now I have them in downloaded on my lap top and I use the lap top as the screen for words and connect the lap top to the all in one karaoke machine. Plus the controls (volume, echo, etc) apply to both microphones.

I want to upgrade from the all in one karaoke machine to some type of board/PA system so I can control individual microphones as singing ability varies based on who is singing and how much drinking is going on. Would something like this meet my needs:

http://www.zzounds.com/item--NDYPA2

I currently use karafun as my software (www.karafun.com). I currently use a "Y" wire plugged into my laptop out of the microphone plug and then splits into the Audio (Red/White) that I plug into the all in one Karaoke machine. Would it be this simple to connect to a board/PA system? Would there be a better way to connect the laptop to a board/pa system?

PLEASE HELP! I'm an audio noob and if I can resolve this for my wife...I get a new LCD TV in exchange!

Thanks in advance to anyone that posts!

That system would be alright to start out with - sound is alright, most likely better than the all in one unit. You can change/upgrade later once you get more into it as most seem to do when buying home systems.
Using the laptop you'd plug into two channels on the mixer - you may need a different cord though, then that would leave you with 2 mic inputs.
The cord you'd want is like this
http://www.zzounds.com/item--HOSCMP15

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Lonman...Thanks for quick response. You said:

"That system would be alright to start out with - sound is alright, most likely better than the all in one unit. You can change/upgrade later once you get more into it as most seem to do when buying home systems."

Buying a system now only to replace it later does not seem to be the best investment. Can you recommend a better setup? Keep in mind that I am a A/V noob and my wife is A/V challenged even after I explain it to her 1,000 times. Easy to use and easy to set up is important.

Also you said that

"Using the laptop you'd plug into two channels on the mixer"

Does that mean if it is 4 channels I can only plug in two microphones (Two from the wire and two mics)?!? Or are the channels a separate thing?

Thanks for the advice the new wire! I'll make sure to include that with my order.

My wife is AV challenged as well, and she manages. The key is to keep everything plugged in so that she can literally just turn it on and go. The fewer steps the better.

Just make sure she has one knob for volume that she uses, or maybe one knob for overall volume and one for music volume. No more. No EQ, etc.

Any guidance on budget? If you want to go less than $350.00, there isn't all that much, but if you can spring to $500 or so then the options open up. The Fender Passport gets some love here, and it will have definite advantages for transport to family functions/parties. The PD150 is only $500.00, I think.

http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN692005003

That is going to have TONS more resale and long term value than the Nady stuff, which has a name that is mud.

If you turn into a pro, like I did, then you have a whole 'nother level of equipment you will need -- but the Fender will still be useful and nice to have. I wish I had bought it for my first system.

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[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Okay...So Nady is mud and I should probably look around and spend a little more to make a better investment. This is what I have come up with. For easy to use all in one PA systems I see in price order:

1) Peavey Messenger Portable Sound System $400
http://www.zzounds.com/item--PEV00573540

2) Fender PD150 Passport Deluxe Portable PA System $500
http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN692005003

3) Peavey Escort Complete Portable Sound System $650
http://www.zzounds.com/item--PEVESCORT2000

4) Fender PD250 Passport Deluxe Portable PA System $700
http://www.zzounds.com/item--FEN0692001000

Please let me know what you think would be the best option. Again, ease of use and easy to set up is important.



As I was researching I looked at just regular mixers. I'm wondering if this would be a better option:

Mackie ProFx8 8-Channel USB Compact Mixer with effects ($229)
http://www.zzounds.com/item--MACPROFX8

Peavey PRN10N Loudspeaker ($150 each)
http://www.zzounds.com/item--PEVPR10N

Speaker Cables (Not sure which but approximately $75)

Shure PG58 Performance Gear Vocal Microphone ($70 each)
http://www.zzounds.com/item--SHUPG58

Hosa 1/8 in Stero to Dual 1/4 inch Mono Cable suggested above ($10)
http://www.zzounds.com/item--HOSCMP15

OnStage SS7761 Tripod Speaker Stand ($45 each)
http://www.zzounds.com/item--MUPSS7761B

This seems like a more expensive option but one that should cover anything my wife could possibly ask for next and still cheaper than the TV I'm want! Plus the Mackie website shows how I could set it up for Karaoke:

http://www.mackie.com/products/profxseries/splash.html

I am assuming that I could just replace CD+G player with my laptop and be good to go!



Sorry for all the questions. I really appreciate anyone that took the time to post. I don't want to waste my money again like I did with the all in one karaoke machine I currently have.

I could recommend a better setup with a little higher budget. The nice thing about that package is it comes with the whole thing, even stands, not common in a package deal, although how good they are I don't know. Nady isn't known for their great PA systems. But it would definitely be simple to use & learn on.
Yes I mean if it's 4 channels, you would use 2 for the laptopn as it has two outputs & then that would leave you with 2 mics.

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I am one that is not a Passport fan. Very limited on what they offer for the price. Especially in the channel eq, ONE tone knob, not even a separate high & low (which still isn't great for vocals). Plus I feel they are way overpriced.



This is a nicer set up however you are over $800 and still have no amp to power the speakers.
Let's see what we can do.
Mixer - Yamaha MG82CX - $150
http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMMG82CX Nice mixer, with good effects PLUS compression for 2 vocal mics, trust me you will like this feature.

Speakers - Behringer B212 - $280 each
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHB212A These are a self powered speaker requiring no external/separate power amp.

Mics - PG58 - $70 each
http://www.zzounds.com/item--SHUPG58 Ok mics, comes with cords & stands

Speaker stands - something you can get later if really needed. But if you feel you must now - $90 pair
http://accessories.musiciansfriend.com/ ... sku=450458 These come with a bag for them to be stored in as well.

Speaker cords - not needed since the powered speakers just use standard mic cables, makes it much cheaper. However I would recommend getting a microphone cable with a lifetime warranty, this way if the cord goes bad - which they WILL eventually do - you can do a simple exchange (no charge). If you have a local Guitar Center, ask about LiveWire or Mogami lifetime cables. They should run more than $30 each for a 25' run.
Now this is a relatively 'cheap' system that will rock including 2 mics, no speaker stands, 2 good lifetime warranty mic cables $910. This would not be a waste of money if you truly enjoy your hobby. It's not hard to run or even hookup. The laptop could most likely still use the same cord you are using now if it has the RCA plugs on the end since the mixer has RCA inputs on the stereo channel. No need for upgrading later.
Now you could start off with even 1 speaker & pick up the other at a later date & run mono until then.


Well if it lasted you & you enjoyed it it really wasn't a waste. But if you truly ready to upgrade, then that is something you must consider.

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Lonman...

Do you think this is a good deal?

Yamaha EMX66m Head unit, 600 watts. 300 per channel. Has also built in effects that sound great.

2 Yamaha BR-12 Speakers, 600 watts max per speaker.

1 Shure 55SH Old school mic. Sounds GREAT! And looks as good as it sounds.

$600 is what it would cost me used. He advertised this as used in a club and park. Is this too much for a smaller room? Is there even such a thing as 'too much' or would I just keep volume down?!?

Thanks so much for all your input!

Well for a house, it would be ok. Don't be fooled by that power rating of the amp though. It is NOT a 600 watt unit - this is it's 'peak' maximum rating. It actually pushes about 205 watts per amp. The BR12 speakers should have about 300 watts per channel for proper power. The combo isn't too far off & should work well in the house.
The mic is fun for novelty purpose, but is actually hard to get used to for singing.
$600 is a fair price provided everything is in top working order, completely new (with the mic) would run about $900. The mixer/amp has been discontinued for awhile. Is the one that I found on Craiglist by chance? $1500 no possible way he spent that much, unless he just didn't know where to shop.
http://raleigh.craigslist.org/ele/880480352.html

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