Karaoke Forums

I would like to build a mini karaoke system of my own. It will only be for home purposes, and I will be the only one using it. It doesn't have to be too fancy, but it has to be somewhat decent. I will be using my laptop and second monitor for playing and displaying lyrics.

After taking look at some of the other threads, I concluded that I will need speakers, a mixer, and adapters to make it work on my computer. I already have a mic. My budget is $420, although I may be able to extend that if needed. I just don't want to go too high over that amount.

I'm not exactly sure what to look for in a mixer, but I found something decent.
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHXENYX1204FX

Can anyone recommend some good speakers?

You are going to need an amp too, unless you get powered speakers. It will be hard to meet your budget with that.

You could go for a low-end PA package like:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=630489

Or you could buy the lower-priced Behringer 1002FX (though you may have picked the 1204 because of faders) and a single B212A powered speaker. That would get you closer to pro level and still be under your budget. When and if you decided to do more, you could buy another speaker, an equalizer, and have something which can do a party in a smaller meeting room.

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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.

I reccommend the Behringer setup as well. It leaves you open to expand later if you wish and though Behringer stuff is lower priced, it still puts out some relatively decent quality sound.

You might want to consider the Mackie PROFX series, it's a little more than the mixer you quoted, but is better for your purpose as it's fully USB compatible for I/O interface. Just plug your computer in via USB & go. Then a powered speaker or 2 & you are set!

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I'll definitely get the Behringer B212A speakers. They seem to be great for the price. I'll only be able to get one for now, but I can always expand later on.

Lonman, what's the difference between the mixer I suggested and the one you are suggesting? They both seem to support USB to me.

The Mackie is an actual USB I/O sound interface, it has a USB input/output so there are no other wires or adapters needed, you use a standard USB cord from the computer to the mixer - so it would also act as a sound card device & just plug the powered speakers into it. Plus it also works as a recording system as well and comes with some good recording software as well.

The Behringer mixer isn't really USB it just has a $30 USB adapter that can be added and connected to any mixer to be able to plug it into the computer. You can't plug the computer into the mixer with that interface & the other appropriate cords. Plus the software it comes 'bundled' with, if also free for anyone to download & use so there is no special 'deal' there, it's decent, but the Tracktion software that comes with the Mackie is really good, normally $100 by itself.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

QSC HPR 122i powered speakers are a good choice. You can even gig with them. They may be running a rebate and include an excellent full support.

Let's see -- you must own stock in QSC.

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