Karaoke Forums

Current karaoke setup

Sony DVPS-7700
Harmon Kardon AVR-525
Mackie DFX-12
Shure Wireless mic (TV58D)
BMB CSV450 Karaoke speakers
BBE Sonic Maximizer 482


Hi everyone, I'm new to this forum so I just want to say Hi first. After reading through this forum, I decided to upgrade my Yamaha KP-300 mixer to a Mackie DFX-12 over a Vocopro KJ8000 for home karaoke. I upgraded because I think the yamaha mixer has too much distortion and the vocals not clear enough. I got the Mackie mixer today and spent a good 3-5 hours playing with it and still not happy. The vocals sound clear and everything, but the problem is that I can't seem to get any kind of echo from the unit. The sound is very flat and not musical when singing, almost to the point of just speaking. No matter what knob I try to adjust (Gain, Eq, Fader, etc), I still can't get a good echo effect, it just controls the vocal volume or pitch. I tried different reverbs and delays etc, but still no luck. On the Yamaha mixer, it was more simpler because there was a knob for echo control. I know a lot of people here have way more experience with this mackie mixer or mixers in general, any help is greatly appreciated. thanks everyone for reading.

On the Dfx12 I run the 2 EFX sends at unity 3 oclock (since they are post and are also dependent on the fader bars) Also run the AUX2/EFX send at unity unless levels are extremely high and the level set (efx) light is blinking
a lot.Make sure the Aux2/Efx return is not muted . Also make sure the break switch which mutes all channels except 9/10 & 11/12 is not in for it also kills the efx on the stereo channels.

I also run 2efx out to an Alesis Microverb 4 and return to Aux1 which is controlled with the left red fader I get some awesome effects but the best advice I could give you at this point is experiment with various types of music and see what it does.I like what Mackie says in the 808 manual "If it sounds good useit" All in all those are the basics....

thanks for the reply, i'll try your suggestions now.

It worked!!! thanks karyoker. You saved me from making the mistake of returning this mixer. Sound is crystal clear compared to my previous yamaha mixer. Next upgrade is the Mackie SRM450s or the JBL eons. Again, thanks a ton.