Karaoke Forums

Of course I mentioned Karaoke Scene in the process. Free advertising for you guys

http://www.examiner.com/review/ultra-high-tech-karaoke

My brain is exploding with questions because I've just realised you use an ipad... so you can sit in the audience?

"Alex can operate his system either from his computer desk or while sitting in the audience using an ipad. He spends the majority of the night behind his equipment keeping his sound balanced for every singer and helping novice singers to sign up and join in the show."

I've been wanting to go in that direction for a while since all my shows are in small venues and I'm stuck in tight corners... but whilst I can master anything on a computer for work, computers are not my thing and I still haven't even seen an Ipad.

So how does the ipad technically work your desk? or does it just run the hosting software? and does it really aid your night or is it more of a gimmick?

Thanks for any info you don't mind sharing.
Jennie

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'A genius is one who can do anything except make a living'. Joey Adams.

Your mixer is run through your computer? Is that what I was just looking at??

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I am the ONLY SANE 1 HERE

Smooth,

It's a PreSonus 16.4.2 digital board, that's not a 'Caddy' that's a "Rolls". I want one so bad I can almost taste it, problem is they're about 2 grand. Definitely "overkill" for most karaoke, but that doesn't keep me from saving for one. Check out their site:

http://www.presonus.com/products/StudioLive-16.4.2

You can download the manual and check it out, also there are some pretty good vidio's on utube. At my age the weight savings make it worth it, of course I also plan on getting a couple of QSC K12's and a KW181.

edit to fix the model # of the board from 24.4.2 to 16.4.2

Now THAT is impressive!! Definitely worth the money.

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I am the ONLY SANE 1 HERE

Hi Marble

There's no big bad a$$ magic involved. It comes down to remote control my show PC via VNC on the iPad. My show PC has a software tool for my Lexicon MX400 installed, which let's me adjust the effects on the PC. Presonus (mixer brand) gives you a free software for your PC/Mac to remote control the mixer on your computer and/or iPad. And then of course CompuHost for the Karaoke part.

It's definitely tedious to remote control the whole show from your iPad, but yes it is possible. I mostly use it to walk out in the audience and adjust the sound 20-50 feet in front of my speakers; it's so much easier and let's you fine tune the sound much better. Other than that I usually sit at my desk during the show. I did run whole shows in the past from the iPad... one wireless mic, iPad, table with my regulars... it does work, just more work with the iPad but sometimes worth it. You will get funny looks from people though that walk up to your desk looking for you and then finally realizing that the KJ is sitting 4 tables away running the show with his/her iPad...

Karen, Presonus came out with a smaller brother, the 16.0.2. Main difference, the smaller one doesn't have the 4 sub groups. But you really don't necessary need the sub groups for Karaoke. Other than that the smaller one has pretty much the same features as the 16.4.2 I use. It's also 3 pounds lighter. You can get the 16.0.2 on Northern Sound and Light for around $1050 shipped. It also works with the free Universal Control Software from Presonus.

You're welcome

EDIT: Regarding "overkill"... if you consider that the Presonus mixer has a really decent dual control effects processor, built in compressor/limiter/noise gate on EACH channel, built in 32 band equalizer, a 4 band parametric, digital eq on EACH channel, it's not necessary overkill. Basically all you need to run a show is the mixer and powered speakers. That's a whole lot less equipment to haul around and set up. And considering that you can get the new smaller model for around a $1000 definitely worth it's weight in Gold for any kind of performing show.

congrats...great write up I covet some of your gear...great set up

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"Integrity is choosing your thoughts, words and actions based on your principles and values rather than for your personal gain."
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"if a man has integrity, nothing else matters, If a man has no integrity, nothing else matters."
Lee McGuffey

Sevarin,

Thank you, but, I had considered the 16.0.2 when I first started thinking about a digital board, but decided on the 16.4.2 because of the extra features and I liked the fact that it had 100mm sliders rather than the standard 60mm ones. Hopefully it will be the last board I buy, so I'm willing to wait a bit longer and pay the difference (of course, until the actual purchase, that selection could change tomorrow depending on the latest and greatest toy release ). Actually I like having the sub groups. My current board is a Mackie 1604VLZ Pro and I use the subs on it. I also have an occasional live mix so the 16.4.2 is probably my best bet.

As far as "overkill", for those who truly care about their sound you're right, it's not. Problem is that so many KJ's especially the multi-riggers seem to think that a laptop, a couple of inexpensive wireless mics, a VocoPro 4050FX mixer/amp (or its Acesonic/RSQ/Audio2000 equivalent 'your choice') and a couple of 'way' underpowered PR15's make them "state of the art" system. (Oops, starting to rant, off the soapbox, sorry)

Anyhow, I figure that between the PreSonus and the QSC 'K' series speakers, my back will love me and hopefully the singers who really care about how they sound will too.

The main thing I could see that it is important to be frugal on would be the mics. It is the only equipment directly in control by alcohol-influenced people, and all it takes is a better than average drop to take out even a Shure SM58 wireless...not worth the risk, week in, week out, I would think.

Sev and Karen - thank you VERY much for the the info in this thread. I am working with one id my hosts on a Uber Pro mobile system for special events and high end karaoke gigs. His jaw dropped when I forwarded the link to him. He was a sound guy in a former life (and teaching me a lot). He knew about the board but wasn't aware that I would consider something at this level. Not something that will happen in the near future unless bookings pick up, but like Karen, I have a cookie jar I drop funds into for such folly.

-Chris

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-Chris