Karaoke Forums

Is there a place for FAQ's? I know this is a common topic, and don't want to rub anybody the wrong way for asking same things over and over. I'm asking for recommendations on computer equipment to convert to laptop.

From what I've gotten so far reading past threads. I need a laptop with quite a bit of RAM (1G or more?), and a pretty quick proscessor. Hosting program...trying some demos now. I have 2 Seagate 320G USB external drives to hold my music files
I need to learn more about external USB sound cards? Cables to connect all this stuff together so I can use tvs as monitors.

I plan on having my discs as back up and keeping the cdg player in the setup so if I need to play other things i can. It's already all in the case together anyway.

I made a list of what I have:
mackie micro series 1402-vlz 14 channel mic/line mixer
vocopro cdg-8000 pro
BBE sonic maximizer 462
Peavey 550watt PV-8.5c amp
radio shack stereo audio selector & rf modulator
B-52 SR 1515 800 wt speakers

the mics are 2 v-tech uni-directional dynamic mic vt-1040 imp.600 (which have been dropped a time or twelve)
and a peavey pvi100

I want to continue to run everything thru my mixer, although I don't think it has the "effects" every one is always talking about. I'll not be replacing it anytime soon though.
I'm hoping to find a used or referbished laptop b/c I'm really partial to WinXP instead of Vista.

You can continue to run everything through the mixer as always, you will just be adding the computer to it as well on it's own channel just like the cdg player. External USB sound interfaces aren't hard to use & some are even just plug & play. Eliminating the need for awkward 1/8" headphone jack cords that just don't sound as good - IMO!
As far as effects, you don't need a new mixer, just get an external processor for your vocal effects. Your singers will greatly appreciate it over singing through a dry mic. Your mixer has the effects send/return loop for just this.

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Cool! I love it when I can just add something and not have to replace something that's perfectly good.
I'll look into USB external sound cards. I'm looking at used/referb laptops online every couple days to get an idea of what's out there.
I've read that it is recommended to keep the computer free of nothing but karaoke stuff.
I'm afraid I'm running out of channels on my mixer, I have more mic channels than I need tho....
LondonLive has given me some recommendations on mics and effects processors, so I'm going to keep those in mind in my searches.
I'm going to take some pics of my settings...I don't know how to post them on here, but I'll try it!
Thanks Lonman!!

You will need program to rip those discs and a hosting program too. Download the demo and try them out before making a commitment. Good luck.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

My friend bought one, and I am too very soon. My friend bought a laptop that retails for $1,800, and got it for $740 out the door. It is a refurb directly from Dell
http://www.delloutlet.com The one he got was a Studio17. It has a 17" HD widescreen display with a ATI Radeon HD 3200 Video Adapter, 320-GB HD, 4-GB of RAM, and a duel core processor.

I have been looking at the Studio 15 wich is the same as above, but with a 15" display. His has the Intel Processor, the one I am pricing is the AMD Dual Core. It is $569 and I saw a scatche and dent one for $519. They are fully warrantied, and a great alternative to buying regularly. I will be using MTU's Video Hoster program.
Not easy to get one with XP these days

Hey thanks for the info jr...I've looked on the Dell site off and on. I know I may have to rethink the xp thing, but in the midst of all this change, I was hoping to not have to learn a new OS...

I'm currently trying the demo versions of Compuhost? and Siglos I think...
I already have PowerKaraoke's Rip/burn program and am 1/4 of the way thru my cds.

you can build your own, far easier than it is to try to make programs work with an unknown (to you) operating system.

You can even request a pc with xp, if you know where to order them from.

My recommendation is to buy one and do it all yourself.

Best of luck to you!

Check out the following URLs for refurbished laptops that might fit your needs. Sign up for their newsletters...

http://newegg.com

http://buy.com

http://dealnews.com

I'm not a fan of Dell equipment! I do like HP...

--Tad

I agree Tad. I prefer HP also. I am an HP certified Unix Engineer, and have worked on prodominately HP Servers, desktop, and laptops. I am on a budget though, so I need the best price I can get, thus the Dell. My best friend bought one, and it kicks butt.

The Dells are tough though. It was in the case, but I had one fall off of my motorcycle at 90mph on the freeway. Being the prior marine, I was crazy enough to go back, stop on the freeway walk between lanes, and recover the laptop. It had a small ding on one corner, but it worked like a champion

Knightshow, you are right that you can get a laptop with XP. As a systems engineer, I know all to well that microsoft will eventually stop supporting XP, no new patches, fixes, or drivers for new equipment. Learning a new OS sucks, but might as well bite the bullet now. Vista isn't that differen't. Just need to get familiar with it.

Felix the KJ

I agree, but the support just ain't there m'man! For some products... but I don't like having to buy or upgrade software I use just to get a new Operating System that MAY work or may not! The horrors of Vista's was a lot like XP when it first came out. By SP1 I'd finally relaxed on XP.

But for a pc that won't be touching the net... heck go for getting a simpler OS that you don't need to relearn, troubleshoot, or get patches for! !

Knightshow, that is why as a systems engineer, I never alow an implementation of a new Microsoft product until Service Pak 1 is released. I may be a pig, but I am not a guinea pig. I prefer to have other people work out the bugs.

Felix the KJ

You can still get dell's with xp until the end of Jan...

thanks for all the updates guys...keep them coming. I'm going to take pictures of my set up today (hopefully) I've had a few guys in the bar that are with small local bands help me a little on the settings...things are starting to click a little in my pea-brain! .
I'm trying out an effects processor, just not looking forward to figuring out how to hook it up. Lonman says my mixer has the hookups, so....I'm dragging out the manual...wish me luck!!

I purchased a Toshiba Satellite Notebook with 1.4 processor, 2 MBs of memory 15.4" monitor, 80 gb hard drive and xp. I paid $220 plus $20 sh. I use external hard drives to store my karaoke music and regular music. Been working like a charm, I don't think I will be spending $700 or more anytime soon for a laptop. I do have a backup so I'm covered. I don't run anything else on the laptop other than itunes and compuhost and I rip my cd's on my pc at home.

Rip, where did you get it? That seems like a good deal!

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where I have gotten lots of stuff . eBay!

Of course I should say I bought it used. Not a scratch on it.

Rip...that's exactly what I was hoping for myself...

Just make sure the seller has good feedback.

absolutely agree on that! Ebay is a great tool, but it's NOT for the timid and those that don't know how to work it WELL.