Karaoke Forums

Of course I supply enough mics for all the sources, but what I mean is, if the singer really wants to use a certain kind of mic, I think they should own that mic and bring it with them. I hate hearing oh, you don't have a wireless SM58? No Beta 58? Well, no, I don't own those mics and I don't want to buy them.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

As a singer and as a host, my preference is Shure all the way around. If you are spending good money on your other equipment, why put a poor mic at the front of the line? No matter what you do then, the sound is basically second rate. SM58s can take the abuse. I have 2 cordless, 4 corded, and 2 headsets, all SM58. I have bought them over the years off Craigslist, E-bay, etc., and though I use a cordless at my show, singers are VERY happy to use the corded models. My husband and I have both fronted bands and we both prefer to use a cordless 58, but when necessary and given the option for corded, I use a 58 and he may use an Audix or a 58.

I really hate going to a show and picking up a cheap mic - maybe I'm a lazy singer but it seems to take more energy to get a good response from a cheap mic. Not many shows in our area use 58s. Cheap plastic cordless mics or cheap plastic corded mics are the norm in my area and it's just a real turnoff to me.

Sorry, I was on a live sound tangent. I do own quality mics, I just don't always the specific mic someone wants, or enough of them.

With regard to karaoke, I have always used quality wired mics, even when I started out mixing on Behringer with the built-in FX. I use cheap wireless because I don't feel it's worth the risk of damage to a wireless that costs hundreds of dollars if you can just give the singer a choice of cheap wireless, or good wired mics.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

Oh yeah I definitely agree with this, you get what I supply you. You want specific mics, yes I can bring them, but you will be paying regular rental fees on this additional equipment.

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

I appreciate all the responses and all the opinions. It's completely changed my view of mics. I'm an amateur at best when it comes to being a sound technician. I've work with a couple different kjs over the years. They've always taken for granted that they were hired help and the equipment was a second thought. The fact that they were paid to be there was enough. I'm starting to enjoy more and more the whole experience of being an entertainer. While dealing with drunks can be frustrating at times, it has it's benefits. As I start to branch out more and more on my own, I have the desire to be the best, and provide the best. While it's a slow process, you can bet I'm taking every bit of advice and scouring Craigslist and Ebay looking for the ever fleeting bargain. All that being said, thanks to everyone for all the advice and I just picked up my first wired Shure mic off Craigslist with tons more hunting in the future.

A word of caution. There are tons of counterfeit Shure SM58 and Beta58 mics on ebay and possibly craig's list too, complete with counterfeit box and registration form. There are some articles on the internet and on ebay with information about how to spot a fake SM58. One way to get original SM58 mics is to buy older and even beat up ones and just replace the metal ball.

If you want to know what a good investment an SM58 is, go to Youtube and you will see some videos that will convince you of their rugged durability.

I was skeptical for a while and didn't believe that SM58s were worth the money, but after using wired SM58s and a wireless Beta58 I'm convinced. For me and for my voice they're great. I can use other mics with good results and have many times, but now I prefer the SM58 and Beta58.

I will most likely sell off most or all of my other mics(over a dozen) on ebay or craig's list. At this point a pair of wired SM58s and one good wireless SM58 or Beta58 is all I will need plus my Nady DKW Duo for Karaoke customers to use. They won't get anywhere near my Shure wireless when I finally get it. No way I'm letting a customer use my $400-$600 microphone. If I got paid $200 per night for 5 days a week to host I might change my mind on that. In this area where I live that's HIGHLY unlikely.

Once you have good mics and speakers, IMO the next best place to spend money in the sound system is FX. I know a lot of folks here like the built-in FX on Yamaha MG-series, and they are passable, but when I bought a real FX processor and learned to use it, I was much happier with my show. I have a Lexicon MX400XL and love it.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

I started out using a Yamaha EMX512 powered mixer and the vocal effects on it are not good at all. I read somewhere a year ago that Alesis vocal effects were good so I bought an Alesis Multimix 8 USB for $100. Then I bought an amplifier and a rack too.

My system with the Alesis mixer and separate amp sound WAY better than the Yamaha EMX512. I can also plug my microphones into the Alesis mixer and then plug the Alesis into a channel on the Yamaha EM512 to take advantage of the Alesis effects. It sounds great.

When I get all grown up and have more money I want to get a Soundcraft EFX8 with the built in Lexicon vocal effects.

I have always used SM58's. Not long ago, I decided it as about time to replace my mic. I had an old 58 that I bought back in the 70's. I took time to look around at everything that was available and narrowed my choices down to 3 mics. By the way, I was looking for a wired mic. I have a wireless but don't use it very often, I just prefer wired mics. Like I said, I narrowed my choices down to 3 mics; the SM 58, the e835, and a Beta 58. The Beta was quite a bit more money, but I don't do karaoke shows. I perform on stage with a band, so I am the only one using that mic. I decided to give the Beta a try, especially since I have always prefered the SM58. I was told the Beta would be a suprising step up. They could not have been more correct. I love to sing with my Beta 58! I don't have to work so hard with my vocals any more. The Beta is the cleanest, purest, nicest sound I have ever used. My vocals are now crystal clean. Great highs, incredible lows, very smooth mids. For me, the Beta was worth the $159.00 I spent on it. As far as effects go, I have always been glad I bought my Lexicon 400. It makes a huge difference in my performance. I never did take the time to thank Lonny for his help when I was looking at mic choices. Lon, the conversation we had helped me to make up my mind on what mic to choose. It was a good choice. --Mike