Karaoke Forums

I know a few people that sing professionally but I do not get paid to sing. I have been asked to sing professionally a few times but I cannot seem to memorize lyrics to songs so I'm limited to singing with a TV in front of me. A couple of the "pro" singers that I know are two of the worst singers I have ever listened to. One guy sounds like he has gravel in his mouth and the other guy is an Elvis impersonator who sings off key as often as he sings on key. I think people hire the Elvis guy as comic relief more than anything else. I guess what I'm trying to say is that just because someone gets paid to do something doesn't mean that they are GOOD at it. I'm sure there are some "professional" mechanics out there that do a lousy job of fixing your car but they still get "paid".

Maybe YOU do sound great on your $5 microphone. Most people here disagree with you on whether or not it would be a good choice to use at a karaoke show because most singers wouldn't sound pleasing to the ear using that particular mic. If an SM58 would be more forgiving for the average singer; why wouldn't you want to give your singers a mic that would help them to enjoy their singing experience a little more?

Come on. Please record a song with that Nady mic and put it up on the Singers Showcase? I have a handful of songs up there recorded with a Shure SM58 for you to check out if you wish to.

The previous/infamous Bigdog dug his heels in and "faced-down" anyone on this forum who disagreed with him. And it was Bigdog's "mightier than thou attitude" that got him banned.

And in no regard was he more repugnant, more know-it-all, more confrontational than when it came to equipment. Yet, he is not the only one on this forum who has had views that they feel must be pounded into the heads of those who disagree regarding audio equipment, whether anyone wants to hear those views or not.

Bigdog's favorite retort was, "So what you have is 'good enough' for karaoke"? -- meaning that your equipment wasn't really good, but that you found your equipment acceptable for karaoke, because your standards for karaoke aren't very high.

And while I freely admit I'm not at all knowledgeable about the technical aspects of audio equipment, from what I can deduce from the information I've encountered since joining this forum, surely, a good sound system must cost closer to $30,000 that $3,000.

Why, then, would anyone who is sincere about providing the best for themselves and their singing publice deprive themselves and their audience of that $30,000 experience? And how many of you actually have and use a $30,000 sound system for Karaoke. Or is what you use just, "good enough for karaoke"?

In this thread, we have one poster who makes light out of paying $800 for a pair of mics. I guess, since he makes it sound so economical, those mics are "good enough" for karaoke? BigDog bragged about using a $600 wireless mic and was chastised for spending so much. In fact, it was questioned as to whether one could actually spend that much.

No doubt, audio snobbery runs rampant on this forum. I have two very simple measurements when it comes to equipment, since there is nothing else I can rely on: Do I like he sound? Does my audience like the sound?

What some percieve as "good" always baffles me. I go into a karaoke bar because I met the host & they bragged up how good their sound was & that I should come check it out. We met at another show oddly enough (this should have clued me in) that the sound was very good, much above average. I asked him how did his compare to the place we were at, he assured me the sound was as good IF NOT better. So I thought, very cool! Went in to check it out & the sound was a joke!!!! I went up & greeted the host since I was invited, first thing he said was "so what do you think?" So I gave him a smile and kind of nodded as he obviously really thinks this stuff sounds good...which it was LOUD, but very tinny sounding, almost ear piercing & the low end was so...I don't even know how to describe it, but it just didn't sound right. I sang a couple songs & told him I had to go, went & finished out the night at the place I KNOW has good sound.
Anyway I guess the point is what sounds great to 1 may not really be that great. I personally have never heard a Nady mic that sounded "good" but that is my opinion.

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[shadow=deepskyblue]I'm impressed, I've never met such a small mind inside such a big head before.[/shadow]

I must be doing something right because I get some good singers who keep coming back because they say my sound is better than the other host's they are used to. Either I'm good at sound or the competition is that inferior soundwise with their Mackie equipment. I unlike BigDog am willing to describe my system. Heck, I've already posted some pics.
I must admit that the mixer I was using for a week and a half (VOCOPRO DA-1000PA) sounded tinny but that was only temporary while I was waiting for my Behringer mixer. The Tinny sound went away when I switched to it.
Soundtech PS800 amplifier
Behringer Eurorack rx1202fx mixer
1 Samson Stage Series 5 wireless microphone
1 Sennheiser Freeport Wireless microphone
Acer Aspire 3860 laptop
Seagate 250gb Harddrive
1 19" flat panel TV Monitor (used only in mobile situations, otherwise hooked up to a 40" tv at the club)
Pyple Pro 10" Speakers and Fender Speaker Stands

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Danny

I'm not looking to argue with you or anyone about equipment. Inherent in my post, is the subtle reality that everyone has an opinion and there will always be someone who states that what you think is good, is not good enough.

On another forum, Bigdog was FINALLY manipulated/forced into providing an inventory of his equipment. He did so, and obviously did NOT lie about what he had. Subsequently, the very experienced and understandably vengeful members of that forum tore Bigdog's equipment and him apart. And when they were done, it wasn't a pretty sight. Meanwhile, I believe that Bigdog thinks that he has excellent equipment. Maybe he does? Maybe he doesn't?

TTownTenor gave, maybe unwittingly, the best argument that can ever be made for toning these discussions down! He was at a show where he thought that the sound was excellent. In the audience with him was another KJ, who was obviously experiencing that very same sound system.

The visiting Kj felt his sound was even better and invited TTown to come and experience his system. TTown went to his show expecting an even better audio experience and, much to his dismay, was disapponted! Meanwhile, the hosting KJ proudly asks TTown how he likes the sound?

Accepting that the KJ in the discussion is both a sane and honest man, here's how I analyze what happened. Calling the first show "A" and the second "B", two people who believe that they know sound equipment, arrived at totally opposite conclusions on how the sound at show "A" compared to the sound at show "B"!

Now, I ask you, the reader, who was right?

I get your point. WHile I am not ashamed to name my equipment, it does not comprise of the better known names for equipment. I was just trying to make the point that it isn't always the equipment per say that makes the best sound. Could I sound better with highend equipment, no doubt I could but that is because I know how to adjust it to sound good. I have been to shows that I won't go back to because their use of their highend equipment was lacking. I personally like a little reverb on my voice but the other shows insist on running dry.
If I were a cutthrought KJ, I could posably go and steal enough shows to keep me busy for the entire week but I am not that way.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Danny,

I apologize 'cause I misunderstood your point. Again I'm not yet conversant in what people believe to be "good" or "bad"! And I agree totally, with your assessment of how the KJ could cause the difference in how people react to a "sound system".

I've many times been complimented at my show by singers, not only for my "mixes" but the very fact that I take the time to mix the sound. And while it may or may not go unnoticed by most that I do mix every song, those who thank me for my efforts act like I was doing something special for them.

And let me say this. Even those who don't know a woofer from a tweeter can hear the difference in their performance as I fine tune things for them. And they notice and take it personally!

PS I, too, like effects and rarely do I find a singer who doesn't want them. On Holloween one gal who was the first singer insisted that she wanted to go dry. On her second turn at the mic, after hearing the settings I use, as I began to return the setting to dry for her, she said a little effects would be okay.

Oh, and Jian, while customs vary from culture to culture, I do believe rudeness is not tolerated in most, particularly in Asia.

If someone is asked for an opinion, it is not rude to offer one. If you're not asked, "think twice before you speak and the third time speak to yourself" In short, if you're not asked it's unlikely your opinion will be welcome, particularly if differs from my own.

Simple enough?

And, BTW, how do you like this unsolicited opinion?

I am puzzled as to why there is such a debate on various Microphones and who has the best, and what is the best, well as Ericlater posted earlier, that it would take 30,000.00 to put together the ultimate live system, well here it goes!

This is my Top Setup:

2- Shure - UR24DB87A UHFR Dual Handheld Wireless systems (total 4 mics)
1- DBX - 1046 Compressor
1- DBX - 1074 Noise Gate
1- BBE - 882i Sonic Maximizer
1- Ashley -4.24 Digital Graphic Equalizer
1- Eventide - H7600 Ultra Harmonizer Effects Processor
1- Midas - Venice 160 - 16 channel mixer
4- Audix - OM-7 Michrophones (mostly for backup or multiple singers)
1- Odyssey - CMC1114 Rolling Combo Rack Case
2- QSC - HPR122i 2-way 12" powered speakers (for stage monitors)
2- QSC - HPR153i 3-way 15" powered speakers (for mains)
2- QSC - HPR101i 18" powered subwoofers (for larger rooms)

This system cost me $30,241.67 minus all the Monster Cable Prolink 1000 cables used for all connections.


Now i understand everyone has an opinion, but undoubtably this system is Top of the line at this price!

There were some posts about shure over nady, or sennheiser etc.. point of this is that everyone has there own opinion on what they think is the best and for some the best it ten times more than this system costs, and some ten times less, what i am saying is that the best for you is what you can afford and what works for you, and rather than not going to someones show because they have a nady wireless mic, you could say to the guy, hey man if you want some advice on a good value for better quality mics let me know.. Don't be a hater!!

Last but not least, the argument about wired mics can be settled here as well, Audix OM-5 and OM-7 happen to be the choice Mic's used by the most respected musicians on this planet. since 1995 when they first came out! Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Dream Theater, The Eagles, Phil Collins, Genesis, Babyface, etc.. they all have or still use the entire Audix family for wired Mics on stage.. even Stevie Wonder uses there Mics including the Harmonica Mic!!


Use what you like, and by the way, I only put this system together to make a point!

I would be out of my mind to spend 30,000.00 on a Karaoke system !!

Our 'bigdog' of previous is not the same BigDog of today. But the bigdog of previous did list his equipment several times throughout his short stint here - but also felt his was the absolute best & no one was going to top it.

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

, I will take that as a compliment. I am young, but old enough that I've lived through 10 presidents and getting ready for my 11th. Yes, I haven't been here enough to know if others are continually cutting down ideas and equipment but just your comment about poor singers seemed a little rough around the edges. I have 2 wireless shure's on the way including 1 beta but I would like to get a nady and try it out.

hells teeth they are both right...its like two heterosexual women eying two men...one think man A is a hunk the other prefers man B. And lucky too I think...after all if we were all attracted to man A I might find myself drooling over a keith and for that I would have to slit my wrists.
Personal opinon is just that. Acknowledge the others opinion, compliment where you see fit and then let it go
honestly guys its like you are all guilty of taking a sneak peek at each other in the mens room to see who has the biggest!!

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

You have a very good system; but why the BBE?

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

Wow I would never peek! Not even curious! I'll stick to my own equipment!

i just read all of these posts....and am still wondering WHY Jian was offended?? Most singers aren't very good, some are decent sounding, and very few are great- either naturally or trained.

For a guy that usually just "LOCKS THREADS"- it IS nice to have you join a discussion here Jian, although your entrance was a bit abrupt, like mine

CHEAP MICS or Expensive ones...IF IT sounds good to YOU and your singers, GREAT, no need to spend $400 on a mic.....it's NOT a concert performance at karaoke- there's lots of background chatter, blenders, AC, tvs, etc...sound other than the singing.

Some prefer Ruths Chris Steakhouse and some are fine with Sizzler...WHO CARES BUT THE ONE EATING IT? Snobbery is just that- conceitedness with the holier-than -thou attitude. NOT VERY HELPFUL.

I agree with Stogie's stance on this. He started a discussion very politely then got pounced-on for his choices in equipment....then he just got bent out of shape-justifiably. (sp?)

NO MATTER HOW GOOD you think YOUR equipment or sound is..THERE'S aLWAYS someone who has BETTER...so why continue beating up each others choices??

HUMILITY and COMPASSION goes a long way. There's my unsolicited IMHO opinion.

BTW, my wireless KARAOKE mics NOW are audio-technica and cheapazz vocopro UHF 4 mic package...OOOOOOHHHHHH!!! JUMP ON THAT!!!! AND THEY sound good enough for real professionally-PAID international singers who complemented the sound...and TIPPED WELL. Ask Wayne Brady or Fiji who sang the past 6 months here if the mics were horrible..THEY HONESTLY preferred the "cheaper" wireless mics' sound to the wired SM58! Strange but VERY TRUE!

WHY DID I CHANGE to less expensive mics? Because once you lose a good senheiser or great shure wireless mics to a bunch of drunk obnoxious UN-professional singers..YOU WISE UP and no longer need them. AND REAL PRO SINGERS go to karaoke to have a good time and aren't so SELF-Conscious about if they sound their absolute BEST...just NOT BAD!

It is ONLY karaoke...- performance for FUN only...no talent scouts in the audience usually. Karaoke is a hobby for most people in my experience.

Have a nice day everyone!

My screen name was BadSinger before I use my real name.

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

Ha! !!! I'm right behind ya buddy...my singing skills are declining as we speak!

JR

bravo, as heard on my Hisonic Wireless Mic
b-r-a-v-o, as heard on my Nady Wired Mic
Bravo, as heard on my Vocopro Wireless
BRAVO, as heard on my Samson Wired Mic
Well they all look different but they all sound the same to me here!
"Bravo" is still "bravo" by any other color or font!

Oh, and Morgan, since you "quoted" my entire last post, what is the answer to the question I posted at the end? Just kidding. I like you metaphor or was it a simile? Now there's an english lesson I could use a refresher in!

it was neither it was just an opportunity to bring Keith's name into things I do love him sooooooooo

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"Be who you are and say what you feel... Because those that matter... Don't mind...And those that mind... Don't matter."

Apparently there is a large contingent that thinks the sows ear makes an acceptable silk purse.

I am an unusual "equipment snob". I often recommend the Behringer XM8500, which is a darn good $20.00 mic. It continues functioning pretty well when dropped, has some but not too much handling noise, and it sounds good. Most people would find it kind of funny that someone doing that would be called "an equipment snob".

Nady mics are terrible. Nady equipment is junk. That is my opinion, and it is the opinion of everyone, roughly, because their stuff sells at junk prices. The Nady mics I have seen have incredible amounts of handling noise, and I am willing to bet if you drop one hard it is essentially dead.

I also dislike the VocoPro mics. Not when they are new -- they seem to sound pretty good then. The problem is when they get dropped, as mics always do. Those are particularly insidious, because they cost about $100.00 apiece and people are hesitant to replace them. So they start having dropouts, and dead spots, and the singers struggle with them.

It is OK if people want to define good sound as the way their own equipment sounds. I am sure I do that somewhat too.

I get lots of people that tell me my Behringer stuff is junk. I came to find out my Behringer EQ *was* junk, and that my Behringer amp and compressors were not. As I define it, anyway. And it is OK.

I am still of the opinion that someone would be insane to have EV speakers and a Nady mic. It is a complete waste of the EV speakers. You can tell me the sows ear is a silk purse all you want, I will still hold that opinion.

And I will still not frequent a show that has Nady mics. Because if that is all the value they place on their singers, then I don't want to be one of them.

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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.