Karaoke Forums

Hello:

I'm new to this board and am impressed by the amount of useful info I have come across already. I am in the process of upgrading/replacing my wifes Karaoke equipment. She is in the process of stepping up from hobby to part time job. I don't think there is really anything salvageable from her existing system other than the Player .

She will be hosting karaoke in small to medium size bars and occasionally she will be joined by other musician friends to play a set.

I bought a pair of Mackie SRM350s yesterday.

Her current system is:

RSQ J-Box (E500 player, KA-2000 amp , 5 Speaker Box)
2 BMB-CS500 speakers 2~8Ohm 450W

I am looking at a Mackie 1202-VLZ3 or Yahmaha MG124CX any suggestions to steer me in the right direction in building a new system would be appreciated.

-Kona

I'm going for the yamaha mg124cx also because it has the 4 channel mic compressors and effects built in. It will save me some money since I don't have to buy an external effects processor and compressor. Mckyj from the forum owns one. Perhaps, he can give you more feedback on the board. In addition, you can't go wrong with Yamaha. Mackie is good too but the board is missing the effects and compressor.

I love my Yamaha board. I am buying another one for my service club as a permanent install. It has great sound, decent effects, and the four channels of compression is an absolute godsend for karaoke.

LondonLive also likes Yamaha, and he is a long-time sound pro who I respect a lot.

Mackie mixers are very good, of course, but you pay for the privilege of owning one. I think their newest high-end boards may have compression as well, but they have nothing at the price point of the MG124CX. Heck, the MG82CX gives you two channels of compression and is probably enough for a lot of karaoke rigs....

As an aside I wish to thank mckyj57 for his posts on Yamaha boards...it peaked my interest. I researched and read all the info I could find and ended up getting the MG166CX model a few weeks ago. I am loving this board!
I formerly used a Mackie board and was very happy with that as well but I needed more channels and the fact that my Yamaha board has compression on 6 channels and much better effects than what my Mackie had (IMHO), I decided to go with the Yamaha.
Thanks again mckyj57.

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Music speaks to the heart in ways words cannot express.

I did look at the smaller MG82CX but we have many friends that are musicians and I was concerned it might not be enough for some jam sessions at one of small local bars. Not much more money to step up to 12 channel. It is the built in effects and compression that has me leaning towards the Yahmaha as well.

-kona

Excellent choice on the SM350s. We use them in two of our gigs - with an 18-inch Mackie active sub they are capable of handling almost anything. Even without the sub they are substantial. We also have a pair of the SM450s but reserve those for the very big venues (like the auditorium at the local college where we provide music for the local roller derby league).

We went with the 12-channel Mackie (lordy, I can't remember the model #s like a lot on this board) - it has built-in effects and enough channels that I can run two laptops, a DVD player, a CD burner, and my karaoke computer, 3 mics, and still have channels left over. The effects really aren't my favorite (only because I have used outboard efx boards that allowed a lot more manipulation) but for 99% of what we do, it's adequate, and the price was right at $249.

I know, I know, there are lots of other brands but we're totally satisfied with all our Mackie gear. No need to try and sell me on other things, mkay??? My opinion is that Mackie is great gear. PERIOD.... mkay?

Oh wait ... LET ME ADD THAT WE USE MTU HOSTER and really like it.

I don't have the particular model you are inquiring about but I do own four mixers and three of them are Yamaha's. The fourth one is an Allen & Heath, which should tell you I'm fairly particular about the equipment I use. All of them excel in the applications I use them in. I suggest making a list of the features you need or want in your mixer and then compare the models that come closest to your needs. As others have mentioned Mackie makes a fine board, but between the two models you mentioned the Yamaha wins hands down in both features and price. You will also be pleased with the FX built into the Yamaha mixers, they are based on their SPX FX engine which they have been using for years.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

Thanks for all the great info.

I think I'm going to pull the trigger on the Yahmaha. Some mentioned that the built in effects are a little lacking but I guess I can always add an additional external effects if that turns out to be the case.

Now I need to do something about only being able to cue 1 disc with the RSQ E500. I like the player and it seems to load pretty fast but certainly holds things up.

I could pick up a CAVS but have read they can be problematic. I could just add an additional E500 or could go with the 3 disc RSQ and keep the e500 as a backup.

Guess I'll have to take a look at pricing and features available. I'm guessing most KJ have the ability to cue up additional discs/songs. What is everyone using?

-Kona