Karaoke Forums

Hi all. Thanks for the great forum and advice. Stepping up from my Vocopro all-in-one (which died) to a laptop-based system. Was thinking laptop -> USB soundcard (Maya 44 or M-Audio Delta 44) -> powered mixer -> speakers. But after reading some more about mixers here I see that the Behringer 1222FX is recommended by some (I'm an amateur singer who'd like to have the occasional home party, so I'm on more of a Behringer budget than a Mackie), so I thought I'd replace the powered mixer with a regular mixer and amp for maybe more flexibility in the future.


The description of the 1222FX says: "USB/Audio Interface included to connect directly to your computer." Does this mean I don't need the USB soundcard, that I just plug the mixer directly into the USB? If so, I realize the quality won't be the same, since a good external audio interface is more than half the price of this mixer, but would it work to get me started?

Thanks in advance!

Mike

that's exactly what it means. It has a USB interface, so you don't need a USB soundcard.

Some on here (including me) have had bad luck with a Behrenger mixer... be warned!

Most of the cost of a USB interface is in the case and connectors. Plus any power if it isn't parasitically powered. I find the Behringer DSP to be pretty good, as others do.

For low cost mixers, Behringer is hard to beat in my opinion. That is why I see so many of them in use at karaoke gigs, day in and day out. I have a couple myself and have used one daily for two years for practice. I also have gigged out with it a couple of dozen times.

Currently I like the Yamaha mixers because of their compression feature. The MG82CX is only $149.00. You can add a USB sound interface from Behringer for $29.00. That brings you to less than the 1222FX, and adds compression to two channels which is a big plus in my opinion. You might consider it as an option.

Guys, thanks for the quick responses, and the good news that 1) I can use the Behringer DSP and 2) that it might actually be decent.

And thanks for the advice about Behringer problems. I've actually read a lot about their stuff here and had picked up on that, but really for all I want to do with it I think I'll take the chance, and of course buy from a reputable seller.

Mckyj: Arghhh, more options! I'd finally settled on the Behringer brand, and then the model, and now THIS! Seriously though, I think I like that the 1222FX has the 7-band EQ (the Yamaha doesn't): is that something I should even value very much? And the built-in compression on the Yamaha, how important is that and why? And is it something I could add later? Is that what "Aux Sends" are for, to plug in something like a compression module?

Now a slightly different question: in researching prices on the 1222FX I came across a used PMX2000 powered mixer on Craigslist near me. Anybody have any experience or feelings on this series? The few reviews I found seemed okay, not great. And it has 9-band EQs on the mains and monitors; that appeals to the tweaker side of me.

Thanks again,
Mike

I'm not much of a fan of a 7- or 9-band eq, not really fine enough control to do much good for you. Doing the eq out of your computer source and the channel EQ will do as much or more good in my opinion.

WRT compression, for karaoke it makes all the difference in the world in sound. It allows you to turn the gain up on the channel for the weak-voiced singer without getting blown off the map when they decide to cup the mic or scream into it for a change. For a decent vocalist, it reins in their dynamics to give their quiet passages impact while not forcing them to hold the mic a foot away when they step up the power.

If you give me a choice of a compressor or a 7-band eq, in my opinion the choice is not close. Plus if you are going to have a rack with an amp anyway, you can add a dual 15-band eq for $80. The $149 + $29 + $79 is $257, which isn't that much more than you were going to pay for the 1222FX.

The PMH2000 is a decent enough little powered mixer, but it doesn't have that much power. It would be OK for home, as with any of the setups you mention. A lot of this is personal preference and prejudice.

ok, I partly disagree with both mcky and knightshow. That's with you can get a better price using the other mixers. How much do they think the Behringer costs? I suspect they don't really know. I have three Behringer mixers, and love them all to pieces. The one you are asking about I have one of them as well, (1222FX) and only paid $149 for it. And it works perfectly, absolutley no problems, EVER! The EQ that is equipped works like a charm and you won't have to add anything except the USB interface (U-Control UCA202 from Behringer). I am extremely pleased with my mixer and how easy it is to set up and use. You would do well with it too. Don't let these guys talk you into something that is more money just to do the same thing. They probably won't like the fact that I am disagreeing with them, but nerts to 'em! HAHA.

Scott

I like cashews, so next time you see me, ante up. You can disagree all you want, won't make me mad at all.

I already stated I liked Behringer mixers OK -- I also own three of them with no troubles except a PMH518 blowing when I dropped a mic. (Cheerfully replaced by Behringer, too.) I use the Yamaha for a reason, and that is compression. You may think it makes no difference -- fine, I think you are wrong but the Don can make his own decision.

If you got the 1222FX for $149, you might state where so he can get that deal. It's street price, new, is $210.

The 1222FX has some definite advantages for the extra $60.00:

* The 7-band eq (which I consider to be of minimal use)
* Internal power supply (no wall-wart)
* Faders instead of knobs (which would be a biggie for me)
* Built-in USB interface

The advantage of the Yamaha is better effects presets and compression, which are real biggies for me.

I don't think you can go too much wrong any way you go. But if you want your karaoke system to sound a cut above, use compression.

I to would choose the Yamaha over the Behringer any & every day - but then I have never owned or worked with a Behringer board that HASN'T had or developed a problem of some sort over a short time. The Yamaha will be better reliability & sound quality, plus the built in compression is a great factor especially for live vocals. Yes it is something you can add that later, but it's just another expense. The 7 band eq on the Behringer is nothing mroe than a glorified tone control, can't really control the feedback or room tuning with 7 bands without major differences in sound. Like mcky said the eq in your computer will do just as good. As for it being a USB mixer, it's not a true USB mixer, it just adds an external USB interface http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-UCONTROL-UCA202-USBAudio-Interface?sku=702540 (this is actuall a newer model than the one that actually comes with the board) which could be added to any mixer (including the Yamaha) as well to make it interface with a computer.

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Thanks again, guys. That's why I love this board: the varied opinions, with justifications for each. And the USB thing, I discovered on the net after I first posted that it was a stand-alone interface that could be purchased separately. It gets good reviews too so I'll probably go with it over one of the higher-end USB sound devices for now.

I hadn't thought about doing the EQ from the software side, will have to play with that.

Anyway, I went ahead and bought the PMX2000, which if nothing else should be a big improvement over the Vocopro Gig-Man I had. And if later I want/need more power I could still use it run monitors and feed the mains with a larger amp.

Guess I'll start shopping for compression now...

Mike

what part of my post where I said I had one don't you understand, Mr. Scott? That means I paid for it!

I agree with Micky that it's okay to disagree. Opinions vary, as does experiences. I personally like for smaller settings to use a simple "karaoke mixer", despite several negative feelings for it from members on this board.

To each their own.

As to my experience with the Behrenger 12 channel I had, one channel went out in the first or 2nd weekend of use, another channel a week after that. Then the FX went out totally the week after that!!

I took the chance on the unit based on the price. After that, I went back to a Mackie board, and to be honest, should have gone to the higher board in THAT situation, based solely on reviews from members here.

I gave the Behrenger board to my partner and he played with it for a long time before it finally gave up the ghost. Some might argue that was a good value.

I know I wouldn't!

Had the same experience as knightshow with behringer,two boards in a 9 month period. Lost channels then effects,and both were kept in a roller roadcase.

Bought a mackie and not a problem (5 years ago).

If behringer made cannon balls I would'nt buy behringer.

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Hmm, I gotta say, I'm surprised to be reading such comments so I'm going to have to go against the grain here.

I got the 1832, I paid £180 for it 18 months ago and it has been an absolute rock, sounds excellent and I consider it money damn well spent. The only fault it has, is the FX knob which I broke cos I didn't have a case for it. Even that turned out to be positive feature because it helped me recognise it on ebay when the idiot who stole all my gear listed it there!

The last Behringer I foolishly paid for was a 2442FXPro - this was based on the 'high' praise they recieved on these boards, I needed something NOW (at the time) & that happened to fit the budget. I have worked with Behringer boards before & they always had some kind of problems with them & should have known better. This thing worked for a good 6 months, sounded ok for what it was (no it is not a clean sounding board, but worked). 6 months and channels started failing, 12 months there were 5 bad channels - it was sent in for repairs 3 times 2 at authorized service centers after the first couple channels died & the last at my local music stores tech dept. when the original & 3 more channels went That is when I learned of Behringers high return/exchange/service rate over any other brand - disposable is the way he put it, I agree! He got all channels working & I sold it for $50. The guy that bought it emailed me later ( I had told him of the problems) said 6 channels had died & the efx went out to boot within 6 weeks of selling.
Sorry will never buy another.

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I haul around a 2442 had it for 3 years no problems I don't even keep it in a case and store it in the open with household dust. no problems so far Dave

All right both of ya, be nice,,,hehe,,kidding ya know!!... Anyways, Knightshow, your post said nothing about you owning a Behringer, only that you had bad luck before,,not the same thing. I know, sounds like i'm splitting hairs, but thats OK. As far as the $149 I paid, there is a local shop not too far from where I live that carries Behringer stuff, and they get a quantity discount for everything. So they pass it on. I also have a Behringer Xenyx 1832, bought that one just in case of something happening (I have doubles of everything I own, including equipment). It came with the UCA controller. And yes it will work with any mixer to interface with a computer. Both mixers I use (the third one is a tiny one for home use) have worked like a charm. I'm sorry for anyone who has had bad luck with any equipment, regardless of the brands, but you are right, we all have our opinions on what is good and what isn't. I do agree that Mackie and Yamaha make great products, I have used both before at venues that have their own stuff, but i'll pit my Behringer stuff against them head to head and nobody will win, i'd call it a "tie" for quality. Price is another story, Behringer beats 'em , hands down and even if they do somehow have faults, Behringer will replace them, no questions. I haven't had to use that option yet except for one speaker that a tweeter went out. Any brand can have their "duds", just like cars or anything else out there, all depends on your point of view I guess.

Anyways, Don- hope you have success with whatever decision you make, and good luck!
Scott

It's ALLLLLLLLLL good, Scott.

And I agree with ya, I never said clearly "I owned one". To answer your later part of your post, I've recommended the UCA product for a while now. After Soundblaster retired their MP3+ Device, that's the only other product I know of that's inexpensive that has direct RCA connections! For USB connection from computer to mixer, ya CAN'T beat that thng.

As somebody with about 50 years knowledge in electronics and degrees I do not buy products unless I can get schematics and phone tech support. That is why I pay extra for JBL (American) and Mackie (American) . Plus I do have one of the better systems around..

For home systems or starters I will work with a budget and advise how to get the best sound. . For a professional business I get carried away. I hear systems with floor noise and distortion that are suppose to be professional. I can advise how to adjust and get the most out of them and repair and even modify for better performance but in the end I will recommend good products.

IMO I do not like Peavey or Berhinger either one They both have inadequate power supplies, limited filtering (noise at high levels) and use grade b components. .. Yamaha I have no experience with..

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OH MY GOD ......don't buy Behringer for $149 ---You should buy an Allen and Heath for $2000-$4000 ..What are you crazy thinking a Behringer can do the job .......



Actually ... I use the same exact mixer Behringer 1222FX , not USB as it was an older model.. NEVER EVER HAD A PROBLEM. For Karaoke it served my purposes WELL and would reccomend it to anyone.

The compression on the Yamaha is worth considering and you can't go wrong with Yamaha or Mackie either.

Behringer products are what they are --less expensive alternatives . They are quality products 99% of the time and everyone has had a clunker from all MFG's.
You can argue if Behringers are equal to the likes of Mackie and Yamaha and side by side probably NOT ...but than again they cost a fraction of the other brands.
I've said it before ..if you are on a budget don't be afraid of Behringer, they have a geat support anbd service department in the event something does go wrong. if money is no object than go for the $4000 mixer or something in between !

Where did anyone bring up a $2000 or more board? The suggested Yamaha is about the same price as the Behringer & would sound much better plus has the compression which is a big factor.

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Just stay away from the 'smile' setting when using live vocals. All this does is boost the lows & highs & cuts all mids - where the vocals actually are the majority. This is the biggest mistake setting people make and then ask why their vocals sound muddy while singing. Well drop the highs & lows & add the mid back in!

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