Karaoke Forums

Happy Thanks Giving to all:

I am a newbie and would like to get a simple home karaoke system for my family. I came across this board and spent days reading all the valuable threads.

I already got a DVD MIDI Karaoke player with digital key control ($300) + a pair of UHF mics ($200).

Speakers/Mixer Amp:
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Option #1: I was planning to get a pair of BMB CS-500 speakers for $300 + a Roland Martin mixer/amp 600W for another $300.

Option #2: Going thru this board, I noticed that many pros recommend going with powered speakers + separate mixer instead. For the stated budget, I can go with a Mackie DFX12 mixer ($200) and a pair of Behringer B212A 400W powered speakers ($400) (other suggestions are welcome).

Option #3: Yamaha Stagepas 500 complete PA system ($600).

Power is not an issue because it's for home use only. However, what I am looking for is:
#1 sound quality (even at low volume)
#2 simplicity of use (for wife and kids)
#3 good look to blend into the home decor (for wife)

Which of the above options (or any other) would provide me a better match to these criteria?

Note: My family room size is 20ftx20ft
Thanks a bunch...

You might want to go with the lower end Stagepass. I once did a room that was about the size of your family room and it was just enough.

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

I personally like option 2 because it will allow you to do larger parties in the future. With 3, you are going to be very limited, though the portability would be nice. I would never recommend option 1, myself -- I find "karaoke equipment" always seems to sound lousy compared to pro audio equipment. I have seen those BMB speakers and have not been impressed at all.

_________________
[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

Thanks,

I think that I will go with option #2 as well, based on all the valuable recommendations found on this board.

What would you think if I get just one powered speaker of better quality for now ($500 range) to start with and add another one down the road later as needed. Would just one speaker good enough for home use or I need to get two?

In the sub $500 range, which of the following powered speakers would give me the best sound for vocal:

- Behringer B512DSP
- JBL EON 15
- Mackie SRM350 (v1)
- Mackie SRM450 (v1)
- RCF ART 310a
- Yamaha MSR400
- Yorkville NX25P
- Yorkville YX15P
- Others?

updated...

Below is a summary of what I was able to collect from my research for a good starter Karaoke system:

- Avoid "Karaoke" branded stuffs. Not only these could be as expensive or more than the "pro" equipments, but also limited in term of reliability - quality - flexibility and expandability.

Mixers:
Go with a good non-powered mixer such as:
- Mackie DFX-6/12 ($150-$250)
- Mackie ProFX-8/12 ($230-$280)
- Yamaha MG82CX ($150) or MG124CX ($250)
- Yamaha MW8CX ($250) or MW12CX ($350) with USB (2 channels recording)
- Alesis Multimix 8 USB ($150 2-stereo channels recording = USB 1.1)
- Alesis Multimix 8 Firewire ($200 8 channels recording)
- Alesis Multimix 8 USB 2.0 ($250 8 channels recording)

The Yamaha mixers look more attractive with FX effects and built-in mic compression (great for vocal). On the other hand, the Mackie ProFX or Alesis Multimix series come with USB or Firewire connectivity for recording.
Note: Most USB 1.1 mixer would allow only 2-stereo channels recording whereas USB 2.0 and Firewire units can be all channels capable for multi-tracks recording.

Speakers:
- Go with PA powered speakers - compact, portability, flexibility, expandability and no worries as opposed to matching a separate amp to some passive speakers.

Entry system:
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It sounds like a pair of Behringer B212A (400W 12" 36lbs $250 ea) is the way to go for an entry level system. Inexpensive and yet powerful while delivering clean and punchy sound in the mid/high, good for vocal applications as well as other musical instruments such as keyboards, acoustic guitar, etc... Coupled with a sub, it will cover the lower end as well. Also, it is good to know that the Behringer B212A/B215A are reported as quite reliable and not subjected to quality issues based on various online users reviews.

The Tapco Thump TH-15P (300W 15" 36lbs $330 ea) looks very attractive on the paper and gets some notoriety as designed/manufacctured by Mackie. It provides a better thump in the low frequency range thanks to its 15" driver. However, it doesn't sound as clean as the Behringer B212A in the Mid/High range where vocal applications are more dominant.

The recommendation is to save a bit more and spend on the next level speakers for better quality and product support.

Update: I have found from the vdrums users forum that another entry powered speaker Kempton GT12A (250w biamp 12" $600 a pair) designed by the acclaimed Italian FBT (made in China like most but comes with 2yr warranty) could be a good alternative that fits the bill as well.
It had been reported to sound as good as the JBL EON series or Mackie SRM450 - and comes with dual 1/4" TRS channel inputs - separate EQ for each channel (see pix). I'd pick the Kempton over the previous ones.
# Built-in amplifier: 200w+50w RMS class AB
# Frequency response: 50Hz - 20kHz @ -6dB
# 12" woofer, 2" coil, 1" driver, 1.4" coil
# Sensitivity: 97dB
# Max SPL: 121dB
# 38 lbs



Good:
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Other mid-entry powered speakers to consider are:
- Carvin LM12A (molded 350W 12" 34lbs $370)
- Carvin LM15A (molded 350W 15" 39lbs $410)
- Carvin LSx1502A (wood 350W 15" 49lbs $390)
- Carvin LSx1202A is not suggested as it does not have enough response in the low frequency unless coupled with a subwoofer (which is recommended in any case).
- Yorkville NX25P (200W 12" 40lbs $450)

Note: CARVIN is a US based company and the speakers are made in USA - come with 3 years warranty and would definitely be a step-up from the Behringer in all terms.
http://www.carvinguitars.com/speakers.php


Better:
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On the other hand, in the $500 range, one could also just buy just ONE (and get a second one down the road) better speaker such as:
- Carvin LSx1503A (425W wood 3-way $490)
- RCF ART310a (350W 10" 26lbs $550) for its light weight
- JBL EON 15 G2 (400W 12" 46lbs $550)
- Yamaha MSR400 (300W 12" 50lbs $550) for its overall smoothness for vocal and instruments performance.
- Electro-Voice EV SXA100 (200W 12" 42lbs $600)
These speakers would provide great quality and clean sound that the entry level ones can't match and that would be money well spent.

Note: I didn't include the popular and acclaimed Mackie SRM350/450 in this category b/c it sounds like these are best suitable for PA purposes for their loudness, punch but these are a bit harsh on the vocal side based on various online users reports.


Best:
******
Last and not least, if money is not an issue, then the upper scale powered speakers such as:
- RCF ART series (312A, 315A, 322A, 325A)
- Electro-Voice EV SXA250 (430W 15" 42lbs $800)
- Yorkville NX55P (550W 12" 47lbs $800)
- JBL PRX512M (500W 12" 40lbs $900)
- QSC HPR122i (500W 12" 60lbs $800)
- QSC HPR152i (500W 15" 100lbs $1000) heavy weight
These speakers have been cited many times as the preferences for great sound quality for vocal and/or PA applications.


Other online comparisons/reviews:
Carvin LM12A ($350) vs. QSC HPR122i ($800) vs. JBL PRX512M ($900) Powered Speakers Shoot-out!!!
http://www.setbb.com/axefx/viewtopic.ph ... orum=axefx


All other comments are welcome as it would help other newbies...
Thanks a bunch to all the contributors...

Call me crazy, but the Yamaha is excellent..

I have the stagepas.. Guitar Center $400.00

Sale this weekend.. Guitar Center.

I have a Stagepas 300 and it easily fills a 20 X 20 room (our condo's entertainment room). It sounds fine to me in a family gathering zero pro singer environment.

I am sure it fills it, but with what?

The Stagepas is about as good as you are going to get for an 8" speaker. That being said, it is still an 8" speaker.

Last night I went to a place that had SRM350s. I listened, and I thought -- "how do they do that"? And I thought I understood why people liked those. Then I looked a little closer, and sure enough -- there was the SW1501 subwoofer on the floor. There continues to be no free lunch, sigh.

_________________
[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

SM350+SM350+SW1501=SWEET SOUND...Even in a fairly irregularly shaped room.

Yes it is -- it sounds a lot like my Peavey PR10 / PR-Sub combo. Crystal clear with surprising low-end punch.

_________________
[color=#ffff55]Mickey J.[/color]
Alas for those who never sing, but die with all their music in them.
-- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.

And the stagepas has outputs for powered speakers if you need more "Punch".

Well, I have to say that I own the Yamaha STAGEPAS 500, and have used it for Karaoke on several occasions. The sound is bright, powerful and clean, and cuts through nicely. I'm running it with a PC that handles the CD+G material, plus two Shure SM58 radio mics, plus two KAM KWM1940 radio mics.

It sounds - well, what I can only describe as "THUMPIN'" !! There's built-in reverb for the four mic channels, compression for two of these, plus two-band EQ for bass and treble. A further three stereo channels allow connection of my PC, an iPod or CD player for background music during breaks, and a spare stereo channel for whatever else I might need one day.

I can post photos of the system in action, if requested! But certainly Yamaha STAGEPAS 500 has my vote.

BTW: I also tried STAGEPAS 300, but returned it, as I felt that it was far too underpowered for my needs. My karaoke takes place in a large kitchen, about 40ft x 15ft.

Best,

Al.

i'm requesting!

and welcome ...

Well, how could I refuse such a request, Sunny?!

Here is my vote for the Yamaha Stagepas 500. I use it very often at home and at small venues. It has everything you need and it sounds great. Can't go wrong with it. I got it this past May and I haven't regret it at all. Well worth the $900.00.

hi al ... thanks for posting the pics ... i'm working on a 'hangout' room for my son and his friends and they want a karaoke setup ... that one just might fit the bill

(you look very mellow there)


thanks renrig for your input!

Just updated the summary section above with latest findings...

Quoted:
Power is not an issue because it's for home use only. However, what I am looking for is:
#1 sound quality (even at low volume)
#2 simplicity of use (for wife and kids)
#3 good look to blend into the home decor (for wife)

If sound quality is a priority, how can you consider Behringer speakers

For a good sound and a good look for home, I would recommend the EV-Zx1 which can be powered by many good amps or an active sub that can drive the ZX-1. You normally buy Behringer speakers for savings, not sound quality