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Help! Home Karaoke Speakers/Mixer suggestions?
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Author:  wildfins [ Fri Nov 28, 2008 2:34 pm ]
Post subject:  Help! Home Karaoke Speakers/Mixer suggestions?
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:
=============
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...
Author:  DannyG2006 [ Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:58 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
wildfins @ Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:34 pm wrote:
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 ($200) + a pair of UHF mics ($200).

Speakers/Mixer Amp:
=============
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...
John

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.
Author:  mckyj57 [ Fri Nov 28, 2008 10:33 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
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.
Author:  wildfins [ Sat Nov 29, 2008 12:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
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?
Author:  wildfins [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
updated...
Author:  wildfins [ Mon Dec 01, 2008 11:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
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:
************
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
ImageImage


Good:
******
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:
*******
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...
Author:  jdmeister [ Tue Dec 02, 2008 6:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
Call me crazy, but the Yamaha is excellent..

I have the stagepas.. Guitar Center $400.00
Author:  jdmeister [ Thu Dec 04, 2008 6:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
Sale this weekend.. Guitar Center.
Author:  kamgr [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
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.
Author:  mckyj57 [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 10:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
kamgr @ Sat Dec 06, 2008 10:38 am wrote:
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? 8-)

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.
Author:  Karen K [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 8:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
SM350+SM350+SW1501=SWEET SOUND...Even in a fairly irregularly shaped room.
Author:  mckyj57 [ Sat Dec 06, 2008 9:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
Karen K @ Sat Dec 06, 2008 11:52 pm wrote:
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.
Author:  jdmeister [ Sun Dec 07, 2008 9:01 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
kamgr @ Sat Dec 06, 2008 7:38 am wrote:
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.


And the stagepas has outputs for powered speakers if you need more "Punch".
Author:  dempster [ Mon Dec 08, 2008 4:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
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.
Author:  milo [ Mon Dec 08, 2008 7:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
dempster @ Mon Dec 08, 2008 7:59 am wrote:

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



i'm requesting!

and welcome ... :)
Author:  dempster [ Tue Dec 09, 2008 6:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
Well, how could I refuse such a request, Sunny?!
Author:  renriq [ Wed Dec 10, 2008 11:16 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
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.
Author:  milo [ Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:21 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Home Karaoke Speaker/Mixer suggestions help?
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) lol


thanks renrig for your input!
Author:  wildfins [ Sat Jan 03, 2009 1:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Help! Home Karaoke Speakers/Mixer suggestions?
Just updated the summary section above with latest findings...
Author:  Micky [ Sat Jan 03, 2009 6:11 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Help! Home Karaoke Speakers/Mixer suggestions?
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 :roll:

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 :!:
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