Karaoke Forums

Newbie trying to setup my parents with HTPC with easy karaoke settings with microphone capabilities. Trying to make it easy and inexpensive if possible since i'm not a pro and parents dont need anything too fancy.

The PC has:
Vista
Sound thru sound card optical output connected to receiver
No Mixer
A USB Mike
2 Regular Mikes
PyKaraoke player with karaoke files

Reading around I have run into
1. Buy a mixer w/ optical outputs and plug in the mikes. put mixer btw htpc and receiver
2. Karafun (does this allow usb microphoen control?)
3. Load up winamp with addins to make it work. (does this allow usb mike control?)
4. Get a cheapo mixer and switch the soundcard settings each time want to use karaoke.
5. microphone output from the soundcard... but only 1 output?

Which option is the best or is there other solutions? Please advise. Thanks for reading!

I personally wouldn't recommend using the microphone through the player or computer acting like a player. Get a cheap mixer to mix in the mic inputs and the computer inputs together, or get a stand alone PA system!

yep I agree with Matt. Having said that Matt, I am still interested in the usb mic you were quoting not so long ago.

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

yep... strictly for computer RECORDING, I think it would work well... but not for just sitting around learning the song, entertaining friends and family.

thanks for the fast responses.

yep, the USB mic does nothing except record. it does not amplify, so that's why i believe i need to get a mixer.

any suggestions on mixers with optical output?
I know a cheapest route is a 29.99 radio shack mixer, but i'd have the fiddle with the settings to make it work right each time.

I'd check out the mixers at zzounds.com

really depends on what you want to spend, and what kind of results you're looking for.

Strictly speaking, you might even try a PA system that accepts RCA in (aux input) and hook your computer up to it, either using the headphone/speakers out or usb to a RCA converter.

to be honest a little fender passport system would be ideal for home use and because it packs down so sweetly it would be great for parties with friends etc. I know that many here dislike them but I was quite impressed with the one I tried out some years back.

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