Karaoke Forums

Right - it's finally time to upgrade from the mixer I am using. It's a DJ mixer and not really suited for vocals so...

I currently run it to 2 powered speakers, using XLR cables, so I am ASSUMING XLR output is a must?

My wireless mics have both XLR out and jack out, so having those as inputs is going to be a must. And would like to run them as 2 independant channels (currently they run into 1 channel and I adjust levels with trim, but it's not really the best way is it?)

I MOSTLY use a laptop to host, so obviously need to input that into the mix. I have 2 outputs on the laptop (1 via jack, 1 via USB soundcard) so I can mix.

I would prefer a mixer with a compressor for the mic chanels.

I would prefer a mixer with either send/return for vocal effects (to my behringer effects unit) OR simple on-board effects.

And if possible, one that I could output to my MD recorder for recording purposes. My MD recorder has either dual-phono (RCA) input or optical.

In fairness, I honestly think my needs are QUITE basic - so any cheaper-end recommendations (that will still serve me well) will be appreciated. I am not a hardcore hoster, more of a party hoster 9meaning I don't have a specific homeroom but am mobile - though I do play the same places a LOT - just not a contantly setup booth).

Not at all. A short patch cable can attach to your existing XLRs. It is normal to have an equalizer, too, which would mean Mixer ---> EQ --> speakers.


The Yamahas are the only one with that.


The Yamahas have both.


No problem with the right cable.


Yamaha MG82CX, for 150$US. Ir better yet the MG124CX that has faders instead of knobs and 4 mic channels with compression, 270$US.

It would be nice to have an equalizer to route it to, as well. You can get away with equalizing the music out of your PC, and equalizing the mic channels, but that is more difficult to deal with when running a show.

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

Thank you for the suggestions. Yes an equalizer with maybe a graphical representation would certainly be nice - SEE the synamics of the sound and adjust accordingly. And I am really not a fan of equalizing on the laptop - it's fidly and just never "feels" right to me

My current mixer has a 12-band stereo equalizer built in, but as said, it's a music mixer.

The mixers shown have the "High/mid/low" knobs - are they not enough for the task?

Also, seeing as I already have a Behringer effect unit (http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/DSP1224P.aspx) could I not just get the MG124C rather than the CX and use send/return?

You could, but I bet the internal mixer effects are better. For $50, I wouldn't make that choice.

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

The Yamaha like said is about the only one that will fit the bill completely. The EQ can be added externally - most built in graphic eq's are not big enough to do anything more than a little tonal control. A good 31 band will help in some feedback control & room tuning as well.
You could use the external effects you have if you are happy with them & get the mixer with no effects. This way if you aren't happy with the effects, you can always upgrade later to a nice Lexicon!

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Really? Betther than a stand-alone unit? Can I ask why you say that? Are Yamaha effect processors better?

I guess it's certainly more practical... And I can always sell the Behrigher...

I'm not big on Behringer anything & their effects to me aren't worth the hardware they are mounted in. Yamaha makes really good external stuff for years (SPX series effects), some of their internal programs are based on their external pro lines.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Ah ok, that's cool then. Without any knowledge to base an opinion on am glad to be steered!

So, how much am I looking at for a low-end but sufficiently usable equalizer? Assuming the Low/Mid/Hi controls on the mixer aren't enough...

Low Mid High controls are good for subtle adjustments after your system is dialed in with the main eq.
dbx 231 is a good dual band eq for room tuning & feedback control.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/231/
Another one on a low-mid end would be the Tapco Tweeq.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Tweeq/
Some rooms do not need much eq, while others need ALOT. I've worked rooms where i've only moved a couple sliders on the main eq and then others where the entire eq was moved to some degree or another (this was a nightmare room with cement floors, windows & mirrors on the walls).

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I use the MG124CX and it's a fantastic mixer IMO. I currently EQ the source at the PC and I see it's limitations but haven't ponied up for a real EQ yet. The low/mid/high works plenty well enough for my regular venue but I have done some gigs where I was less than pleased with the sound and wished for a full EQ.

Great information across the board guys!

Lonman, you are right actually, I DJ one room that needs quite specific adjustment otherwise it's feedback all night. The 3-dial system probably wouldn't allow me to be as precise...

Seeing as this mixer is likely to be a present from the parents, am looking at it now and sourcing prices (they work in the audio wholesale industry).

Thanks for all your feedback (pun intended and I shan't apologize - )