Karaoke Forums

What speakers/monitors would you recommend for a very modest budget?

I currently have a laptop using the Lexicon Lambda interface, a Studio Projects B1 condenser mic and am planning to get a dynamic mic or 2 (looking at Shure).

What I want to do is to be able to record for my own pleasure (and possible a family member or two) and to also have a system to use when I have little family get togethers.

I'm looking at the KRK RP5 G2 nearfield monitors.

Would these suit my purposes or can you recommend something in that price range (or even better less than that)? I could spend a little more, but not much.

P. S. A huge thank you for all the great info on the boards. A lot goes completely over my head, but I think I've learned some things too.

The name should tell you of their suitability for a party. They are designed to listen in a near field, with flat response suitable for making a recording. They are not really suitable for live performance, particularly at parties or other events where there will be lots of people.

I don't know that I know of anything suitable for a party that is in the same price range. Perhaps used you can find some Behringer B212A for $300.00 the pair.

_________________
[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 Mcky.

I wondered about that myself and I'm sure I've read that somewhere.

I would like to have something that I could use for both purposes, but I guess there's nothing out there like that?

Pardon my "cluelessness".

I'm not looking to play for large parties, just for intimate family gatherings and such, if that matters.

You could certainly try those. I am sure they are good for recording and a few people listening carefully. Just be prepared for vaguely unsatisfying performance at karaoke.

Nearfield monitors exist because they are the best things for what they do -- providing true flat response for understanding what you are putting on a recording. There are monitors that cost thousands of dollars that would still not be as good for live performance as a pair of $500.00 PA speakers.

Some of this depends on how committed to karaoke you are. If you are like me, these won't be your last purchase. So go with them for right now and start saving for the PA you will want when you expand your karaoke horizons.

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

I've read that some have used the Behringer B2031A - Active 2-Way Studio Monitors ($300/pair) for dual purposes: recording and small family karaoke reunion with great results.
You can find many positive online user reviews on this set which is packed with plenty of power (better yet bi-amped) and loud enough to fill a small room:
* 150w LF + 75w HF
* Frequency Response: 50Hz to 21kHz
* Sound Pressure Level: Maximum 116dB SPL @ 1M (pair)
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHB2031A
http://www.provantage.com/behringer-b2031a~7BEHR007.htm
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... B&ZYXSEM=0

Note: Behringer has just come out with a newer model B3031A to replace the B2031A. Same specifications, but there are not many online user reviews yet on the new model...

I owned a pair of the B-2031A and I must strongly recommend them for what you wish to do These speakers are not perfect for studio simply because they are closer to a home speaker sound but on the other hand, they are not perfect for home either, they really are in between, probably just what you're looking for Generous bass and VERY powerful, and yes, you can sing live but I would recommend a compressor/gate.

I've replaced them with these:
http://www.zzounds.com/item--WHADP82A

About the same price but a BEST BUY for real studio monitors

PS- Just keep in mind that all the great comments about the B-2031A were from the first generation, Behringer lowered their quality lately and it is possible that they are not manufacture by the same company who used to make the one people are referring to Behringer is NOT a recommended brand, it can work or NOT work the first day you plug it

Wildfins, thank you for your advice. I've read many of your informative posts.

And thank you Micky, I've gotten information from your posts that I haven't on other forums.

I appreciate everyone's help!

Wildfins, thank you for your advice. I've read many of your informative posts.

And thank you Micky, I've gotten information from your posts that I haven't on other forums.

I appreciate everyone's help!