Karaoke Scene's Karaoke Forums :: HTPC Karaoke System?

I don't like Karafun, prefer MTU Hoster personally. However, being it's just a computer you are needing to convert, i'd definitely opt for an external sound card like the Lexicon Alpha.
HDMI is overkill for karaoke since you are just showing words on CDG, if you are running video, it may be more of an issue, but I still don't see it as necessity.

Does your system have Win7 now? If not, run Windows Upgrade Adviser

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/window ... visor.aspx

XP works fine for Karaoke..

Im going to install windows 7. It can handle it fine.

Edit i just saw that the lexicon alpha only has 1 mic port. Is there any other USB mixer? that has 2 mic inputs?

Maybe this? http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=8#specs

jdmeister @ Thu May 06, 2010 7:34 am wrote:

Does your system have Win7 now? If not, run Windows Upgrade Adviser

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/window ... visor.aspx

XP works fine for Karaoke..

You might want to try this:

http://vlc-media-player.en.softonic.com/

It plays everything including cdg and supports all languages :wink:

is a sound card the same as a mixer?
No. Nothing like.

A sound card simply processes the audio from the computer to the amplifier.
It will give better quality than the computer does on it's own.
It can do a bit more than that but that is what we would use it for.

A Mixer like you already know mixes sound in any flavour you like.
It does all the important things that a sound card does not do.

The computer may give sound quality that is acceptable to you.
A mixer would probably be your first requirement.

jerry12x @ Sun May 09, 2010 4:19 pm wrote:

Is there such a thing as a sound card + mixer in one?

My PC has "HD Audio 5.1 channel", do i still need a external sound card? If not can you guys give me any ideas on a decent mixer (2 mic inputs) but i dont really need any fancy functions.

Would something like this be ok?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/KOOL-SOUND-80W-M ... 19bc191a7a

Or

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/MIX800.aspx

Thanks for that Manobeer.

Would something like the Behringer XENEX 1204 be a good device to use (just a mixer and using my own pc sound card)?

donkeyz @ Thu May 13, 2010 6:44 pm wrote:

Thanks for that Manobeer.

Would something like the Behringer XENEX 1204 be a good device to use (just a mixer and using my own pc sound card)?

I think so...

I also believe that the 1204 includes a built in USB sound card, but there may be a few different versions of the 1204.

Behringer is not exactly considered HIGH END around here, but it is miles better than all those "karaoke" toys that marketed as pro gear.

I have the Behringer XENYX X1222USB and I love it. It has everything I need in one unit.

Author:	donkeyz [ Wed May 05, 2010 10:15 pm ]
Post subject:	HTPC Karaoke System?
Hey guys i have been searching for the last week how im going to convert my Ashrock ion 330 BD into a Karaoke Machine. (Going to run Windows 7 unless a different OS is better). I am thinking of running KaraFun but is there anything better (i need it to be simple). I would love it if it was able to do english or chinese like in a karaoke club. I have looked into it and it sounds like i will need a external sound card for the system. I will probably be using the HDMI cable for the output to my TV. What else do i need to create a working Karaoke system Also where can i buy and download good quality karaoke files (chinese songs)

Author:	Lonman [ Thu May 06, 2010 1:43 am ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
I don't like Karafun, prefer MTU Hoster personally. However, being it's just a computer you are needing to convert, i'd definitely opt for an external sound card like the Lexicon Alpha. HDMI is overkill for karaoke since you are just showing words on CDG, if you are running video, it may be more of an issue, but I still don't see it as necessity.

Author:	donkeyz [ Thu May 06, 2010 2:27 am ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
Lonman @ Thu May 06, 2010 1:43 am wrote: I don't like Karafun, prefer MTU Hoster personally. However, being it's just a computer you are needing to convert, i'd definitely opt for an external sound card like the Lexicon Alpha. HDMI is overkill for karaoke since you are just showing words on CDG, if you are running video, it may be more of an issue, but I still don't see it as necessity. $229.99 for MTU Hoster is a bit expensive for me. I would like to have good quality music videos (DVD+ quality) and i already have HDMI output so should be fine. I will have a look into the lexicon alpha though thanks! A few questions, the Lexicon Alpha can have 2 mic inputs, apart from this what else do i need? (speakers amps? or can i diver the sound via HDMI to the TV?) Also i have a cheap dvd player here with 2 mic inputs, can i just buy a CD+G disc and just have karaoke through that? Obviously it would be crappier quality than the Lexicon alpha

Author:	jdmeister [ Thu May 06, 2010 7:34 am ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
Does your system have Win7 now? If not, run Windows Upgrade Adviser http://www.microsoft.com/windows/window ... visor.aspx XP works fine for Karaoke..

Author:	donkeyz [ Thu May 06, 2010 5:22 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
jdmeister @ Thu May 06, 2010 7:34 am wrote: Does your system have Win7 now? If not, run Windows Upgrade Adviser http://www.microsoft.com/windows/window ... visor.aspx XP works fine for Karaoke.. Im going to install windows 7. It can handle it fine. Edit i just saw that the lexicon alpha only has 1 mic port. Is there any other USB mixer? that has 2 mic inputs? Maybe this? http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=8#specs

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Author:	Manobeer [ Thu May 06, 2010 8:47 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
donkeyz @ Thu May 06, 2010 5:22 pm wrote: Im going to install windows 7. It can handle it fine. Edit i just saw that the lexicon alpha only has 1 mic port. Is there any other USB mixer? that has 2 mic inputs? Maybe this? http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=8#specs In that price range there are full fledged sound boards(mixers) with built in USB audio interface, they have plenty of inputs and outs. Alesis Multimix 8 Behringer X1204USB

Author:	Lonman [ Fri May 07, 2010 1:01 am ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
donkeyz @ Thu May 06, 2010 6:22 pm wrote: jdmeister @ Thu May 06, 2010 7:34 am wrote: Does your system have Win7 now? If not, run Windows Upgrade Adviser http://www.microsoft.com/windows/window ... visor.aspx XP works fine for Karaoke.. Im going to install windows 7. It can handle it fine. Edit i just saw that the lexicon alpha only has 1 mic port. Is there any other USB mixer? that has 2 mic inputs? Maybe this? http://www.lexiconpro.com/product.php?id=8#specs You asked about an external sound card, that's all I use it for - and the occasional recording outside music sources like some old tapes and stuff. I have a separate mixer that I use in conjunction with it.

Author:	Micky [ Fri May 07, 2010 4:58 am ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
You might want to try this: http://vlc-media-player.en.softonic.com/ It plays everything including cdg and supports all languages

Author:	donkeyz [ Sun May 09, 2010 3:12 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
Micky @ Fri May 07, 2010 4:58 am wrote: You might want to try this: http://vlc-media-player.en.softonic.com/ It plays everything including cdg and supports all languages Yeah but i want a system that be controlled via a remote like at a Karaoke place Im a little confused. I have a computer, i want to be able to be able to have 2 normal mic inputs going for karaoke. I dont really need any advanced feature (is a sound card the same as a mixer?) just 2 inputs, ability to turn up or down mic volume and sound half decent. I know i will need to get good speakers but i want to get the inputs down first.

Author:	jerry12x [ Sun May 09, 2010 4:19 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
is a sound card the same as a mixer? No. Nothing like. A sound card simply processes the audio from the computer to the amplifier. It will give better quality than the computer does on it's own. It can do a bit more than that but that is what we would use it for. A Mixer like you already know mixes sound in any flavour you like. It does all the important things that a sound card does not do. The computer may give sound quality that is acceptable to you. A mixer would probably be your first requirement.

Author:	donkeyz [ Sun May 09, 2010 5:00 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
jerry12x @ Sun May 09, 2010 4:19 pm wrote: is a sound card the same as a mixer? No. Nothing like. A sound card simply processes the audio from the computer to the amplifier. It will give better quality than the computer does on it's own. It can do a bit more than that but that is what we would use it for. A Mixer like you already know mixes sound in any flavour you like. It does all the important things that a sound card does not do. The computer may give sound quality that is acceptable to you. A mixer would probably be your first requirement. Is there such a thing as a sound card + mixer in one?

Author:	Lonman [ Mon May 10, 2010 10:29 am ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
donkeyz @ Sun May 09, 2010 6:00 pm wrote: jerry12x @ Sun May 09, 2010 4:19 pm wrote: is a sound card the same as a mixer? No. Nothing like. A sound card simply processes the audio from the computer to the amplifier. It will give better quality than the computer does on it's own. It can do a bit more than that but that is what we would use it for. A Mixer like you already know mixes sound in any flavour you like. It does all the important things that a sound card does not do. The computer may give sound quality that is acceptable to you. A mixer would probably be your first requirement. Is there such a thing as a sound card + mixer in one? Mackie ProFx series mixer. Allen & Heath have one as well.

Author:	donkeyz [ Wed May 12, 2010 7:24 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
My PC has "HD Audio 5.1 channel", do i still need a external sound card? If not can you guys give me any ideas on a decent mixer (2 mic inputs) but i dont really need any fancy functions. Would something like this be ok? http://cgi.ebay.com.au/KOOL-SOUND-80W-M ... 19bc191a7a Or http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/MIX800.aspx

Author:	halaka69 [ Wed May 12, 2010 10:21 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
Hi All, don't know where to put this sorry. but this is what I got as response from Tricerasoft Support after asking for help on $145.00 Swift Elite: Please let me know what you think of this people with the REPLY BELOW. " You had 4 (@$%&#!) hours of free customer servive - who does that? Why did I do that for you??!?!??! You are not listening. (@$%&#!), you still have no clue - FFDShow is a universal CODEC - BUT YOU DON'T (@$%&#!) GET IT!!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT UNIVERSAL MEANS!?!? HOW DO YOU ADD EVERY CODEC ON THE PLANET IN ONE PROGRAM!!?? WHAT PATCH??!? YOU DON'T PROGRAM CODECS INTO A PROGRAM, YOU INSTALL THEM AND THEY ARE USED! GET A (@$%&#!) CLUE! "

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Author:	Jian [ Wed May 12, 2010 11:59 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
halaka69 You don't need to hijack a thread to put your story up. START a new thread.

Author:	Manobeer [ Thu May 13, 2010 1:02 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
donkeyz @ Wed May 12, 2010 7:24 pm wrote: My PC has "HD Audio 5.1 channel", do i still need a external sound card? If not can you guys give me any ideas on a decent mixer (2 mic inputs) but i dont really need any fancy functions. Would something like this be ok? http://cgi.ebay.com.au/KOOL-SOUND-80W-M ... 19bc191a7a Or http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/MIX800.aspx You do not NEED an external sound card, but it would be better than the Y cables that would go to your mixer from the earphone jack. 5.1 audio, might be ok to watch movies through your surround system but not really good for karaoke. When looking for a mixer, dont buy a product that says "karaoke". Buy a REAL mixer, some have built in USB sound cards in them. Kinda like this http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=630166 Or buy a mixer without built in sound card and use a Y cable to get sound from your PC and maybe later add the external sound card(to get better quality audio) like this http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=631266 Either way you would be better off than the products you linked, and there are hundreds of different options. Just trying to keep things around the price point you were shopping.

Author:	donkeyz [ Thu May 13, 2010 6:44 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
Thanks for that Manobeer. Would something like the Behringer XENEX 1204 be a good device to use (just a mixer and using my own pc sound card)?

Author:	tom2000 [ Thu May 13, 2010 9:10 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
If you want a player that works like a system you find in the Chinese karaoke place and use the remote. You should check out Walaoke. Can be found at http://www.walaoke.com Karafun is simple, but not as easy to make use of remote. Even other KJ software is not as easy. Walaoke allow to use numbering system that you can build and use the remote. It supports almost every kind of formats, DVD, MP3+CDG, MP3+LRC.

Author:	Manobeer [ Thu May 13, 2010 11:32 pm ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
donkeyz @ Thu May 13, 2010 6:44 pm wrote: Thanks for that Manobeer. Would something like the Behringer XENEX 1204 be a good device to use (just a mixer and using my own pc sound card)? I think so... I also believe that the 1204 includes a built in USB sound card, but there may be a few different versions of the 1204. Behringer is not exactly considered HIGH END around here, but it is miles better than all those "karaoke" toys that marketed as pro gear. I have the Behringer XENYX X1222USB and I love it. It has everything I need in one unit.

Author:	donkeyz [ Fri May 14, 2010 12:46 am ]
Post subject:	Re: HTPC Karaoke System?
Manobeer @ Thu May 13, 2010 11:32 pm wrote: donkeyz @ Thu May 13, 2010 6:44 pm wrote: Thanks for that Manobeer. Would something like the Behringer XENEX 1204 be a good device to use (just a mixer and using my own pc sound card)? I think so... I also believe that the 1204 includes a built in USB sound card, but there may be a few different versions of the 1204. Behringer is not exactly considered HIGH END around here, but it is miles better than all those "karaoke" toys that marketed as pro gear. I have the Behringer XENYX X1222USB and I love it. It has everything I need in one unit. How do i tell if the 1204 im buying has a sound card or not?