Karaoke Forums

Hello,

I am trying to set up a portable karaoke system and am having trouble picking out the appropriate parts for it.

All of my karaoke is in mp3 and DVD format, so I don't need a MIDI interface, but I am looking for a quality audio interface that would be usb-powered only, and have a good mic pre-amp.

My goal is to be able to connect this to a desktop, laptop and to my car (I have a carputer and am trying to build an auto-karaoke).

So far, I tried connecting the mic simply to my onboard cards, but the quality is terrible and the mic has almost no power (the sound from the mic is much to weak and there is no way to amplify it).

I've looked at some Yamaha, M-Audio and Lexicon usb interfaces, but none of them seem to have EXACTLY what I'm looking for.

Does anyone know of a usb-powered audio interface with the following parameters:
- stereo mic input
- mic preamp
- stereo line input (1/8" or RCA)
- channel mixers
- stereo output (1/8" or RCA)
...and preferably, but optionally:
- mono line input(s) (1/4")

If you can suggest an interface to use, or, possibly, an alternative setup, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

I would try an external usb soundcard that has rca outs. The one I use is the Behringer U-Control 202.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... &src=00633

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Lexicon makes several interfaces, it looks like the Lexicon Lambda has all the features you are looking for. You might have to use a couple of adapters to get the connections you want but that would be an easy fix. I'm not sure why you are looking for some of the things you are looking for, the USB port would handle most of them . Take a look.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... B&ZYXSEM=0

This isn't the cheapest place to get one but the info is good, the cheapest I seen was at

http://www.audiolines.com/product.php?productid=18441

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

Second the Behringer

The UCA202 is fine for what it is, but what it isn't is what the original poster requested. The original post asks for an interface with specific features, which means he is really looking for more than just an interface. He is looking for a small USB powered desktop studio which the Lexicon Lambda is. Now lets take a peek at the UCA202 and see if it meets the criteria. Last I knew it didn't have a provision for the requested Mic inputs, so that would also rule out the requested Mic pre amps and I don't happen to see the ability to mix channels as requested. I use the Lexicon Omega which isn't USB powered as requested, so I didn't recommend that either.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

Just out of curiosity, is it you need stereo mic inputs or just 2 mic inputs in general, there would be no reason to need a stereo mic input since vocals are generally mono anyway.
I would second the Lexicon - more pro connections - balanced 1/4" jacks than just the RCA outputs of the Behringer. Better sound & connections in general. I use a Lexicon Alpha - 1 mic in only so this wouldn't work in your situation, but the sound is very good & clean.

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How about this:

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp ... v=features

keep in mind that all the cheaper usb interfaces do is convert onboard sound to usb.

this one really sparks my interest..

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The behringer does have a mike input it is just interchangable with the monitor out with a switch telling it which is which. That said Karyoker's suggestion of the Emu is a good one although I believe the poster wants USB powered.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Thanks everyone for your feedback!

The connection I'm trying to achieve is:
Comp + mic -> interface -> car stereo
Since both my comp output, mic and car stereo input have 1/8" connectors, it would be ideal if the interface had the same connectors.


These brands dont offer stereo inputs, so I guess they wouldnt work, am i right?
- Lexicon
- EMU
- Line 6
- M-Audio MobilePre
- Tascam

These are the only 2 that seem to have a stereo input:
- M-Audio Fast Track USB
- Yamaha Audiogram3

Do I have to choose between the 2 above, or am I getting this all wrong?

So lets see if we can get this right. Your only concern is to be able to mix a Mic input and a stereo line input in a USB powered interface and be able to send the mix to an 1/8" line out? I do think there is some confusion, ( I know I'm getting there) as pretty much all of them you mentioned could do what your asking it to do.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

I guess there's definitely some confusion My apologies if I wasnt clear to start with.

That is primarily what I want to do. Optionally, it would be NICE if there would be more than 1 mic input, but that's not imperative.

All I'm looking for is a usb-powered interface that would mix a stereo line and mic(s), but manually on the interface (I don't want to fiddle around with the software, mixing the sound through an application) and then output in stereo.

I'd be ok with using cable converters (doesn't have to be a 1/8", even though that would be ideal) but most interfaces don't have a STEREO input for the line...