Karaoke Forums

Okay my new toy has turned up, without instructions... (go me though I have found them on the net). . .

Since the whole compressor thing is new to me, and i've never seen one before now... can someone just give me quick set up advice for use on a karaoke.

my main questions are

a) whats the difference between balanced and unbalanced conections
b) the manual gives a great example of how to set up the controls before playing... are these the best settings to start with for karaoke (basically all at 12o'clock), considering I have two "screamers" at my show who belt out the chorus to every rock song and "tunefully yet quietly sing the verses".
c) is there anything reguarding the settings i should look out for

thanks in advance.

Doesn't matter for a compressor, as it won't be balanced anyway. And the cable run is so short as to not require a balanced connection.

Balanced has both a send and return line, i.e. supplies the equivalent of its own ground for signal purposes. Unbalanced uses the shield conductor for ground, and is more susceptible to noise. Unless your runs are more than 10-20 feet, it doesn't matter much. Unbalanced can be fine up to 50' and more, but if they run next to flourescent lights or power there can be problems.


Good general purpose settings for karaoke:

2 : 1 ratio (maybe 2.5:1)
-10db onset
Auto attack/release

You might turn the ratio up a bit for a screamer, but don't go over 4:1

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

thanks thats a great help, sadly since neither I or my partner scream, it's gonna be hard to test this one out properly...
but your advice should set us on a good road.

Thanks again

Oh dear.....

How on earth to I plug this thing in and set it up???

I have in my hands several mic leads, several jack to jack leads, one TRS connecter and a mixing desk that says insert.

we are also using one radio mic, of the which the unit is rack mounted in, alongside the compressor. And one lead mic, which we hope to plug into the mixing desk.

I also have one very stressed partner, who has thrown user manuals across the floor, unable (like myself) to interpret and more importantly put into context words like "subgroups", "internal devices" and "chain of processors".

Can anyone comprehend and translate the set up into a language we can both understand.

ha ha ... we have fitted the compressor and it works (we think, none of us can test it because we don't scream into microphones.

You don't have to -- turn the trim/gain up on the microphone, and watch the lights on the compressor. There are a series of LEDs on the front panel labeled "gain reduction". You should easily be able to watch them in operation.

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

With an average singer I like at least one red light blinking.

_________________
Join The Karaokle Singers Social Network. Upload Your Music!!

Just to update everyone, I am in love with the compressor (although I know I'm still not using it to it's full potential). The difference is sound is lovely and has created an show that is much much easier on the ear. I'd recomend a compressor to anyone.

thanks to all who have answered my questions x

I'm getting a yamaha mixer with built in compressor.

Do I only use it for mic channels?

Is this going to make it sound better?

Yes.


It does for me.

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

I find too much makes my ears bleed

That's more than good enough for me