Karaoke Forums

Oh yes, I am getting bitter. I am getting sick and tired of people pretending to be KJ’s. Don’t people realize that to be a good KJ, you need more then just a mixer and a CDG player??

As a long time KJ I spend quite some time on the different karaoke forums. What I do notice is that there are always a lot of questions regarding “What do I buy?” That, I think is a very good starting point for a new KJ, what does bother me though is that nobody ever asks “What can I do to make the system sound good?”

You can have a crappy system (so to speak) and make it sound good, but without the right know-how, you can make a good system sound crappy. I am getting so tired of going to karaoke places just to be disappointed by a KJ that bought a low end system, a couple of disks from Wal-Mart and now hoping he/she can make a quick buck or 2 (Normally less then $100 per night)

The worst thing for me is to walk in a karaoke bar, seeing a great system, and then just to hear that the mix is absolute junk. Why does the music have to be louder then the mic?? Does that KJ never listen to music on the radio? If you are a KJ you should be proud of what you’re doing. Get up from your lazy butt from where you sit/stand when someone is singing and listen to sound QUALITY. Does it sound like the CD in your car? (Quality wise, not necessarily vocal wise) If not, learn how to mix. Another thing……….when you setup the mic you as KJ use for singing, give that same mic to your guests. Why are you as KJ using a great quality wireless mic when you sing, but your guest gets a crappy $29.00 mic??? This happens ever so often.

Remember people, not all singers are a bunch of drunks trying to impress their friends. There are a lot of serious vocalists out there.

or not just serious vocalists, but serious sound people too!

Allstar.. I have seen what some of the KJ's have in Arizona and New Mexico.. have for sound systems.. amazing what they get by with.

I'm trying to stay modest here but for what they get paid versus what I get (or have been getting) a night there is quite a gap, both in income and sound quality, equipment quality, and class of show.

Now before Ron jumps in here, I wanna include the fact that some venues around these places don't wish to drop that much into entertainment, and just want a inexpensive form of entertainment.

And when You have a system that is capable of providing 8 mixes to any act or event at the drop of a hat, and a A/V show complete with 50" & 60" HDTV plasma screens to back it up on a couple hours notice.. I consider that pretty significant of a show. ANYWHERE!
Sometimes I wonder if I'm not a PIMP for the karaoke industry?

_________________
Brian D.
(BHB)

You make and excellent point! Several things need to come together to make for a good KJ show. Adequate equipment for the venue, ability to get the sound right (skill/talent), and work ethic (i.e., caring for how the performers sound).

I my favorite KJ has a good system, really knows how to use it, and works to get each individual sounding their best ! It is a joy to perform and be an audience member. Thanks TopCat!!!

My least favorite KJ contorts the vocals so bad you can't understand or even hear the words. He does this for every singer including himself, whether they are great or challenged. And all this with a HUGE song list, and a 'Super' system.

Maybe I am getting old, but smoke machines don't seem necessary or appropriate at a KJ show either! If it is a disco dance show, that is one thing, but when people are trying to sing, the smoke is murder on the throat (as well as the contacts )

_________________
neverheardofher

Old Paint,
You do make also a great point, i go to places that only have a "Core" selection.. ! ya know what been there done that.. some of us that are true "singers" as you can see just don't sing those songs. we are looking for some song that is out of the "norm" and will travel distances to sing a whole night to find shows with those songs. Agree? I know I do.

_________________
Brian D.
(BHB)

I don't use smoke machines anymore there is a steam mister out now that is much better.

_________________
Brian D.
(BHB)

I dont know what I would think of that. does it add moisture to the air? My hair is frizzing just thinking about it!

_________________
neverheardofher

Never,
It's not that bad.. I even use them onstage and don't wear a hat and "Aussie Freeze" kinda like hairspray and ya know what? The humidity isn't enough to get the frizzies. but the pros are going to it more and more because it's tons easier on the voice.

BTW-Just got a Invitation to the MN State Fair AMATUER talent comp..
Too bad I can't go.. I'm a Pro! But gave it thought. <g> I definately have passed it on to some really good amatuers though.
Although I doubt any will go. But you and Old Paint should enter.

_________________
Brian D.
(BHB)

Hmmmmm, wonder how one could get info on that?? I would like to go just to watch the talent.

_________________
OUTLOUD Karaoke, where everyone is a star.

I can relate to the karoake novice who seeks the opinion of others for the purpose of purchasing decent equipment. It's logical to ask the opinion of seasoned veterans who for the most part use average to above average quality equipment and can make good suggestions by simple quoting brand names and model numbers.

The issue of perceived sound quality is an ellusive issue, and a complex one at that. There are endless variables that can and do enter the picture. In every karaoke installation there can be poor sound quality. Something not possible to troubleshoot from a distance. The simple fact is, every installation has its own technical issues, and these issues must be addressed in person on an individual basis. There is no other way!

As an electronic engineer, technician, and KJ, I constantly take issue with the apathetic viewpoint of most KJ's. Their knowledge is understandably minimal at best. However, thier reluctance to accept help from those with the knowledge has alsways been a source of amazement to me. In many situations I offered my personal services at no cost, only to have them show no interest, ignore me, and then seek opinion of lay person who is totally clueless. Go figure! Recently, I sought to help a KJ who is not only has hearing loss, but tone deaf to boot. I diplomatically offered to adjust the sound system and was promptly given a blank stare. This fellow then prceeded to approach the bartender to ask her if the music sounded ok. Being the politically correct animal she was of course, she answered .... "Yes, it sounds fine!" Well so much for that idea.

I don't fight it any longer. I reached the point of just moving on to another lounge to sing where the quality and attitude is of a higher standard. The reduction of hourly wages over the years has led to apathy with reduced quality KJ personnel. Quality karaoke sound has become an extremely rare treat.

In this life folks, you get what you pay for!

Best regards,

Lee

From the Carvin web site, http://www.carvin.com/doctorsound/ some tips on set ups, speakers, EQing and feedback. Every venue is different, but the basics remain the same.
We always get comments from bands, and singers at our Karaoke shows, about how good the sound is at the bar. Before it was a bar it was a movie theater (1930's)

_________________
"Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing about."
Benjamin Franklin