Karaoke Forums

Can I get any suggestions on a pretty decent pa package( powered mixer, speakers, etc.) that can be purchased for under $1000. I mainly do smaller bars and private clubs. Thanks.

I'm a big fan of Carvin's RX series powered mixers. They offer very clean power, and a lot of versatility in main/monitoring setup. Plus they're very rugged units that can take the beating of constant road use. I'm currently using an older RX1200 along with several differernt speaker combos for the jobs i'm doing, which will either be karaoke, open mike, dj or even a combination of all three in the same show.

Carvin's currently offering a combo of an RX800, a pair of 2-way 15" speaker cabs, a pair of stands, and a pair of mics for $1099 + shipping.

https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... RX800-1502

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Dave's not here.

I like the Yamaha EMX512C plus S115V speakers. If you get the speakers used, you might make it down to $1000. If you want, you can go for the BR15 speakers though I don't think they are nearly as good.

I find the integrated compression very useful in karaoke, and that the effects are decent and easy to use.

Other setups are going to be more flexible for future expansion to be sure. But you aren't going to get a great-sounding setup for anywhere near $1000.

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

Every one has their favorites. I like the Mackie 406M powered mixer along with Sonic T12s, or T15s. Add some Sonic 12 inch monitors. The Mackie has a wide range of effects, 6 channels, graphic and parabolic EQ, and power can be split between speakers and monitors, with separate EQ controls. This would be adequate for small rooms. I DJ with this at outdoor car shows with no trouble...minus the monitors of course. You could opt for bigger Mackies in that series with more power. The "M" means monoraul, but they do as well have stereo units where the model name would have an "S" in it.

I second the SM series Mackie speakers. I use the 350s (10 inch) in medium sized rooms (combined with the 15-inch sub), and the 450s cover absolutely ANY venue we'd play at. (They're too big for a lot of venues). Hound CL and you can find pairs of these speakers occasionally. I scored bigtime with my 450s, got both for $400 with stands and heavy-duty cables...don't ever expect to find that kind of deal again but I did see a pair recently for $800. The original 450s would occasional "therm out" if they were being used as monitors (like in a live band situation) but for karaoke I've never had that happen. I still enjoy sitting out front and listening to the clarity of these speakers...nice full range sound.

Yamaha EMX512SC + Yamaha S115's

Great value for money. The mixer is light as ever and is extremely roadworthy. Speakers sound great for the price.

I personally would pair the mixer with EV SX300, however this would put you over budget immediately. I have used this rig for over 3 years every weekend, and no I do not take good care of my gear. I just toss it into the back of my CRV at the end of the night. And the Mixer and Speakers are so light, they make setting up a joy.

Karaoke bars are usually not that fussed about perfection in your sound setup. Unless you are the finicky type, you could probably get a system that works from Wharfedale or someone for well under the $1000 mark.

I hope this helps.

Vic in Sydney

Yup, guess it depends on your application. We use our setup for much more than karaoke in a small bar so I guess if you're thinking ahead to other things there is more to consider. I don't believe in investing on the short end of things if I can avoid it because sure as fate you'll have to at some point in the future put out more than you'd have to ... if it means picking up a very well paying gig that's in a bigger place, etc. Just something to think about.

Search Craigslist religiously....or put a "wanted" on there and see what happens. You never know when your ad might prompt someone to think about selling gear they're not using anymore. DOn't put what you're willing to spend. Ask what they have and what they're willing to part for it for.

If you're doing smaller venues then you don't need S115V speakers with 15" woofers and you don't need a 500 watt per channel $569 EMX512 powered mixer either.

For small venues you can use 12" or even high quality 10" speakers. Get a Samson PG3800 amp for around $325 and you'll have enough power for when you scrape together some money for a subwoofer or two.

$1,000 budget isn't much. Check Carvin's website for speakers, they have a good selection and their quality and what you get for your money is good. Even consider a pair of Carvin 12" powered speakers, then all you need is a mixer and some microphones and a few cables. This is a pretty simple setup to learn too.

Make sure you get a couple of good mics like the Sennheiser e835 or Shure SM58. You'll have them FOREVER because they never wear out. An inexpensive and decent starter wireless mic system is the Nady DKW Duo-about $50 and it includes two microphones.

You should be able to get a decent mixer for $150-$300. A really good one for around $400.

I own the Electro Voice Zx1 speakers and I get a lot of complements on my sound. They are small, light and put out a surprising amount of sound for their size. They're kind of expensive, around $275 each. I found them on ebay for $180 a piece.

if you can find them, consider 10" powered Peaveys and go from there

Yeah, what he said. The Peavey Impulse either powered or non powered are decent speakers. If you can find a used pair on craig's list that's even better.

Keep in mind what you'll be using your equipment for when choosing. I prefer passive speakers because they are lighter in weight. Tearing down and setting up is easier for me this way. Just make sure you have enough power to run them if you decide to go passive. Also keep in mind the size of the venues you'll be working and that the speakers are compatible with the rest of your equipment.

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[shadow=pink][glow=deepskyblue]. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
[updown]~*~ MONKEY BUSINESS KARAOKE~*~ [/shadow][/updown][/glow]

Which PA package is a BIG question. The truth is ALL of the manus offer a powered mixer and some speakers to accomodate your budget. Personally I use the Yamaha EMX512 but someone suggested maybe TO much power...YAMAHA also offers a EMX312 and some 12"sv112 speakers. I would suggest whichever way you choose to stay matched ? YAMAHA MIXER / YAMAHA SPEAKERS ...just my $.02
Mackie / Peavey / Carvin / Yamaha and yes EVEN Behringer offer some good featured packed powered mixers for small to medium sized venues. You may also want to go to some LITEWEIGHT speakers ...Like a PEAVEY PR12" or PR15" you'll lose a little on the LOW END bass but they are GREAT ON YOUR BACK and sound VERY GOOD.

Good Luck , let us know what you decide

There's no such thing as too much power for a PA.

If you're pushing an UNDER powered PA to it's limits to get enough volume, you're sending distorted sound to the speakers, which A) sounds bad and B) increases the risk of blowing your speakers.

With an "OVER" powered PA, you simply turn it down, which means it's doing less work, generally sending the cleanest possible sound to your speakers, and sounding it's best.

Always go for as much clean power as you can afford. it will save you money and grief in the long run.

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Dave's not here.

If you are interested in putting on a real karaoke show that will make people sound good, with anything approaching a "live" sound, strongly recommend staying away from 10" speakers. Or 12" speakers, for that matter, unless you plan on soon adding a subwoofer.

If you want something that will do a KJ's job portably, with minimal setup time, and sound good, you can't do better than the EMX512SC and S115V. It will have a real professional live sound, with compression, effects, some equalization. Everything you need with four things to plug in.

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[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 narrowed it down to these:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Peavey-XR-8 ... 1169688.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-EMX3 ... 1153388.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Peavey-XR-8 ... 1166576.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Behringer-P ... 1368123.gc

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha-EMX5 ... 1153387.gc

https://www.carvinguitars.com/products/ ... RX800-1502

I hope I did this right. Any thoughts on these. Thx.

I like the Yamaha set and the Behringer set up.

thanks for your input lordairgtar. I was leaning towards the Behringer cause it's more in my price range but with the payment plan, I can spend a little more.

Does anyone know much about these Peavey set ups?

You might want to try a local music store or used store that specializes in sound systems. A lot of people will get into karaoke, DJ, or band thinking they will make it big or whatever, then don't and get rid of the gear. There would be nothing wrong with it, just not used. You can also check into buying rental gear. You could get better quality used gear cheaper, than new cheaper gear. Unless the stuff has been thrown around or blown out, gear should last a very long time. Some warranties (Yorkvillefor one) are transferable.

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You can be strange but not a stranger

I like this one, though personally I would try to go used and find an EMX512SC and a pair of S115V. The better your speaker, the better your sound, and the S115V is top-notch in it's range. The BR-15 is just OK.

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