Karaoke Forums

First of all, thanks to everyone. I cannot tell you how much I have learned from this board.

Now, I think it might be more fun to put a system together by getting the bits and pieces from eBay, rather than buying an all-in-one complete karaoke system.

So there are 2 options that I'm considering:

a) Powered mixer with passive speakers
b) Mixer with powered/active speakers

So here are some very important questions for you:

1) At the same price range, which option tends to SOUND better?
2) Which option is more preferred by karaoke singers (not KJs, as this is for home use)?
3) which option is more suitable for recording?

Thanks in advance!!!
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1) It depends upon the match between units The powered speakers are easier to match up with other components.

2) Singers just want to hear themseves and sound decent.

3) the non powered mixer will give more outs and is more adaptable for recording

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Good move.


I would say the powered mixer with passive speakers at the lower end of the price range, with the powered speakers sounding better higher in the price range. But either can do the job.

Personally for a home system I like the Yamaha EMX312SC with the Yamaha BR12 speakers. If you want something which will sound somewhat better and cost some more, go to the Yamaha EMX512SC with the S112V speakers. You can choose the 15" speakers (i.e. BR15 or S115) if you want to increase bass at the sacrifice of some space.

These will be $1000-$1400 new in a package with stands, cables, and mics.

It will be easy to set up, has useful effects, compression, and equalization, and will sound very good.

Any powered speaker setup in the same range will find it difficult to compete in ease of setup. It will also have no equalization. If I were forced to recommend something, I would probably pick the Yamaha MG124CX mixer with Yorkville NX25 or YM15 speakers. It would be between the above two options in price at about $1200 (not including stands/cables).

Here's one with a cheap pair of powered speakers -- can't speak for their sound:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=631056

Toss the Nady mics and buy a Shure SM58 or even Behringer XM8500 instead.


They simply don't care. The setup time for a powered mixer will typically be shorter, which they might like.


No difference -- either or both could work or not work.

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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.

Without going into great detail here are my thoughts.

1) Over the years I've had all three systems. separate amps, speakers and board / powered mixer with passive speakers / powered speakers with with passive mixer. I prefer the powered speakers with a passive board approach. It gives you the advantage of amps, speakers and crossover points being matched properly (which is ideal for a novice or someone that just doesn't want to think about it) with the flexibility of a traditional passive mixing console.

2) as mentioned singers really aren't all that picky, they just want to hear themselves, but I do think you gain a little clarity with the (quality) powered speaker approach.

3) Passive mixers tend to be more flexible with greater patching abilities and quite often give you better Pre amps and EQ sections than say a powered mixer. Although there are a few powered mixers that have decent Pre amps and EQ's. It's more the exception than the rule. Also powered mixers are generally fairly limited in their patching abilities in comparison.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye

I prefer amps with passive speakers simply because it's a more versatile setup, but since I believe you have stated this is primarily for you own home use, I may opt for a simple mixer with effects & a couple good powered speakers, nice simple setup that will sound very nice & still have options to record your songs - if you have a computer already, very EASILY record you songs.

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Amazingly helpful responses from everyone!!!

So I went to Guitar Center today, and just realized how humongous these speakers are (passive and powered). I'll be using the system in a 15x15 room.

Due to the small size of the room, can I get away with just buying one speaker instead of 2 for the passive speaker route? Or the powered speaker route?

FYI, right now, I'm leaning towards the passive mixer + powered speaker route.

Again, thanks for your inputs!
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If this is ONLY going to be for indoor home use, try using powered studio monitors instead of PA speakers.

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Dave's not here.

TIME OUT!!!

Good thing that I posted that question. Yeah, some these PA speakers were the size of a small fridge. Yes, the system will be indoor usage only (15'x15' type room).

1) So, it's ok to use studio monitors for my situation?
2) What about sound clipping from small monitor speakers?
3) What is the good monitor speaker wattage for a 15x15 indoor room?
4) I'm not going to spend $$$ on the JBL or Mackie monitors, what are some other more economically friendly and quality brands out there? I'm thinking $300 range, so please recommend both, brands and models.
5) Do I still need a pair, is one enough?

Thanks!!!
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Studio monitors are "near field" monitors. They are designed for single listener close by. They do not hold up well in a crowded environment in a room.

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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.

There will be no crowd, just me in a small room practicing. With that new information in mind, what do you think about the questions in my previous post?

If you torture me until I confess, I will tell you the near-field monitors will probably work for practice. But I doubt you will be happy with just practicing forever.

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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.

Behringer TRUTH B2030A Active Monitors - Pair $299 for the pair. This will also add up to about 220 watts RMS total power. They'll fill a 15 x 15 room.

The thing about any studio monitor is that they're designed to be as accurate as possible when reproducing the sound, whereas normal speakers might have frequency "bumps" to "enhance" the sound. These speakers aren't going to flatter your voice. I'd also advise using a high quality mike, because you'll hear every audible flaw

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Dave's not here.

Thanks for your Behringer recommendation.

From your post above, wouldn't the mixer be able to do -> frequency "bumps" to "enhance" the sound?

Just want to learn as much as I can about speakers.

True, but this will have to do for now.

Still, no one has answered my question about just getting ONE speaker instead of a pair.

Honestly, don't do it I've been there before... I had a pair of Behringer Truth B2031A, they worked for a while but what happen is it's only for a while Why not do it right in the first place? People always talk about 15" speakers and I simply can't understand why??? For the size of your room, you don't need a 15", get a good pair of passive where you can use in you room all by yourself and start building from them I'm using a pair of EV ZX1, they're cheap and very flat, you'll be able to mix with them with no EQ. Later on, get yourself an active sub with a crossover and you'll have the perfect setup

http://www.zzounds.com/item--ELVZX190

These speakers are easy to drive, you'll be able to find an amp for it at a decent price

People are making the mistake of buying 15" speakers and will be using a sub and a crossover Why spend so much for mid & high when an 8-10 or 12" would work better for less???

Good luck!

QSC K8 speakers are small, light and sound amazing. Good enough for your to decide to use for your backyard party. They're not huge and I can't believe the sound they get out of them.

Hey Micky, you're so fine, you're so fine...

I'm so confused by your post. All I want is either passive mixer + powered speakers OR powered mixer + passive speakers. Something that sounds good + suitable for a 15x15 room, with future recording possibility (via laptop) down the road.

Like you wrote, I do want to do it right from the beginning. I don't want to spend $$$ and then later go into a different route.

OMG, information overload!!! What is this "amp" and "active sub" and "crossover" business?

Too much $$$ for my budget.

Sorry, didn't mean to get you more confused active or passive??? Both choices are good, it really depends on your budget... You see, I'm a huge fan of EV and especially the ZX series and most EV are passive, so I can only recommend what I think is best

I've done a lot of shopping, compared most suggested brand that are suggested on this site, and to my sensitive ears, EV is on it's own class when it comes to a clean, smooth and detailed sound.

For the size of your room, which is the size of my room BTW I would get a good pair of passive like the ZX1, a passive mixer and a decent amp

I don't think you'll be spending more than an active mixer with passive speakers or passive mixer with active speakers, it's just a question of choosing the components that you'll be pleased with for MANY years

So to really answer your question; Passive speakers is my choice but not with a power mixer but a passive mixer with a decent power amp

Here's what I would recommend:

The EV ZX-1:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=581425

Connected to this amp:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=480697

And this mixer:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=630142

Only thing missing is a sub which you'll be needing if you plan to make a party with your system You won't believe how clean this system will sound, you'll keep it for years... You'll be able to use for live and studio, these ZX are VERY flat so NO EQ is needed and the mixer already has a built in DSP and compression

You'll never see me recommend the Behringer brand, but I have to admit that this EP2500 amp is really getting a good press and many KJ are using it and are pleased with it.

Hope this helps