Karaoke Forums

Hello all,
I am a newbie in the PA world. Please help me choose the correct or should I say needed equipment for my home karaoke system. I have been contemplating whether I should buy the dbx driverack PA+ OR just the dbx 166XL Dual Compressor Limiter/Gate and the BBE 482i Sonic Maximizer?
I'm running a Dell Laptop with a Mackie M2000 amp along with a Mackie ProFX8 mixer into 2 BMB CS 250 speakers and have an Alexis MidiVerb 4. I'm interested in getting the best sound as possible. Also, do I really need the compressor/limiter for home use? Thanks for your time.

First, you'll get opinions both ways on the Driverack PA+ versus BBE question because like anuses everyone has an opinion and neither option is wrong. For me, when chosing between two units to do the job or one unit, I always look at ease of use. For instance having a separate delay and reverb unit is my preference because it's easier to take one out or adjust one or the other when their separate. When both affects are applied in the same unit it's often tougher. Now as it applies to your question, my opinion is that the Driverack PA+ is easy enough to use that having everything built into one unit is cool. Besides, the configurations you're setting are typically going to change through the course of the show once you've got it dialed in. So in this case I'd recommend going with the Driverack PA+ and saving yourself the extra rack space and some weight.

As far as your compression question it perplexes me because in the sentence just before it you said "I'm interested in getting the best sound as possible". If that's the case then why would you be looking to compromise? Get the compressor on the vocals. It makes it easier to mix properly and in the end can even help protect your equipment. Read up on how to use it properly, but once you get it setup you'll be golden.

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DJ Tony
Let It Rip Karaoke

Thank you Letitrip. I will go with the driverack PA+.

There is no need for a Driverack in a home use only situation honestly. Get a decent compressor on the mics & you'll be fine.

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With the gear list given it appears that some compromises have already been made. I will have to agree with Lonnie, if this is strictly for home use IMO a Driverack would be overkill at this point.

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Quickness of mind will deceive the eye