Karaoke Forums

Read a thread in the archive on this topic that seemed to veer off topic so I thought I'd start another.

I have a Shure UHF wireless mic, but didn't want to share it. I don't like wired mics for karaoke, so I wanted to add a pair of usable wireless mics just for karaoke. I got a recommendation for the Gemini UX-1600M Dual UHF, 16 channel setup. Best price I found was $200. This fits my requirements.

I'm ready to get these, but wanted to complete my required amount of over analyzation. Any horror stories?

These only need to work for the less than critical singers. If a good singer shows up that hates the Gemini, I might offer up the Shure.

For background, I do karaoke as a hobby mostly for folks I know. My day job is not related to music. My PA rig is the one I use for my heavy metal and top 40 band(s). It's way overkill for my karaoke stuff, but people find it cool to hear themselves coming through a nice 7,500 watt, well tuned rig with full monitors in front of them.

Many thanks,

Tom

I went with the Gemini UX-1620M dual UHF mics. I got them for my kids more for karaoke gigs. The kids were singing today with a pair of wired mics in the living room and everything got tangled up real quick.

I'll probably stay with 2 wired and 1 wireless for karaoke gigs. Probably just the Shure wireless.

Thanks,

Tom

Tomhole,
You get what you pay for in wireless microphones. Audix is real close to releasing a mic that is close if not better than the Shure XLS- Beta 87 and Audio Technica 3000 series Wireless microphones. The cost may be close to the range of an AT but reduced slightly which is excellent news. Mine is about a few weeks away. I'll update when they are recieved and also they are released. I think the street date is Summer NAMM.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

Hi

I would strongly recommend the NADY wireless systems. I bought those because I know Nady has superb quality wireless mic's

Try www.music123.com. I bought from them and am really happy with the service.

Search for the Nady Encore Duet HT (duel receiver, 2 mics for $189) or if you prefer the single units (what I have), Nady UHF LT U. 1 receiver per mic, all inclusive for $139.

Very clear crispy mics!

nady may have changed thier tune recently in the wireless market but still can't keep pace with the AT, AKG, Shure and other UHF professional level microphines that are out there.. nady is still on the level if not a step above vocopro in my book.

If ANYONE can name to me 12 or more "Major" national acts that use thier or endorse thier wireless microphones.. Then I'll look into using them.. in short they are not roadworthy. and that is one consideration i use when buying a product.. is roadworthyness.. are they going to last if they get dropped.. can they be repaired?

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Brian D.
(BHB)

Come on, BeachHeadBum

You know that many a professional band and recording studios use Nady mic's. They have a nice crisp sound in the mid's range, and you don't have to boost your bass or tops on the mixer to get a clear sound. Just above Vocopro , that's a bit harsh, I would say.

Anyway, everybody has a right to their opinion. I think the best way for Tom to buy a mic is to demo a couple at his local music shop, and then buy online.

ps. Having only Nady wireless mic's myself I have seen them all go through some serious drop-tests, and they still work, day after day.

Allstar,
I saw nady's line at summer NAMM last year in Nashville.. I was only impressed by a few items.. to say the least 95% of the wireless stuff was not impressive at all.. maybe improved but not "roadworthy" as of yet, in my opinion. Maybe this summer session they can change my mind when I swing by thier booth as again I will be there on the floor. and I definately will let you folks know about my review of the great things that are new for audio and karaoke.. unfortunately Nashville tends to be a "Guitar" heavy show.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

About 2 years I was offered the opportunity to use a pair ofWireless vhf Fleco Mics (Don't know who makes them) under $200 for pair these mics are unbeliveable, great sound, good looking, feel good , etc. been dropped many times, I've had to replace one of them about $50.....
I also set up 2 shure 58 wired mics so the singer has a choice, I run a first class system(Mackie , Crown, Peavey, Jbl) and a high energy show, these mics have really served me well....just my 2 cents...Ken

BeachHeadBum,
(brian),

When I can get $1,000 - $600,000 for a show like you can, I'll start using Gold Plated Mics. with diamond diaphrams. But you must remember most of us are doing shows for $150.00 a night, and 400-600.00 for private parties. Someone trashes a couple of your mics. what the heck.

At the pittance we are making. drop a mic, and loose the profit for the night.

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I'm Not Dead yet...... But every day Im getting Closer !

DR you make a good point --There are wireless mics out there that would be very acceptable for Karaoke use. (great value . great sound, dependable) that won't cost $800USD. ... KJ have to buy within there budgets and not be made to feel like what they are buying is JUNK --- I'd agree that a $800 mic is better than a $200 one but 4 times as good..... NAH! --Best bet is to demo them at your local music store or vist a couple of karaoke shows and see what other KJ are using and demo them there. ...

Jam & Dr. D.
I find it totally amazing, how I can "Raize the bar" with 1 system here in New Mexico. I started with helping Ron (karaoke with Ron) get a $800.00 USD Wireless for slightly under 1/2 that price (my cost) and many other KJ's in our fair (overstatement) city upgraded to wireless systems just like it or similar brands that cost just as much or more. I kinda find that quite ironic considering that Ron books out at par on the payscale in most places or more if he can get it. Also he does alot of charity work too. Go figure. and he has a great sounding system considering he probably has less gear than most. :

I'd say he's the exception and far from the rule that you are trying to impose. You can't make your case to me.

Next case Please....

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Brian D.
(BHB)

Dr D.
Tell me when you can figure out what my overhead is on a show.. then you can justify Why Those prices exist.. have you seen an itemized price list of Corperate A/V Equipment and all the components behind one?

Dr D. probably Not.

Then I wouldn't talk.

Because Plasma HDTV screens require converters..
Barco Projectors require electronics to run them too..

They co$t money to maintain.. Corperate Clients pay money so thier employees are ENTERTAINED!!!

I hope you have an understanding now. If not then you are in the wrong business. It's all business.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

But if you are a good businessman, you should be making at least 30% and 30% of the figures you boast of is a lot more of a profit than 30% of $150.00.

I am just trying to be real here. In a Studio more pricey equipt. is used. But in bars and clubs where drunks are handling the equipt. Who the heck can afford to loose what little profit there is in it. I put on a Pro show, But I do it because I Love karaoke, and do spend a lot more on equipt. htan most kJ's can afford to, but I wont have a $400.00 disposable mic so a drunk can sound 5% better than he would on a Nady.

Last week, I had a singer ask for the wireless mic, when she got done singing, she threw it on the pool table.


I have 2 sets pf equipt. one for a cheap show. and one for a Quality show. If they want to pay the price, they get what they pay for.

and yes, I put on a show a month ago for the regional Coca Cola truck rodeo. Corporate's will pay. But those Type of shows are not what the average Joe here is Talking about, and they don't come every week.

Heck, you give the impression every KJ here ought to have a portable stage, and a 500,000 watt system, with 5 100' plasma screens, and 10 tractor trailers to haul them around in. Get real.

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I'm Not Dead yet...... But every day Im getting Closer !

Dr D.
The clubs and people I work and I with do a WHOLE LOT MORE than Just Karaoke... and there many entities.... Karaoke is just a sideline.. but the clubs that I do work in... concerts in tend to use the value added services because the people draw to it. and we rarely have to move it.. and the acts that get booked in concert don't have to bring it.

If that makes any sense at all.

All we do are Quality shows.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

I totaly understand, the point I am trying to make is you are one of the rare exceptions that need the High end equipt, and can afford it.

Heck, If I were in the big time entertaining like you are, and had a vocal key comparator. I wouldnt recommend it for the small time karaoke user, just because I had one.

I'm not dissing you because you do the high end entertainment. I am saying a $4-800.00 mic isn't needed, or nesisary for the average karaoke show. In most club locations with the background noise (roar of the crowd) you cant hear the difference.

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I'm Not Dead yet...... But every day Im getting Closer !

Dr. D.,
Thank You for being the forst one who finally realizes the difference between my shows and other's shows.. although some can afford the equipment and like to use and prefer that type of equipment in thier shows. as i have always said. Everybody has a preference of equipment, and Pro Audio DOES have a place in karaoke. It's just thier choice whether or not to buy it, use it, or not.

I just try to supply the info on the higher end gear that's out there. there is definately a difference in profit lines but it's a big reward when those killer shows come in. But, they are definately few and far between fortunately, we've had 5 so far this summer.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

Not to change the subject, but back to the original question, I bought the Nady 401HT unit and really like the sound, feel, simplicity, and price of the system. Unfortunately, they are VHF and the first time I used them I got TONS of interference with both antennas hooked up. The only way they are usable is if I use only one antenna. Then only one of the mics is unusable because of interference. Problem now is that any other mic in use keeps cutting in and out, sometimes for a beat or two of the music, and sometimes for a few measures at a time. The club I work in is out on the outskirts of town and there are no airports or the like for dozens of miles. However, being a sports bar, there are about a dozen televisions going on different channels all the time. So it's either that, or the cheap @$$ battery compartment causing the cut outs, because you can shake the mics or tap the bottoms and they will come back on. I've only had these mics for two weeks, but am going back to ugrade to UHF wireless this weekend. I was thinking of going AudioTech's, but now am going to look into the Audix too. Let us know what you do and how they work.

Mustang,
Thanks for reminding me.. Even though I'm at a trade show for recording... I'll give Audix a call and see if I can get some more firm release dates and some info on my own mic and a .jpg or two that I can send to you.

I appreciate the reminder.

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Brian D.
(BHB)

Mustang, & Others...
I just talked to a rep.. with Audix, Not my own... And here's the scoop.

The release of the Audix RAD 360 wireless microphone has been pushed back until September. Photos are available on ONLY the Auxix web (for obvious reasons) Also the timing of the release has changed due to the fact that they are extremely close to getting the quality they want and are trying to achieve a "World Class" product.

So I have been told, A massive amount of inquireies have been made about this new product from the professional industry, and this microphone should be a classic "out of the box" just like the Audix OM-5.

audix web = www.audixusa.com

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Brian D.
(BHB)