Karaoke Forums

Hello all,

I have some questions for a home system that I hope someone can help me with. This may get a bit long but I think it's necessary for you guys to give me good advise. Thank you all in advance for being patient.

Let me give some background infors. I am trying to rebuild a home karaoke system for my mom. She has been using a 15+ yrs old home theater system (2.1!!) with a karaoke players for singing. (There's a DVD karaoke player and a harddrive player with like 20000 songs build in. Both of them use RCA output.) But now she wants something better. I think I understand the difference between the 'karaoke' system and a PA system. I want to get a small PA system for her but I am running into some troubles/questions.

Budget: $1000 for mixer/amp/2 speakers. Dont need player/mic.

Room: around 25'x18' with an opening to another room around same size. Only care about sound in the main room. It will be for 1-10 people normally. It will not be used outdoor and can't be a portable system since my mom wants everything to be inside the entertainment center (except the speakers). She won't play very loud but it has to be clear.

First trouble, mixer: I can't find a PA mixer with remote control that's within my budget. My mom usually sit way back in the room to sing. If nothing else, she wants to be able to control the mic/music volume from 20' away. Also, she and her friends are all in their mid 50s-60s and they don't really knows how to 'KJ' with a mixer. Ease of use is very important. So I am thinking of getting a 'karaoke' mixer and add a PA amp/speakers

1) 1st question: Is there any PA mixer with a remote that will fit my budget? Is there any alternative? Remotely control functions like mic/music/master/Fx volume?

2) 2nd question: Does a 'karaoke' mixer works with a PA amp/speaker? How 'bad' is a karaoke mixer? I am thinking of getting something like this. It has a simple remote, even have XLR output....other suggestions are welcome.
http://www.bettermusicbuilder.com/produ ... 248&page=1

3) 3rd question: If I get something like this and use the remaining $700 for PA amp/speakers. If it works, will it sounds so bad that it's a waste of the PA amp/speakers? How much better/worst will going to a PA amp/speaker (but staying with 'karaoke' mixer) improve the sounds? Compare to an all 'karaoke' system?

Second trouble, speakers: there is only 1 place to put them, on top of the entertainment center which is around 6' above the ground. So there are about 2' above the entertainment center for the speakers's height.

4) 4th question: Is there anything wrong with using the old HT powered sub with a PA speaker for karaoke? Most of the live voice shouldn't be in the subwoofer freq anyway, right? My mom doesnt need a very loud bass, just need something that will cover the freq so it wont sound too weird. If I can re-use the old sub, I can just get a 10" or 8" or even smaller size PA speakers and not worry about missing the low end.

5) 5th question: Is there anything wrong with putting a PA speaker sideway and angle it a bit down from the top of the entertainment center? Or I have to look for those that are build Width>>Height? I know there are a lot of PA speakers that are shorter than 2', but I don't think it's a good idea to have the tweeter so close to the ceiling, right?

With all these limitations, I am really tempted to just go with a 'karaoke' system so I don't have to think. But I know I will regret later if i can't get the best sound for the money. So, the final and million $$ question!

6) With a $1000 budget, if I have to go with a 'karaoke' mixer, can you suggest me a good set of mixer/amp/speakers that will give me a good sound (dont need too loud) with all the limitations? If there's no suggestion, can you give me an estimate on how much i should spend on the mixer v.s. the amp and speakers. A high end 'karaoke' mixer with cheaper PA amp/speaker v.s. An even lower end 'karaoke' mixer with better PA amp/speakers. We are only talking about $700 to maybe $850 PA amp/speakers here.

Really appreciate your time and advise.

Thanks

Paul

The player/mixer look good to me and it fit your spec ( remote control). I would go for a pair of power speaker to complete the set up. This will keep the rig very simple.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

I was thinking of going for powered speakers too. But then it'd be hard to adjust the speakers when they are sitting on top of the entertainment center. That's why I am thinking of amp + passive speakers instead. I am looking around for an amp + 2 speakers for around $700 now.

Once adjusted there is no real need to readjust them again. All the controls that are needed are in the mixeramp/player combo.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

Thanks, that's good to know!

I found this deal on musician's friend. factory B stock Mackie SRM350.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... ku=605268V

Is there a big different between v1 and v2?

Can i find anything better around this price?

Thanks,

Paul

For home use, no. The SRM 350-450 is a very nice sounding speaker. V1 or V2.
I think for the price you are going to pay for the mixer/amp, you could do much better with 'pro' style equipment.

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