Karaoke Forums

I have read some other MIXER threads here and they point at Yamaha, alesis, and others but they are not exactly GREAT DJ mixers.

Any DJ mixers in the same $200-$300 range that you know do Karaoke right as well?

This is for my 17 year old son, that wants to get into DJing... the Karaoke part is my REQUIREMENT.

he has his laptop, amp and speakers.

You and your son really need different tools for the two different tasks.

A "DJ mixer" should have a cross-fader, several stereo inputs, a different type of EQ than what is found on live mixers, and often, a built-in sampler, beat counter, FX engines, and a headphone cue section meant more for cueing tracks than monitoring sources or buses.

A live mixer, on the other hand, usually has more mono channels with microphone pre-amps, EQ suited to carefully adjusting sources, extra buses for stage monitors, outboard FX, etc. These are not found on most "DJ mixers."

I sometimes use both at the same gig when I know I'll be playing quite a bit of music in addition to hosting karaoke. While I certainly can DJ without the specialized "DJ mixer," the work-flow is much smoother with the right tool, and there are a number of things I just can't do without my "DJ mixer."

I use the Behringer DDM4000, by the way. It's by no means the best thing out there, but it is pretty good for the price.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

I agree with Jeff. It's kinda like saying "My son wants a sports car, but I also require it be able to tow a trailer."

You may find something that does it all, but it's not going to be exactly what either of you want and will be mediocre at both.

Yes.

I will sell him my VocoPro KJ6000. It has the cross-fader, mic preamps, and cueing. It also has "karaoke echo" and a key changer. The sound is pretty crappy, but it isn't the worst I have ever heard. It does what you want.

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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.

Nothing at all that will sound decent in that price range, times that figure by 6 & you can get a perfect board for dj AND karaoke/live sound from Allen & Heath.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

OK, I am listening...


I really dont want to spend 6times the money, but might consider buying both mixers.

Swap in and out as needed, but I was wondering if at times one can be fed into the other?
Does that sound like garbage?
which would be best, kmixer into the DJmixer or other way around?

Possibly your son may like to try this.

http://www.virtualdj.com/

Yes, in fact, this is quite common and there is nothing wrong with doing it.

The live mixer should be connected to the PA system, including outboard equalizers, etc. The DJ mixer should feed into the live mixer.

The reason is basically that the live mixer typically has more output buses for monitors, fills, etc. and is much more likely to have balanced outputs (which resist interference) while most entry-level and even some professional DJ mixers still have "RCA outputs," which are not good for a long cable run and are subject to RF interference.

When I do this, I connect my DJ mixer into either channel strips on the live mixer, or an unused stereo aux return. You just need the right kind of cable or adapter to make the connection. To connect my DDM4000, with XLR outputs, into the stereo aux return of my LX7ii, with TRS inputs, I use cables like these: http://www.audiopile.net/products/Mic_I ... heet.shtml

If my DJ mixer had RCA outputs, I would use a converter box like this: http://www.audiopile.net/products/DI_Bo ... heet.shtml

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ

Assuming your son is going complete computerized for both DJ and Karaoke, you don't need a DJ mixer. You need a GOOD DJ software program that has dual decks ( crossfader ) and the option to handle karaoke. Get your self a smaller mixer with effects etc and a good DJ/KJ program and you are all set.

I have a longstanding KJ gig as well as a few club DJ gigs. I'll tell you that the MAIN thing you need for karaoke that a DJ mixer is not going to have is good microphone preamps. To get good mic preamps on a DJ mixer, you really need to get into the higher end equipments ($500-600+ mixers).

I would NEVER do a club DJ gig without a proper DJ mixer, and would NEVER do a karaoke gig without a good live music mixer.

I will tell you that it is EASIER to DJ on a live mixer than it is to KJ on a DJ mixer, so if you have to pick one over the other, and especially since your son sounds like he is still at a more amateur stage, I would go for a live music mixer. If your son can learn to do good cuts/breaks and other DJ applications on a live music mixer, then once you have the cash to get him a DJ mixer, he is going to find it very very easy to work with.

Also take a good look at your local Craigslist, or even pawn shops. You can get a "decent" DJ mixer for $40-50 here on my local craigslist, so depending on how interested your son is, you may be able to pick up something inexpensive that he can learn on.

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C Mc
KJ, FL

Here you go.

Only problem only 2 Mic inputs but about as close as you will get.

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/DX2000USB.aspx


I use a live sound mixer for all my DJ work. My crossfader and all DJ functions are software and controller based. I use Virtual DJ with the Numark NS7 controller.

Thanks for all the input it really helps, I have asked the same question on a DJ board and the suggestion that sounded doable was getting a live board with a software controller to handle the mixing and/or scratching.

This is more expensive than I expected.

Well only if you want it to really work & sound good.

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LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

I agree on all points.

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Jeff Wheeler, moonlight DJ/KJ