Karaoke Forums

Last time I posted was when I just got started,

...so started small and got:

Acesonic KM111 Mixer (A toy, really, I think I paid $60.)
Pylepro 4 Cordless mics set (Again, they were cheap)
Altec Lansing power computer type speakers with sub woofer

I have a sony viao I use only for karaoke, and my MP3G files.

I LOVE it, but I'm ready for better sound. (no kidding, huh!)

I've been reading back on forums, but get confused on what I need, and what people recommend.

Mixer? Amp? I know want a USB connection to my mixer... IF i buy a grown up mixer, I need a separate amp, right? What would you recommend? (under 350 ish....)

Speaker recomendations?

I like cordless mics, it is easier to sing while filling up the wine glasses, but may also want something with better sound... i think... (Need to get Janice to stop dropping hers)

I only do home use, friends houses, and work parties... so I don't need to fill a club.

Is $350 your entire budget? If so you aren't going to getting too much of an improvement.
Here is a recent thread on what some would get if they had a budget of 1000, 3000, 5000

http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=19910

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You can buy speakers with built in AMPS or you can buy an AMP and non-powered speakers.



I disagree.

Even if $350 is the entire budget there can be a huge improvement over that existing setup.


When Musicians Friend has those 15% off coupon codes you can get a little package PA deal for close to that $350 budget. Maybe not to your PRO LEVEL standards but IMO they will be happy with this setup at most home karaoke parties.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=486205

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=486204

No just the mixer, I was hoping to spend $350 or so.

Skip the money part... I'm more concerned with how it is done than the cost... (But, for home use, I'd rather not go $ overboard, but I do want something nicer)

Mixer boards are a bit intimidating, but I think I could figure it out.

If I use pitch control, these are not karaoke mixers so they don't really do that... do they?

Would I just use software for that?

(I currently use Just Karaoke software. I find that I adjust pitch, the song...gets... wobbly)

Cordless mics get more confusing with a mixing board, I think... don't they?

I think you couldn't go wrong with the Mackie Profx8 mixer for home use. Price is under 250.00. Also has usb hook-up, hooks directly to laptop. Also has built-in effects. Connect a set of Nady Wireless mics @ 40.00, and some powered speakers. You could spend ALOT more, but for home use, you could do ALOT worse. Or you could stay with wired shure sm58's, and REALLY have good sound. Add a flat screen monitor connected via vga cord, and you're on your way.

Rosario

Think of the entire system as a chain. An "audio chain".

If you have five plastic links, and then put one large hardened steel link in the middle, it really doesn't help anything. You have to consider every link.

Since you are using computer speakers (20 watts...MAYBE) just adding a mixer isn't going to improve the sound much, although it is a step in the right direction. One link in the chain.

OK, this helps me a lot.

Alesis Multimix kit looked interesting... nice price.

IF i got the mackie Profx8 what powered speakers you recommend?

Marlene

You can use the Multimix with powered speakers as well.
Again, it goes with your budget. Most powered speakers can run from a couple hundred each to a couple thousand. For home use on a cheap budget you could go with a couple of Behringer B210D
http://www.zzounds.com/item--BEHB210D

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Having fun deciding.. anyone know if here is a 15% coupon code for Musicians friend now? Can't find one when I google it.

Thinking of:
Mackie profx mixer
Cheap nady $49 handhelds for now (janice will drop 'em anyway)
Behringer B212XL Passive Speaker Pair

I may add a nicer corded Mic ...?

Cart total is $569. (Have not ordered)
I really liked the all in one packages, but this for a bit more, I think the speakers are better. I think...but then will need stands eventually.

Feedback?

keep in mind, your looking at passive speakers and need an amp to power them as well.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Harbinger,P ... e-Sound.gc
these are powered and IMHO sound quite a bit fuller than the behringer and built better.
the profx is a nice board. for home use, the nadys will function (as much a nady fan as i am a behringer fan) one step up would be here
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Digital-Ref ... 1126614.gc
or split the difference and get a cheap wireless (easily replacable if dropped, but hardly durable) and get a good wired handheld. the audix om2 combines sm58 durability and the clarity of sennheiser.

Oopss...I can't believe I did that. Yes, need powed speakers. I really do know the difference, just reading too many reviews and forgot what I was looking at... er...something.

Will probably take your advice on the better hand held.

Thanks!

M

For HOME use. No more than 50 people or so - I'd consider this:

Behringer B208D Powered Speaker(s) - You can get 1 to start with and then add a second if you need it later. They're small, 200 watts, and as long as you don't drive them to the limit or play bass heavy music, they'll work just fine for small gatherings and home parties. Cost is about $180 each. If you need something 'bigger' I'd consider upgrading to the B212 for about $300 each. If it's too much - then I'd downgrade to some near field monitors. Something like the Behriner Truth 2031a for $180 a pair or so. Since they don't mount on speaker poles and you'd have to put them on a bookshelf or something, so they would work for home use, but I wouldn't expect to move them around a lot. Especially since they don't have grills.

Mackie ProFX8 - Nice mixer, but there are lots of alternatives. This particularly mixer will run you about $230. I'd consider the Alesis Multimix 8 USB instead for about $160.


Wireless microphones... wow.... Are you SURE you want to go to wireless? If not, I'd consider the WIRED Audio Technica RC1000 series. They're inexpensive wired microphones that are built well, and mine hold up like champs. The sound quality is quite good - I'd put them nearly on par with an SM58 for 1/5th the cost (though I bought mine 3 for $99 from this store - which is local to me).
http://www.allprosound.com/catalog/prod ... 5-PACK.htm

If you really want to go with wireless microphones - do you need 1, 2, or more? Are you planning to rack mount them in a case? or do something else? These can all impact the recommendations....

If I was buying wirless microphones on the 'cheap' for home use, I'd consider the Audio Technica Freeway 200 series which will run you about $100 each.

http://www.allprosound.com/catalog/prod ... 252-T2.htm

The $50 Nady Duo system 'works' - but I wouldn't recommend it... I have one. And it's the thing I pull out LAST and then only if nothing else is working. I consider hooking up wireless microphones before I use them. They're cheap and sound cheap when you sing in them. I wouldn't use them for anything but someone speaking - and even then I'm not a huge fan. Admittedly, mine has held up quite well, despite the microphones themselves going through hell (I actually have rust on one of the microphone balls because I left it in a trunk that leaks by mistake).

If you just want wireless microphones and want plenty of them, I'd consider the VocoPro 5805 for about $350 or so. I have one and it's 'ok' (though I paid about $225 for mine). The one I have has held up pretty well to moderate use and the microphones are 'ok' as well (I'd put them on par with, or just above the PG58 in sound quality at moderate volumes from the element - the fixed frequency nature of these is a completely different issue). Keep in mind mine are my 'backup' equipment when all else fails... but in testing they seem 'ok' - at least for home use as long as you don't have any screamers (loud singers crush these microphones - the main limiting factor).

Final Choice:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=486204

Thanks Manobeer.

Still deciding on Mics.

For home use, that's a fine "pro-sumer" budget choice. You will be the envy of your friends!

Let us know how it works out.

WARNING: You now have the equipment bug...and in a few months will be saying "Hmmm, I wonder what I should buy next"!

The next thing you know one of your friends will want you to bring it all over to their place for a party and if you aren't careful, it will turn into an accidental business. That's what happened to me!

Try "SUMMER" for 15%, "forgot" & "4GOT" for 10% I have not verified them though.

I believe the "forgot" code only works if you have made a previous purchase in the last 8 weeks or some such.