Karaoke Forums

Guys been too quiet. I have a friend looking for advice for a compressor for his zed14. Probably at least 2 channels. He's been looking at the presonus acp88, dbx 1046. Eventhough I have the dbx1066 sonically it's pretty flat...no character. What do u all use and would u buy it again? Budget is probably 200 or less. Used is fine too.

The 1046 is a great compressor, and gives 4 channels - it's basically a 4 channel version of the 1066 which both are based on the 160 series.

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I have this available for $400 (cad) shipped to your door.

What are you going to use compression on? Seems most tracks are fairly squashed as they are.

it's for the mics, not music. you don't use a compressor?

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Paradigm Karaoke, The New Standard.......Shift Happens

I always use compressors on mics. But they can work for overall system tailoring as well - more the peak stop limiting for those capable.

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I was thinking the same thing! The guy that fills in for me does not use a compressor and I get feed back from lost of people about the "mix" and how different it sounds. They always say they prefer mine

Seems like feedback potential is much higher with live vocal compression. I guess if set up carefully that could be minimized. But I suppose it's part of your job as KJ's to try and make folks with zero mic technique sound a little better!

Live Auto-Tune and timing correction (if there were such a thing) are what most karaoke participants need to sound better IMHO!

If feedback is a problem for you and you can't control it, then something you are doing is incorrect. I run vocal compression on 3 mics (all wireless Beta 58a). I leave 2 on all the time and never pull the faders back when the singer finishes. I run 1 Mackie 450, or 2 Mackie 350's as floor monitors and I average less than 1 squeal per show. When it does squeal it is because the singer lowered the mic too low and at the monitor.

The monitor volume is very loud, and I have a few people ask me to turn it down (very few and not every show). What I do get plenty of, are compliments on how good they sound on the stage. I work very hard at speaker placement and volume to the audience, but I work even harder at providing the singer with best karaoke experience they have ever had.

Not a problem for me, as I'm not a KJ. However many years of live performance and studio work did educate me as to vocal processing.

All live and studio situations I've ever worked with other pro engineers have used compression on at least vocal mics. Even all the schooling I've been taught have recommended it as well.

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1046, all the way!! I want a second one for my other rig. My big rig, four compressed mics, no feedback issues. Working with GTD Audio 622's. Though, i am thinking of going back to cords. They just sound better, and can handle higher SPL.

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I'm in Florida, I'd like to come check out your sound. Shoot me a PM as to where and when and I'll take a ride over!

I used a 160 for years on bass, and many different comp/limiters on everything from drums to vocals over the years.

Just curious ,are you using a 'set-and-forget' setup for your rig, or adjusting singer by singer?

for vocals, many will use the auto (set and forget) feature but most of the pros will manually set:

RATIO > 2:1
Attack > N/A
Release > N/A
Threshold > -3db (2-3 led lights of compression) adjusting for quiet singers.
Noise Gate > N/A (Never for vocals)

I adjust as needed if needed. I do have a general setting and will tweak on the fly.

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I have used both and I use/ own the Presonus mostly for vocal compression and for noise gates on drum mics. It is a great unit but overkill for karaoke at 8 channels. Im using a ui16 mixer now for karaoke and it uses dbx compression algorithms. I would go with the dbx if nothing else its cheaper and youll save rack spaces.

No mention of FMR RNC 1773 Compressor? My fav. Accurate & transparent, just smooth & clean compression especially in Super Nice Mode. Truly lives up to its chosen name RNC. ‘Really Nice Compressor’.

Too bad I can’t use it. My A&E zed60 fx14 doesn’t have channel inserts to send my mic to comp to mixer. My next mixer purchase will have those so I can use this comp again.

Feedback? None. DriveRack PX is a tremendous help in eliminating feedback. Just my

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To be fortunate enough to derive an income from a source as fulfilling as karaoke music has got to be as close to heaven as we can get here on earth!

DBX GoRack ? Have you tried?

knf - we discussed this before; not extensively so please let me enlighten you (again, reading is fundamental). Yes. I use gorack for my smaller system. Purchased @ proaudiostar for $29.99. DriveRack PX for my home rig & driverack px for my main rig. QSC powered speakers for home & main. I prefer px for live pro sound application. Comparison:
GoRack
• Compact Form Factor
• Anti-Feedback Processing based on the dbx AFS™ (Advanced Feedback Suppression) algorithm
• dbx Compression (based on the dbx 163)
• Subharmonic Synthesis
• EQ (16 Musical Genre-Based 31-Band Graphic EQ Settings)
• Dual dbx Microphone Preamp/Line Inputs
• Selectable Mic/Line Input Settings
• Stereo Inputs and Outputs
• Combination Mic/Line Input Jacks and XLR Outputs
• 1/8" Stereo Aux Input for Mobile Music Players/Devices
• Independent Left and Right Channel Volume Controls

DriveRack PX
• Stereo Feedback Elimination with 12 feedback notch filters
• Dual 28-band Graphic EQ
• Classic dbx® Compressor
• 120A Subharmonic Synthesizer
• Stereo Multi-band Parametric EQ
• Stereo PeakPlus™ Limiters
• Pink Noise Generator
• Auto-EQ with 28-Band RTA
• JBL® and other popular powered speakers included in Setup Wizard
• dbx M2 Measurement Mic and zippered pouch included
• Front panel RTA-Mic XLR input with phantom power
• 25 User Programs / 25 Factory Programs
• 2 Channel XLR Input
• 2 Channel XLR Output
• 2 Channel XLR Sub Output
• 24-Bit ADC/24-Bit DAC, >110 dB Dynamic Range
• dbx Type IV™ Conversion System
• Full Graphic LCD Display

Have you tried it? Probably not because according to you “it’s only karaoke”. Quote what you posted: “I would choose the GoRack over the full DBX drive rack systems.” And “ i must say spending $200 for a good quality product is much better than spending $600 on the full DBX driverack, especially for karaoke where one does not need all the features of the Driverack”. Really sad!

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To be fortunate enough to derive an income from a source as fulfilling as karaoke music has got to be as close to heaven as we can get here on earth!