Karaoke Forums

First let me apologize for asking what I am sure are the most ubiquitous questions posted, but since what I have seen in other posts indicates that you need specifics to help, I have to ask them again.  Any help is greatly appreciated.  

Background: I am new to Karaoke in general.  I have a fairly solid tenor voice but I am not a professional.  I sang in public for the first time doing a solo in church a year ago.  I worked up the nerve to sing at a Karaoke show and loved it so when I graduated from BSchool in 2004, ( I am 53 so you can tell I am still trying to learn stuff), for my graduation party we hired a KJ.  People went nuts.  Everybody sang, even some that said "you can't make me" to me upon learning we had the KJ.  I decided that I had to have a setup of my own for all my parties and to help fill my need to just sing for fun.  What I have is ok, but it just doesn't sound like I want it to sound.

I have:
(3) Vocapro Mark CV-1 wired mic's
(2) Acesonic WH-968 Wireless Mics
Vocapro DA 1050PRO Mixer
Cavs SCDG DVD-203G player
Bose 201 Speakers

All of this is going through my Pioneer VSX 816 Home Theater Receiver.  I hate how hard it is to match the volume of the singer to the volume of the music.  I hate how tinny the sound is, but I have to use stuff that my wife won't throw a sht fit over.  So the speakers need to be able to fit on a shelf that is about 4' by 3'.

So my questions:
1.  I am looking to improve the system and Christmas is here so my wife will buy me something for around 400 to 500 bucks.  What should I do?  Get better speakers, a better mixer, a separate amp?  I am so confused

Your help is greatly appreciated.

Randy

Get a small pa dedicated to karaoke, you do not want to push live vocals through home stereo/theater equipment - it's not designed for that kind of reproduction.

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Sorry, what is a PA?
Randy

PA is public address.

BAsicaly is is a generic term for pro audio equipment.

Like Lonman siad, running LIVE audio through your home theater is a BAD BAD idea.  Not only will it destroy your speakrs, YES it WILL, but it will not produce great sound.

Here are a some package systems that will give you an idea of what you might neeed....
click here

Personal I would DUMP the vocopro stuff, even for home use.
You may also want to go to your local Pro Audio shop aqnd test drive some things.
BTW, don't buy anything that is labeled like "Karaoke Mixer".  If it is labeled for Karaoke use, it usually is of less quality.

Thanks, so if I bought say the Stagepass setup, would I need another amplifier?  How does the Cavs unit fit into the mix?  IF I have to get an amplifier, what power level would I have to get?  Thanks again.
Randy

I assume you mean this system....
stagepas system

YEah that would work, but I don't think it will provide the full sound that you may be seeking.  One thing nice about that system, is it is light and portablethat system is light, and very portable, and if that is what you are after then by all means purchase it.

If you bought the Stagpas system, you wouldn't need any thig additional, except for some microphones and mic cables.  The cavs usint would plug into the tape input on the upper right coner of the mixer.

If you do get that one, get the TRANSPORT BAGfor it also

I don't know if you just want to use this at home or are you planning on becoming a KJ in bars?

It would work at home but leaves a lot to be desired if you plan on playing in a public, for money venue.

He stated he wanted a system of his own for his own parties in the OP.

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He also mentions singing in public performance.

Yes he did, the way I read into it, it was strictly going to be used for personal use & his own home parties for his friends.  And the fact that he had specific speaker size for his shelf gave an indication it was going to be for home use.  He sang for the first time in public in a church solo then got the nerve to do karaoke & loved it.

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In reading his post I interpeted it to be a Home Karaoke System and he was looking fo components that would work with his existing home system. The only mention of singing in public was at church but this is not where the system is going to be used.

The Yamaha Stagepas 300 is a nice sounding little unit! I was looking at this one when I wanted to do small rooms for vocals and music like singing around the holidays for folks at the convalecent homes and Assisted living facilities. This system provides excellent portability and 150W per channel which would be plenty for home use. This unit suprised me with it's sound. You may find this is a good fit.

My suggestion is find a Guitar Center in your area and have them hook one up to your karaoke player and give it a try. I think you'll find it sounds very good.

The only limitation on this unit is the vocal effects are reverb only but thats not a bad thing. Give it a try before you buy though.

Hope this helps you!

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

It always starts out a home unit, then the light bulb comes on about doing it for money.

In reading the reviews on this unit the only drawback is the reverb. Sounds really cheesy most of the reviews say just to leave it off.

This being the case I would not recommend it. Effects really make a big difference on some songs and vocals to enhance what is or is not there already.

You be the judge.

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

A step up to the $750 range produces a nice little system by Yamaha that would really do the trick for your home system. It has a built in effects.

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/produc ... sku=630196

It may be more than she is willing to spend for christmas but it's just a thought.

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott