Karaoke Forums

Well actually there is, flat. But it requires the right equipment, knowledge, and abilities. There just aren't many audio engineers doing karaoke gigs!

The power of a Compressor / Limiter = almost lie a soundman in a box. What the hell it's just karaoke. No soundman needed.

Just what the Dr. ordered - http://karaokescene.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=39392

Almost all the vocals in modern music music goes through a device like this, Auto-Tune, or similar.
It Is Not a level playing field!

Except Chip I dont recommend all of that. I recommend stuff that is in people's budget. The Lexicon is a cheap, professional unit that will enhance the sound coming from the computer.

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I'm not saying that it won't enhance the sound coming from the computer, but simply that it's another piece of equipment to add in the chain and for the most part, singers and sports clubs really don't notice.
The most critical sound person in that room is usually the KJ.

Like you, I've been running karaoke shows from well before the first day that it was possible to put karaoke on a computer. I know what the lexicon is, what it does, and that it in fact does improve the sound. My point is that for most clubs running karaoke, patrons are not going to be aware of the difference and they are more focused on having fun and singing the songs with their friends. If I had a system like yours, that didn't have to be moved several times a week, I would probably add a lexicon to it and a 44 band equalizer – just for fun. But I don't believe that it would be a requirement nor would it be an absolute necessity.

What I find to be more of a necessity – even in a mobile unit – is to have a compressor/limiter only on the mic channels that will keep drunk patrons from damaging your sound system when they either drop a microphone, scream into a microphone, or otherwise abuse the system. The trade-off is that it might make their voices sound a little "breathy" but even then, patrons don't notice the difference. After all, we are handing a microphone to someone who is usually
(a) not trained to use it properly,
(b) been drinking and
(c) believe your multi-thousand-dollar sound system is just a Play-Skool Toy for them.

Just want to let the OP, x7xHawkx7x, know what I've been up to with OpenKJ.

I've got OpenKJ version 1.5.31 (newest unstable release) running on a Linux Mint 64 bit laptop. Runs great, and all the software cost $0.00.

After hearing all the accolades about the Lexicon Alpha in this thread, I grabbed a used one locally today. It was literally Plug & Play hooking it up. Linux has come a long way!

This, with a microphone and a powered speaker, would definitely make a great minimalist system.

Well yes and no, it's technically another piece, but it's replacing the built in sound card of the laptop completely so it's in it's own chain, not an addition to. But if it's going to make a big difference to make those mp3s sound much fuller and not like they are playing underwater (which I hear more often than not from other shows simply using a headphone jack), then i'll recommend it.

Like you pointed at, I primarily run the sound with the intent it's for my ears only. If I like it, chances are most others will. But many of our singers are also in bands and stage performers and they can also tell the difference which is why they come to ours vs others.

100% agree all karaoke should be using a compressor.

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Is the compressor another piece of gear? Or is it something I set up in my XR-12?

My Lexicon Alpha arrived today, but UPS delivered it to my neighbor's house, hopefully they will fix the issue so I can get to work setting it up.

The mixer has compression built-in. You have to pick your channels and set it up. I am getting a x18 because it comes with the USB interface built-in.

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The Line Array Experiment is over. Nothing to see here. Move along.

Compression is used when the live vocals are either too soft, or too loud. If you are in a situation such as karaoke, and your singers who cannot seem to control yelling or screaming into the mics, compression takes those "peak" vocals and noises and suppresses them so as to not overload your speakers. Think of it as the equivalent to using a surge protector for electrical equipment. In a home environment, you are the one who controls how loud you are singing and how your vocals are set. So, in a home setup, it's not absolutely necessary to have compression, but in a bar or professional setting, compression can be a useful tool. There are other uses for compression as well, such as when a person is recording their vocals.

But, in your case, I believe you would be fine without compression. Although, I was reading a little of the manual on the XR12, depending on how it is set up and controlled (android, ipad, PC), then I believe some level of compression is possible. I see "gate" is one of the features, and usually when "gate" is available, then often times so is compression.

Thanks guys. I'll make sure I set up compression, might as well experiment with it at home so I understand it. It can't hurt when I'm singing some of my Metal songs anyways. Hoping to record a couple of songs soon.

\m/ \m/

It's too bad you can't get your hands on a DBX GoRack. They were end-of-life blowing them out all over the place for $30 shipped, now they're $175 on fleabay.

It's basically a jack of all trades little black box. I use mine on only the mic channel for compression, anti-feedback, and just a tad of EQ - it's the best thing since sliced bread. Good mic preamps as well.

If one of these things should happen to fall out of your friends car, stick it under your shirt and play stupid!

When setting up an audio compressor for your music, simply play a regular track and then adjust the threshold till you see one or two leds lighting up during the compression.

It's like set and forget (EX: ratio 2:1, Threshold -15db, makeup gain +8db, 0 attack, 0 release, 0 noisegate)

no compression is not 'set and forget', each singer will be a little different. If you don't care about sound and want to leave it alone, then it's set and forget!

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i think she was talking about the compressor she puts on the already compressed music.

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

Never know with her.....

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touche'

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

I think I found one of these. It should cost me $40 or less. The guy is looking into shipping costs. I'll need to find a power adapter for it, but that shouldn't be too hard on Amazon. Lots of universal stuff out there.

What is the best way to connect the Lexicon Alpha to my Mixer? Should I use the 1/4" outputs or the RCA jacks?

The 1/4's are a more reliable solid connection.