Karaoke Forums

My problem is I have a cheap DVD player that does karaoke. (I know, you're all cringing already.) Worked fine for a year, and now there's mic problems (sound comes and goes depending on which mics are in use, which outlets. etc). I've read these forums extensively, and understand the recommendation is to (1) go the pc/mixer/amp/speakers route, or (2) at least a mixer/speakers.

Well, we use this in our living room, which is small, and have never had more than 6 people, and use it twice a month. Also, I need something simple enough that my wife and kids (ages 10, 13) can set up without me (no laptop), and as it's a small living room, don't really want a space-taker like the GigMaster. What I would like to do is get this working with my home stereo for now at low-level volumes (I'm willing to risk the speakers for the moment).

1. MIXER. (a) Will adding a mixer resolve mic problems? From this post (http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=10135), the Behringer 1002FX looks like my best choice. (b) Would this just plug in between my DVD player and stereo system with RCA cables? (c) When I just watch DVD's, can I keep the RCA cables running through the mixer, or do I need to switch the cables every time?

2. VOICE CANCEL, KEY CHANGE. My karaoke DVD has key-changer (which we never use), but sometimes my kids want to sing to their own CD's. Would I be better off getting a mixer with Voice Reduction to sing to regular CDs instead of the 1002FX, or are there other options for voice reduction?

3. SPEAKERS. Right now I don't even have a receiver or surround system (old Sony system unit). (a) If I buy some cheap external speakers, can I plug them directly into the mixer? (b) Does the mixer have a speaker switch, so if I have my DVD running into the mixer, I can switch between external speakers for karaoke and my stereo for DVDs? Or do I need to be switching cables again?

4. AMP. (a) Related to question 3A, would I need an amp between mixer/PA speakers? Or related to question 1, do I need a mixer/amp combination? (b) In a year I will replace my stereo/tv/speakers (or some parts sooner if I blow my speakers), and add a decent system receiver. I saw from this post (http://www.karaoke-forum.com/viewtopic.php?t=10758) that I could buy external speakers, and run them thru my receiver as a 'B' set. Should I get a capable home receiver to use as an amp before I get the external speakers? (I would do this before I buy a dedicated amp, if needed.)

5. Related to 4b and 1c, do all home receivers have a 'b' speaker option? If not, does the mixer have switch to go between stereo and PA speakers?

After all this, perhaps my best bet is to just get a small system like this (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-PMH1000Kustom-KPC12-PA-Package?sku=630269), but am currently concerned about price and space, and probably don't need a mixer that complex. Though it does appear to have Voice Canceler... and a nice pair of mics... but can a 13-year old or technologically-challenged wife run it? I can't even sing.

Thanks for your patience and knowledge.

I'm no expert like many here but man, at $349,00 you do get a lot??? A Vocopro cost a lot more and worth nothing... Let's see what others have to say, I think it's a good deal

You can't just go from the mixer to the speakers --  unless of course it is a powered mixer.


It isn't that hard once you get used to it. My wife runs our mixer -- after a fashion. The key is to set it up and show them about three knobs to change.

Bottom line is the Behringer/Kustom system -- or something better if your pocketbook allows it -- is what I recommend if you really like karaoke. It will give you a chance to have a pretty good party. You need those speakers or something like them to do it.

I did it with my home receiver and two $100.00 speakers I bought at Circuit City, plus a $129.00 mixer.  With the $60 mic I bought, that put me over what you will pay for that package -- and it wasn't as good. Of course I have really gone overboard now, but  I would have been far better off to buy the package you mention. Of course I did all of that before I came here and learned a bit more.

My wife didn't want big bulky speakers in the house, so we used our home-theater speakers. It took a while, but we finally blew the Bose 301 speakers we were using for in-house practice. I replaced them with some little Kustom KPC-10s. I would have been better off to do that up front, too, but I have to learn by experience.

So the moral is, don't end up like me and have 4 complete karaoke systems. Buy what you want up front, and you will save money even if you think you are spending too much.  8-)

Or Powered Speakers.  :)

Yes, you are right. We also forgot a powered cable.

Turns out it wasn't the Bose 301s that blew, it was the VocoPro mixer I bought as my first karaoke item. The speakers are fine, and I will use them at my parents house for their stereo to replace the really crappy ones they have.