Karaoke Forums

Hi folks!

Just trying to break into the KJ biz (for small parties or special events, maybe a club gig every now and then, and maybe outside events like picnics, too). Been searching the net looking for a system to purchase. I have come across this VocoPro Club systems, i.e., Club 3400, 3800, 6400, 6800. these things appear to be wonderful, but have never heard of them before, have never heard them, and can't find any independent reviews of them.

So, how about it gang?? Anyubody know of this stuff? Is it any good?? IF not, where would be a good place to shop for a system?? Any recommendations for a beginner are welcome.

Love this forum!!!

thanx
Tank

Some pro KJs on this board will tell you to run avoid Vocopro. First of all, frequently their players are very finicky and garble graphics quite easily. There are also concerns about reliability and suitability for professional use. However, the real kicker is the stuff is really expensive. You will do best by assembling your own system using pro grade equipment from respected manufacturers. Stop by your local music store or check the on-line retailers (Samedaymusic.com, 8thstreet, musiciansfriend, etc). Basically, you will be putting together a professional PA system (Mixer, microphones, speakers amps, etc.) As far as a CD+G player is concerned, there are a few brands (JVC, Numark, RSQ, Pioneer, etc.) to choose from.
A word of advice, do not skimp on speakers. Get the best you can possible afford. That really applies to everything, but if your speakers are sub-standard you will never get decent sound.

Read through the posts here and you will see lots of opinions and advice. Some hosts prefer powered speakers while others prefer to have a stand alone amp. Brands like Mackie, Yamaha, Shure, Sennheiser, JBL, Peavey, Carvin, enjoy good reputations for a reason.

Cheers

well said stevieb

Of all the vocopor owners I've talked to, they can be quite loyal... but I suspect that stems from the fact that you either REALLY do like them, or really don't. and of the ones I've talked to, most will admit that they have the problems that stevieb mentioned!!

check out the advertisers of this forum... dtskaraoke.com, acekaraoke.com, karaoke.com, and you'll find MANY terrific deals. In fact, while typing up this note, I split my screen and found a deal I can't personally pass up!! !

Supercdg seems to be catching on with many of us as well. You get some mediocre tracks but many are quite passable...

just do a search on this board, and you'll see lots of comments on the vocopro AND on the other systems... I'll see if I can find one I made some time ago where I helped someone piece together a great system...

Matt

Hey guys,

Man, thanx so much for the help! I really haven't been able to find out anything about VOcopro form someone whe has actually used them. I have been looking at dtgskaraoke and acekaraoke..... those are the guys that are big into Vocopro.

The reason they appeal to me is that those Club systems are complete....being a neophite, I like the idea of getting a system that is coordinated: mixer, amp, eq, speakers, etc. ( I really hardly know what i'm talking about here ) But, I am an old perspiring musician from way back, and I used to only be able to by crappy equip...no that I'm a little bit older ( okay, old), I can afford nicer stuff,. and would rather by name brands I'm more familiar with, like u guys have been reccommending, i.e,., JVC, Pioneer, Peavy, etc. Its just so hard getting off of the ground.

But this forum seems to be a good place to conductr research. Will be checking it out when I get a few hours.

Thanx again guys for the great input!!

cu
Tank

The general consensis seems unfavorable when it comes to Vocopro.
Most professionals don't seem to care about thier products.
I'm sure that you'll find more "bang-for-the-buck" elsewhere.
Like stevieb said, DO NOT SKIMP ON SPEAKERS!

okay, guys....getting the message loud and clear. So the it seems that VocoPro just looks good, and does not appear to be up to the same standard as pro name brand stuff. Actuall, that's not so bad....I think I can find my way around tose recommended websites, and have been checking out other system packages. But, now I'm back to speakers...

You guys have been recommending the JBL's and Mackies. I don't want top skimp on speakers, but guys, I'd like to get into a basic systgem, i.e., amp, mixer,CDG player, speakers, road cases, for around $2,000. I don't think I can afford $650 per speaker....maybe more like $650 for a pair?


and still open to recommendations on a system purchase. been combing the net, and have been to probably any and all sites with the word karaoke in them, i.e., acekaraoke, dbkaraoke, karaopkewh, 123karaoke, etc. (jsut for teh record, just for teh record, someone said to stick with those guys, bc they are reputable and sell good equip--they all sell VocoPro, and diplay it prominently....just makes things more confusing for a newbie trying to buy decent stuff:))

Anyway, thanx for all the help guys. Really appreciate it, and look forward to beinig able to contribute to the board one day .

cu
Tank

CDG Player - JVC JVC XL-SV22BK Single tray player $200 Good speedy player, cues up fast eliminating the need for multiple trays (to begin with).
Mixer - Mackie DFX12 $240 Good all around board for karaoke, easy to run & sounds better than most in it's price range.
Amp - QSC RMX1850 $500 You want a good amp with some power behind it to give your speakers nice clean power. Good speakers mean nothing if they are underpowered or have a crappy amp pushing them.
Speakers - JBL JRX115 $600 pair These aren't the best so to speak, but they sound nice & quality so you aren't skimping here.
Mics - Shure SM58 $200 pair Indestructable (so to speak) & sound great.
Road Case - SKB19-R1006V Mini Gig Rig $$240 Will hold your mixer amp & player plus leave an extra space for something like a compressor.
Total $1980
This is a nice basic system that will sound killer in a home & have enough push to run small to medium clubs, but is expandable with room to grow.

The items this quote doesn't include is
speaker/mic/patch cords which you'll want to figure another $200-300 (you will need these)
tv monitor another $100-$150
Speaker stands (optional but will probably need or want eventually)another $100-200 pair
or stage monitor system - depending on where you may need to invest more $$.
obviously discs aren't included in this at all, this is where the BIG $$$ will happen.
books aren't included.

The karaoke stores sell VocoPro & lesser brands because those are supposedly "karaoke" equipment . I would classify some of them as overpriced junk that I wouldn't give to my 5 year old - quality just isn't as good as Fischer Price! - good rule of thumb (other than players) is if it SAYS karaoke on it (ie karaoke mixer, karaoke speakers, etc.) it's probably junk
Now most of them do sell quality players though such as JVC/Pioneer/RSQ - these are the main ones I would stick with in players.

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Dude!

Thank you very much!!! Clear, concise, and simple advice to get into what seems a very complicated world!! and right on budget! and i understand I need a few more things, but those thing ats easy enough to understand, and I can handle it!!

Once again, thanx for the great advice!!!!!

cu
Tank