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Newbie in need of advice
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Author:  Adam [ Tue Jul 13, 2004 10:19 am ]
Post subject:  Newbie in need of advice
Great site! I've spent the last 3 hours pouring over all of your Q&A regarding karaoke equipment. I'm frazzled and disappointed to learn that I shouldn't use my existing audio system for Karaoke.

I'm trying to set up a home system for around $2000.

Based on what I've read, I conclude the following:

mics Shure SM58
player Yamaha EMX624, Pioneer 555, or JVC 303
mixer Mackie CFX-12 or DFX-12
speakers JBL EON G2 or Yamaha series IV

Questions:
do I need seperate amp or can I go with a amped mixer or amped player?
Any suggestions?

do I really need a mixer? most players appear to have mic inputs, digit key control, and limites efx. I'm completely inexperienced when it comes to making sound adjustments (I just love to sing) and am not sure how much a mixer will improve my sound when I really don't know how to use it.

Any help would be appreciated.
Author:  knightshow [ Tue Jul 13, 2004 10:38 am ]
Post subject: 
I think most everyone that has some knowledge on the subject, Adam, will tell you to NOT use the mic inputs off the players, even professional ones. You are severely limited to what you can do.

I have got a mixer/amp setup and for home use, it's terrific. I also use it in my shows, and have YET to have had a complaint. In fact, it's quite the opposite. People tell me my sound is pure, crisp, and one of the best shows they've seen yet... not just because of that, but also my music selection!

I'm using an AKJ7000 amp (2 of them in fact, for two shows)... but if I had to do it all over again, I'd probably get the 7050 unit, as it has a cooling fan on the amp. I have that problem solved with a $10.00 fan from radio shack that cools it off. But for someone else, I'd recommend using the 7050 unit.

You get three mic inputs, good echo, eliminating some of the bass and treble not only in the music, but also in the mics... a serious key up/down option... well worth the investment!
Author:  hitwtom [ Tue Jul 13, 2004 11:59 am ]
Post subject: 
This type of question seems to keep comming up, what do I need for home use? will this work for home use? I think the question that needs asked is what do you intend to use it for? Will you use it once a month when some friends come over? Is one of the kids an aspiring singer or already in a choir or chorus? Will you be recording? Do you have $1000's to spend? or are you on a budget?

All that said, all your choices are fine, even overkill for home use, however I'd guess that just what's listed will get you close to your budget, and that's without an amplifier, another $400-$500 easy.

For limited home use how about some of the packaged systems on the market, ie Fender Passport or Peavy Escort, mixer speakers all in one package, or the Bose Personal Amplification System. (I've used one and think it's fantastic.)

Go to your local music or guitar store and check out different systems. See what sounds right or is easiest for you to use. Tell them what you expect to use it for, not what they want to sell you. Mic's tend to be personal choices, most consider the SM58 a standard, however others swear by different brands.
Author:  Lonman [ Tue Jul 13, 2004 1:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Newbie in need of advice
Adam wrote:
mics Shure SM58
player Yamaha EMX624, Pioneer 555, or JVC 303
mixer Mackie CFX-12 or DFX-12
speakers JBL EON G2 or Yamaha series IV

Questions:
do I need seperate amp or can I go with a amped mixer or amped player?
Any suggestions?

do I really need a mixer? most players appear to have mic inputs, digit key control, and limites efx. I'm completely inexperienced when it comes to making sound adjustments (I just love to sing) and am not sure how much a mixer will improve my sound when I really don't know how to use it.


The JBL EON G2 are a powered speaker, eliminating the need for a separate amp. The Mackie DFX12 would be a perfect choice for home & is VERY to use. A mixer will dramatically improve the sound over the generic mic inputs on the players. Great choice in mics. Players are completely personal choice. I would personally stay with JVC/RSQ, Pioneer for the most reliable players.
This system shouldn't run more than $2K if you shop around.
Author:  knightshow [ Tue Jul 13, 2004 3:06 pm ]
Post subject: 
hitwtom wrote:
Go to your local music or guitar store and check out different systems. See what sounds right or is easiest for you to use. Tell them what you expect to use it for, not what they want to sell you. Mic's tend to be personal choices, most consider the SM58 a standard, however others swear by different brands.


As long as you get a speaker that's built specifically for "live mic"... most standard speakers are only built for CD-type playing... and the live mic will KILL them over a small amount of time.

The live mic woofers are more flexible... they don't give as much bass whoompf, but they will last a lot longer. You hardly notice the bass reduction.
Author:  kojak [ Wed Jul 14, 2004 2:12 am ]
Post subject: 
I would suggest that you go to musiciansfriend.com and then go to packaged systems. They list many systems including the P250 and the PD250 Passport systems by Fender. I've heard the P250 for $700 and I would give it a high recommendation. Mics. are included.
From what I've been told the PD250 for $850 has a SLIGHTLY fuller sound but that it isn't worth the increased cost. The PD250 also has a feature that lowers the music volume when someone uses the mic. Great for making anouncements, but not really worth the increased cost. The speakers for both systems were designed by BOSE.

One of the coolest features of the Passport systems is the fact that they are self contained. Everything snaps together for easy transport, and they don't weigh a lot. Don't expect a lot of bass.

I would not recommend the P150, the PD150, or the Escort systems.

Considering your budget I would also recommend that you look at Carvin's portable systems.

Go to www.carvin.com click on Pro sound, then click on Sound systems, then click on 4 to 16 channel portable systems and check out what they have to offer. This page was mislabeled. It should have read 4 to 12 channels. You won't need more than 8 channels. Look at anything higher in price than the P800-1230 for $989.99 You won't be happy with the lack of bass produced by 12" speakers.
The new P800-PM 15 for $1029.99 hss not been listed there yet.
The P800 and the P1200 series have dual 9-band graphic equalizers, and effects. The 1200R pks. have a rack mount DCM stereo amp that will put out 1000 watts at 2ohms, (you'll never go down to 2ohms), and a seperate rack mount mixer. The others have 3 amps that will put out 333 watts at 4 ohms, (200 watts at 8ohms). 1 amp for the left, one amp for the right, one amp for a monitor.

With the exception of the PA1200R, you can add the letter "C" and add $50 to the cost of any system and get mixer amp in an optional "Road Warrior" case that has a cover that will allow you to toss your mixer amp into the back of a pickup or whatever without damage.

You can call Carvin for system consulting, or for a free cataloge that lists prices and specs.
Author:  Adam [ Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:09 am ]
Post subject: 
I really appreciate everyone's advice and willingness to help a novice. Here's what I've decided:

player Pioneer 555
speakers JBL Eon15 G2
mics Shure T-288 twins

Based upon the common consensus that I need a mixer I will either get the Mackie DFX-12 or the DFX-6. I've read a lot of great reviews on the DFX-12, but haven't found much about the DFX-6. Does anyone have any advice?

I went with powered speakers and no amp. I figure I can always buy an amp later if needed.
Author:  Lonman [ Wed Jul 14, 2004 12:24 pm ]
Post subject: 
The DFX6 will probably be big enough for you home needs plus it's a little better in the price. It is identical to the DFX12, except it has half the input channels. The DFX6 has inputs for 2 mics & room for 2 stereo players. The DFX12 has inputs for 4 mics & 4 stereo players.

You won't need an amp with powered speakers nor can you hook an amp up to powered speakers as the amp is already built in. Chances are you will never need anymore with the EON G2 series in your home. They will definately wake your neighbors up if you want :)
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