Karaoke Forums

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=636503

If the reviews are right on.....this looks almost too good to be true for the price! Any input from a Phonics owner?

I use the 620 .. it's fine.

For home use this would be a decent choice if you are on a budget & want something that's going to give a little more feature than a plain mixer with a spring reverb, however, I don't think i'd want to run club shows with it on a nighly basis.  PLUS you have seen most of the reviews are more than favorable.  Like Phil stated somewhere else, you may want to invest in some heavier guage speaker cord & maybe a better mic than what comes with it, otherwise, sounds like a decent rig.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

So...will I realize enough difference in a home use situation in the 620 VS 740 for the 100 dollar difference in price?

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=636502

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=636503

The 740 will yield better bass response  with 15" speakers and cleaner sound at regular listening levels as it's amp is more powerful - not by alot, but still pushes more.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

After waiting (and researching) from March till May for this to become available at Mus Friend, and after much deliberation, I made deposit yesterday morning at 8:30 AM, in the account I use for online ordering. Funds became available after 2 PM yesterday. This system went from an "in stock" status yesterday morning, to "due 05-09-07" status before I could get it ordered!!

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=636503

Pretty much bummed out about it now. Maybe it's an omen? I simply cannot believe my luck!!!

I'm currently watching for availability to change, my luck it will be ANOTHER 2 month wait!

Jim

First, a caveat regarding RJ Tech.  They are pushing them around my area (Northern NJ ) no end. By "they", I mean dealers. There may be some kind of arrangement there.  Dealers sell them for a bit over 100.00, yet they are consistantly available new online for around 30.00.  I've pick up 3 for back-up players. They have ALL failed. ALL eventually developed a video synch problem, 2 developed mechanical difficulties with the tray.  They are over-amped on the music (unbalanced).  These are just my experiences.


  Now, if you're just starting out, and looking for a home system, easy is better.  


  Core:  Though I'm not a fan of VocoPro for professional use, I LOVE the VocoPro Duet II  Self-contained CDG system. It is   22"  tall, 12" wide and 8" deep.  Built in features include 5 band EQ,  digital key change, echo, music/audio balance, separate mic volumes and master volume, etc... all the bells and whistles.  It also includes two tape decks. You can record your performance ( done internally- no background noise) and then make copies of the tape.  You can also use it to play any old karaoke cassette tapes you have lying around.  Built in AM/FM radio.   Speaker output is 80 watts, fine for a small room or idividual practice.  If you want more power RCA output connections are available to use in conjunction with an external amp/speaker setup..   It can be powered by a 12V supply as well for tailgate karaoke, or candlelight karaoke in case of power failure.  It's only drawback is that it's a pop-top. However, since it's a home player, high speed is not not a major concern.   It's also durable. My current machine is 4 years old and nary a problem.

    Some times simple and less is better to begin with.   It ain't cheap but it's worth it.  If this machine was tray mount it would be unbeatable by ANY pro machine, and I used most of them in my shows...

_________________
"No Contests, No Divas, Just A Good Time!"

" Disc based and loving it..."

I should have stuck with my original intention of buying the Duet II. But, since I'm ready to purchase a PA/Mixer and cabs, I'd be backing up to get the Duet II now. I'd rather go ahead and get a PA/Mixer/Effects unit, and buy another deck when the RJtech dies.

Sadly, I learned that my only local dealer for karaoke related items is NOT out to assist me, but to make as much profit as possible. His profit margin was much greater on the RJtech verses the Vocopro.

In fairness to the dealer, I understand he has to make a decent profit to stay in business, and I should have educated myself more before buying.

Caveat Emptor!

Jim

Well, I went ahead and ordered the 740D Phonic w/15" speakers. Musicians Friend is saying they are scheduled in on the 23rd of this month. I hope they're right.

The saga continues,
Jim

WOW...maybe my luck is changing...received and email conformation of shipment! UPS has it in transit now. 'Gonna be like a kid with a new toy here in a few days!

Now..lemme see..what else...speaker stands, better mics, monster cables, and a better player now!

Interesting note though: the 740D shown on Phonic America is slightly different than the one on the MusciansFriend website. The blackface unit shown on Phonic America has a better looking effects unit on it!

Never-ending saga continues,
Jim

Got my new Phonic 740 in via UPS today. UPS all but destroyed it! 3 boxes..I refused one speaker, and Musicians Friend says to send the other one back as well. No visible damage on the mixer, but when I picked it up to place it on my rack, I could hear something rolling around inside! They say return it also. Now I'm in for the hassles and waiting game again. Bummer.

It was UPS's fault...not Musicians Friend. They've been very helpful so far, and I've already received my return labels via email. I'm returning via Fedex and hoping for a better outcome the second time around.

I took all my old karaoke stuff down and boxed it up in anticipation of using the new PA tonight. I guess I'll just "do without" for awhile. Too bummed out to unbox all the old stuff and set it back up.

Jim

3 weeks and still no PA...  MusiciansFriend still waiting on Phonic 740D mixer.

Considering upgrading to this cause it's in stock http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=631261

but reviews are not as favorable from owners as the reviews on the Phonic 740D SEM15 package!

I'm cornfused as usual!

Jim

Because Behringer is not known for their reliability, i've never had ANY luck with them at all, there are some on this forum who have gotten lucky and received actual working products & never had to return their stuff.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Thanks for the heads up on Behringer equipment...good piece of info to have.

Jim

UPDATE: gave up on the Phonic ever being in stock..ordered a Yamaha EMX312SC w/BR 15 cabinets. It is scheduled to be delivered Tues 5th. I hope it makes it without shipping damage! This has been an ordeal!

Question: I downloaded the demo of MTU Hoster. I imported my 20 file limit from my hard drive. I cannot hear anything but a few seconds of low volume screaching, and cannot see any video output at all...even just on my PC screen! Any suggestions/help?

I've tried both CDG and MP3 format.

Thanks, Jim

PS...went to a friends karaoke party yesterday and got to see MTU Hoster in action. It is awesome....but it ain't cheap!

Just from my playing around at home using Karafun, I can see this PC based stuff is the only way to go! It will spoil you in a hurry!    :yes:

Chances are your CD/DVD drive isn't cdg compatible.  The newest version of Hoster has better compatibility now with most drives than ever but some still won't work.  If you have another drive, try that.  Click on Tools & CD/DVD defaults.  It should show all drive that are compatible.  Also you should make sure all Windows updates are current.



It's well worth it though IMO!

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

Thanks, I'll try a different drive.

Thanks, Jim.

AH, I don't know about the hard drive tracks, I don't have any personally.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i- ... C-PAK.html

Finally..My Yamaha EMX312 and 15" mains came in! Looks like I'm in for a bit of research and experimenting to learn to use all these knobs! I like the fact that it has 2 line in RCA sets. Overall it may be a little "overkill" for a home use system!  I can't forsee needing anymore power for my use, so it should do me from now on.

My wife has already volunteered us to do karaoke for her family's 4 of July party this year. They rent a facility that has a stage at one end of the building.  I suppose I'll need a floor monitor to be able to do it right, (mains facing audience and monitor facing singer) The EMX312 manual recommends using a powered monitor. Any suggestions for a decent powered monitor?

Thanks, Jim.

Doubt if you'll need a monitor for simple family gatherings really.

_________________
LIKE Lonman on Facebook - Lonman Productions Karaoke & my main site via my profile!