Lazer @ Tue Aug 21, 2007 12:28 pm wrote:
I'm completely new to actually hosting a show. I do go to Karaoke and sing a few nights a week and I thought I like this so much why not start hosting. So my questions are:
If I want to use my laptop like I see so many of the local hosts doing what else do I need to get started. If I invest I want to invest in equipment once, obviously not the replacable stuff like mics, but I would like to get the best bang for my buck. I am not opposed to buying good equipment so if anyone has a good setup in mind I need some help with components.
Laptop needs to have extended desktop capability. Good sound card preferred. CDG capable cd/dvd player. More memory is always good. Most likely you'll want a good sized external hard drive - you can actually use an internal & get an external case to run through the USB - cheaper.
Want to invest in equipment once - well this one is tough & completely subject to opinion. What I may consider crap, someone else may claim it's the best thing since sliced bread. I've seen hosts using their 8" home speakers with 100 watt (max) mixer amp & thought they were the greatest sounding system in the state, while other hosts won't use a system that don't have a minimum 1 sub involved. Best bang for the buck is also a subjective term - good sound isn't cheap, but then you can achieve a decent sound on a minimal budget. Like one here just found out, he had 3 cheap mixers - they sound decent, but not reliable (all died to a point of not useable) - but hey they're cheap! After 3 of them he finally got a NICE mixer that cost a little more & the sound is better & will be more reliable (at least better customer service) in the long run.
I always try to envision the biggest room I will be playing in & will set up my system initially for that room - so yes I have 2 subs & 2 different sets of main speakers with a tri-amp configuration. I am set for just about any size room plus outdoor shows. As far as budget this is sometimes funny as well, I hear people stating money is not an issue so you recommend something that is actually relatively reasonable & they say it's too much. Have a starting budget before you start will actually give us an idea of where you want to go I guess you could say.
Quote:
Secondly I need to know what is the best software to run for a player. I dont care about creating my own songs just a good player. I actually saw a player one of our local guys had that showed the rotation of the singers he would enter them in so it showed who was next. I like that but cant figure out which software it is.
Again, very subjective, there are several out, some have cool features but are resource hogs (less reliable), some are more plain forward, some you have to have a separate program to rip the music into the hosting program. What some love, others hate. There is no best, just what works for you & your needs. I prefer MTU Hoster, easy to use, sounds great, words look great.
Quote:
Lastly and this is equipment again Good mics both corded and cordless. again im not opposed to spending some money for sound quality.
I know this is a lot, and I thank anyone responding.
~Lazer
Corded mics I use nothing but corded Shure SM58. You can get cheaper that may sound ok or close, but the reliability isn't there. I've been running the same 3 mics since 94 & they still sound as good as day one and they've been dropped, swung, flung, slammed - I do change the mesh screen once or twice a year to make them continue looking good. I actually finally had to replace 1 mic due to the place where the mic clips into the barrel on the XLR wore out & don't hold the cord anymore - still sounds good & will move into a place where a stationary mic can be used.
Wireless mics I personally don't use for shows - good ones aren't cheap & have YET to hear a decent sounding cheap one (under $300).
I know some that get cheaper mics & are replacing them every year or so due to drops - they have far outspent over time what I had on 3 mics initially.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
