Karaoke Forums

I've gotten a lot of requests to do just MC'ing and short karaoke shows in very small rooms lately...like funerals, etc., probably rooms that hold 50-75 people or so. I'm SOOOOO tired of moving huge pieces of equipment for a well-paying gig that is only an hour long..>Kind of pointless to take on those gigs if it takes 1/2 hour before and 1/2 hour after to set up and tear down...not to mention the wear and tear on the old skeleton. I went to a local Irish pub not too far from my place one night (call it "doing homeework") and the female KJ was using one of these Passport systems - I was really amazed at the potential sound (she sadly didn't know how to mix or set volumes, etc.) and am thinking that a small DJ rack for my players and that system would be about a 15-minute setup. They're running around $700 and that price includes a free set of speaker stands. That's for a 250 watt setup; they have a smaller one for just under $500 but I'm thinking I'd be pushing it too hard in anything but the smallest room.

I read user reviews on 3-4 sites and nobody seems to have any real issues - one of the reviews was by a female KJ who LOVEd it.... but I just wondered if anyone on this forum may have used one before, and how they liked/didn't like it. (I have two systems already that both each fill up my van - one set up for subs so the rack is about 125 pounds; 15-inch Bag Ends that are larger than most 15's, etc., etc. - so the prospect of a 15-minute set up with something I can carry in in two trips is really thrilling at this point  :dancin:

They are too small for any kind of REAL karaoke/dj job where you are going to need fullness & volume, but for the small type emcee gig you are describing with maybe a background music use they would fit the bill nicely.

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You might want to look at the Mackie mixer/amp units. I use one DJing outdoor car shows. Mine is a mono (don't need stereo at an outdoor show where the speakers are placed well apart from one another) and has 250/500 watt power and has a great panoramic equalizer and effects board built in and six channels. They come in all different power sizes and also stereo. I've known some KJs who use these in small bars with no problem. They have main/monitor graphic EQ as well as the panoramic. Each channel has it's own effects settings, which is great for needing a flat sounding mic when speaking and having the singers mics with effects "ON".

The Jbl Eon10's work well in small rooms..

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Well, after soliciting advice from people who know (those of you who responded here as well) I went out today and bought a pair of powered Mackie 10" speakers and a Mackie 12-channel mixer - spent a little more than I had decided but after hearing the Mackies and knowing that it would never sound chincy, I decided to go for it. Great thing about the Mackies - there is a port on the rear where you can plug in a mic and use it just as a PA system...the board has effects ($250), the speakers were $549/each, and two mic cables, which is how they connect to the board, were $40 each.  Now will test them in different locales and decide when we will enjoy a 10-minute set-up and tear-down.... Now I just have to get all the music onto laptop ...

k

Hi Karen, can you keep me posted on how you like the system? I am looking at the higher end Passport for my mid size set up. I have a low end 80 Watt that I use for 4-8 people gig in a living room. It works great but I carry all my disc. I have the main setup that is just awesome but it takes me an hour to set up. I am looking for mid size set up for those gigs for larger people but I don't have to carry my 100lb rackmount with me  all the time, along with my JBL Eons.

I already have a laptop with external drive that has all my songs (I use rackmount PC for my big gig equipment) so it would be easy to just carry the Passport or something equivalent and my laptop and be all good.

Thanks.

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Seize the day and SING!!!

Will definitely let you know how it goes...We're breaking it out for the first time tonight in a room that seats probably 150 people. Looking forward to the quick setup and breakdown. We have a great "advisor" at Guitar Center who has really given us solid advice for years - he said based on what we already have (Mackie, Bag End, etc., etc.) that we'd NEVER be happy with anything like the Passport system...so will let you know. (I EASILY picked up the Mackie powered speaker and plopped it on top of the speaker stand ... can't do that with the Bag Ends or the Yamaha 15's for sure.) I'm looking forward to the time when I can just carry a laptop and those 3 pieces (DJ rack and speakers).

Karen

OK, TOTALLY forget about the Passport system and consider the powered 10" Mackie speakers. The room we worked in tonight is probably 30 feet wide by about 60 feet deep - seating all around, pool tables in the rear. The speakers were NOT pushed at all, and the sound was amazing - Looking at the speakers, it's hard to believe that the sound was coming out of them. It is ABSOLUTELY clear sound. I am SOOOO impressed with these speakers for a mid-sized room - definitely worth the investment.

Nice thing too is those can still be used in bigger rooms, just get a powered sub under them  :D (heavier bigger piece, but no real lifting as they stay on the ground).

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EXACTLY....Can't wait to try these with subs. BTW, everyone who was singing (the usual collection of really, really good singers) commented on the incredible clarity of the vocals, too - in all ranges (lowest lows to highest highs). Like I said before, a little more expensive than a "package" system but wow...talk about impressive sound. Again, these types of decisions are what separates us old school karaoke purveyors from the anxious, ready-to-jump-in newbies who will buy almost anything to get out there and sell their shows.

kk

I am so glad you like the Mackie stuff. They do have great sound. Have fun experimenting with it.

What are opinions on comparably rated (power-wise) JBL Eon vs Fender Passport  portable PA systems ?   I've never tried a plastic PA speaker I suppose being an old conservative fart like I am,  Some things just seem blasphemous .  Yet I am curious in a head-to-head given Eon vs passport comparably rated wattage systems what feelings are on performance

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IVE got a mackie 808s mixer and I run  EV SX-500 (High end plastic cabs) speakers in big rooms or when eqing may be a challenge, and OLD Acoustic single 12 cabs with EV drivers in smaller rooms, I will soon be buying a smaller powered mackie to match the 12s. My friend has an identical system but used to have a set of the Mackie non powered speakers. the mackie speakers are pretty good, possibly as good as my Acoustics but the EVs are a cut above. I think for what you wanted to do I would have either made the choice you did or gone with the powered mixer and non powered style of the same speakers you have.. One nice thing about the mackie powered speakers is that you can also use them as a floor monitor in your larger system.

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the voices arent real, but they have some good ideas

Okay, my 15-inch powered sub arrived today and I immediately set up the system in my garage...the Mackie powered 10s and the powered 15 sub. Oh man oh man oh man. I am excited to get this set up on Monday night. Spent more than probably the average person would want to spend $549/each for the speakers and $790 (from SameDay Music, refurb) for the sub...plus the cables. I have another system with passive 15 in Yam & two subs and it has NEVER sounded as clear as this system does. No after-boom at all...clear as a bell.  So glad I made the decision I made. Now just have to make it pay for itself!  

K

I have the passport 250 and love it.  I do small private parties and it works great.  an I've never had a problem with it.

This past summer I purchased a B-52 Matrix 200 portable unit as a secondary system for wedding ceremonies and other small DJ/MC events.  It has worked very well for that purpose.  Only used it once for karaoke at a backyard part and it was fine for that.  Musiciansfriend bundled it with the roller bag, speaker stands, one corded mic & boom stand and cables.  The local GC was in disbelief, but matched their price.  You'd think MF & GC were in better sync.

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Sounds Great! Entertainment
Bartlett, Illinois

You'll notice in my post that I opted to purchase my 15" Mackie sub from SameDay Music....they offer 'seconds' that are reconditioned, and even though the second I got was not much less pricewise from what the local GC offered, I didn't have to pay shipping or taxes on it.  Mind you, I'm about 15 minutes from the local Mackie warehouse/former 'factory' ... I prefer to patronize local businesses but the fact is, when you're paying $800 for something, and then pay taxes and shipping on top of it, Sameday is a better deal.

Glad your systerm  is working for you. I chickened out on a portable system at the advice of 'my' local GC guy, who has assisted me in the past with almost everything I own equipment wise. (I guess he didn't want me coming back to whine at him or something!  LMAO)

K