Karaoke Forums

Hey again,

I am trying to select equipment that will be durable, portable and sound really good.  I want to start as a karaoke host, but then have the ability to progress into private parties and weddings.  I would love to host from a computer, but due to the legal issues going on now I will start with cd's.

Here's a list of items I am considering:

(2) JBL EON 15 G2's (Might add the subwoofer and possibly a third speaker for a monitor/backup)
(1) American Audio CDG-350 CD Player
(1) VocoPro Mixer (VocoPro KJ-7808)
(1) VocoPro 4 Mic Wireless Set (VocoPro UHF-5805)
(1) Power Conditioner (Furman PL Plus Series II)

I did consider a CD Carousel but am worried that it will be too difficult to do key changes externally, and that the CDG's will get damaged in transit while in the Carousel.

Also as far as mobility, I've seen several rack mounts available...  I think I am going to split it into two to keep it light most likely with wheels so I can roll them in and out.

Any suggestions or words of caution about the items above?

Thanks!

Tim

I would personally avoid anything VocoPro.  
The player you are considering i've heard both good & bad about.  Usually about 1 side dying & that it don't have a digital key changer built in - just a pitch wheel which alter key by speeding or slowing otherwise have heard it's a pretty decent.

The EON's are a decent choice, with a sub they are very good.  Also look into the PRX series, a little bit more, but the sound is worth the extra.
For a mixer, i'd go with a Mackie, Yamaha, Peavey, not real big on Behringer, have never had anything but bad luck & consistant problems.
Mics I personally won't use anything other than Shure, AKG or Audio Technica.

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And I fully agree with Lonman, I was one of them recommending Behringer and I must say, it's all in the past!!  sold the mixer, replaced it with a Mackie, sold the Truth monitors and replaced them with the Diamond 8.2 pro from Wharfedale!  My recommendation now, do it right in the first place, cost a bit more but worth every penny spent! And BTW, my new monitors cost me less then the Behringer and it's day in night!!

thanks Lonman for your suggestions...

Lonman Thanks for the tips.

I saw the JBL PRX series but haven't heard them yet.  I like the EON 15 G2 because they seem durable, made for travel and light-weight.  

Do you think I would be ok with the JBL PRX512M or would I have to go to the PRX515?

As for the CD Players...  I do like the idea of a dual try, I really don't want a single tray.  The American Audio one stood out because there is a $50 rebate right now.  Do you think the Numark or the Gemini would be better?

Thanks!!

Tim

I do not feel that you are going to get the power you need out of the 12" speakers without a sub.

The JBL PRX series is a great powered speaker. The grills are a bit flimsy and by design you will want to spend the $75 each on covers for your speakers.

I know I have been preaching everyone on the QSC powered speakers but the 15" are $100 less than the jbl's and have a 6 year warrenty vs 3 years.


I suggest before buying any speaker system

1. Burn a cd with 2 of your favorite songs a rap song, a pop song, a rock song, a country song, something heavy like allternative or metal, and something quite like classical.

2. Ask the sales person to set the eq flat on the mixer and listen to each of the songs.

3. Play a heavy oscilating bass song like usher's yeah! and ask the sales person to turn it up as loud as the speakers will go.

4. See what happens does the bass will distort? Do the speakers blow up?

5. Take notes on the sound. See what you like and compare 3 systems, you may be suprized what you like. I would suggest listening to the JBL's, Qsc, and Yorkville powered.

6. Leave the store and come back the next day with a clear head. Listen to each set of speakers again with your cd, compare notes and make decision.

As far as weight goes the PRX series are about 10 or so lbs heavier than the EON, have better specs & more power.  As far as 12 vs 15 I would normally opt for the 15" simply because it would be apt to do more rooms and still give decent bass response in larger rooms (although I would still use a sub personally but that's just me).  
The QSC's mentioned are a great choice as well & are pretty close to the PRX line, they have a little more SPL rating (a hair louder capability) but a little less in the frequency response & range (slightly less highs & lows) - this would be where you'd want to listen to each side by side if you have the option.
As far as the cd players, I can't really give you an honest recommendation on any of those, i've tried them out here & there, but never on a regular basis & don't know the durability but haven't heard all great things about them.  Some have said rave reviews so it's going to be either take the chance or do a little more research to find that perfect player, IMO there really isn't a good pro machine out there anymore since JVC & Pioneer got out of the karaoke industry.

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