Karaoke Forums

OK this is my setup so far taking a lot of input from the various people on these forums.

Mackie CFX-12
Shure 58's
Mackie SRM-450's
I have a 17" Flat Panel for Lyrics
Compuhost / Laptop

So I ask now, what am I missing. I heard a couple people mention Compressor and an EQ? Is that something I should think about off the bat? If so can you make some suggestions as to the types that would work with my system.

Thanks in advance.

~Lazer

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"Baby, Just Because I Rock, Doesn't Mean I'm Made Of Stone."

I would put the EQ much higher on the priority list than a compressor.


I will let other suggest EQs -- mine is a Behringer EQ3102 and I am very happy with it. Others will trash them, and I don't have enough experience to naysay them. (Though there are some pretty good pro live sound people who are high on Behringer EQ and power amps.)

Before a compressor I would get a Lexicon MX200 unit for better effects. It has a compressor function, but only if you use it in the insert path -- I don't use it that way. I credit the Lexicon for people telling me my sound is great -- their reverbs are very lush and full.

If your repertoire is mostly rock/metal, then the compressor might be a larger priority, to deal with the screamers and mike-cuppers. I don't have that problem with my mostly country music area.

A comp for the mic channel is almost a must in karaoke. Eq, if you use monitors: as feedback control.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

Compressor for the mics & an eq for the main output between the mixer & the powered speakers.  You could also try a BBE Sonic Maximizer on the main inserts of the mixer first just to thicken up the sound, but it isn't right for every system/room where an eq may be a better choice.  If an eq is the choice, try the dbx 231 - dual 31 band, blows anything away in it's price range.  Compressor, the dbx 266XL is a good starter unit.  These would be my 2 next must haves on the list.  You can use a BBE & an eq simultaneously.

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I don't think I have seen more than 1 in 20 KJs using them in the U.S.


I run mono, so I use one of the 31-band channels on my EQ for the mains and one for the monitor.

A powered subwoofer would make your sound stand out  nicely, in fact your mackie-cfx has a dedicated sub out specifically for this purpose.  :wave:

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Man Must Know His Limitations -Clint Eastwood

Ditto on my gear (we were buying at the same time and chose the same stuff, same program, speakers, mics and mixer) but I have a 19" flat panel for the crowd and a 15" for the singer, also a SRM 350 for a monitor.

Probably the next on my buy list is a subwoofer, but I expect it may wait a while. I have already had many comment on the quality of my setup, and if used correctly the sound can be great in a small setting.

One little thing that I found very helpful as a starting KJ was a decibel meter. It allows me to know how loud things actually are, since the human perception of "loud" changes over time and through the night. Probably with experience I will use it less and less, but starting out it is a great help. I got mine at radio shack for about $50.

That is because those karaoke singers know how to handle the mic. All you need is a few screaming singers, Then will you will wish you have a comp. I don't like riding faders all nite; I have better things to do.

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I can neither confirm nor deny ever having or knowing anything about nothing.... mrscott

Everything is top drawer so far!

I agree with Dr Fred on the sub-woofer as SRM450's don't have much in the way of lower end. They provide excellent Highs and Mids and moderate lows. Depends on your preferences and your crowd.

If you are going to be Mobile most of the time. Be sure and buy the covers or bags for your equipment. Some of my equipment that is 10 years old still looks new today as a result.

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott