Karaoke Forums

I decided I'm going to invest in a Karaoke system.  My primary use will be in the home but I want the quality at the KJ small club level.  I do want to be able to move the system out on my rear deck for outdoor parties so mobility is a plus.  I plan on a computer based system.

I have a Dell Latitude 610 on order.  It's a 5 pound notebook with a 14" LCD weighing a hair over 5 pounds.   It has a 2.13 Gig Mobile Pentium processor, 2 Gig of RAM and 100 Gig of disk.  The Intel graphics chipset supports dual independent monitors so hopefully I'll be able to view the KJ software on the LCD notebook display and the lyrics on an external monitor.  If my needs ever go above 100 Gig of disc, I'll add an external USB drive.  I plan to test the compatibility of the internal CD drive with CDG and if it isn't compatible I'll add an external CDG compatible USB drive.  I'll rip from the CDG drive to the hard drive and use the hard drive as a jukebox.  Assuming the Dell's sound is acceptable, I should be OK with the computer.  Any recommendations on an external CDG drive?

I was planning on picking up either a Yamaha EMX512SC or a Yamaha EMX312SC powered mixer along with a pair of Yamaha S115V speakers.  The 512SC and speakers are available in a package with stands and 4 AKG D8000 S dynamic hypercardioid microphones for around $1,250.  With the 312SC the package is around $100 cheaper.  I've found the mics separately on sale for $50 a pair so I assume they are no great shakes.   I'd probably auction them on eBay and apply the proceeds to a pair of decent wireless mics.  I'd like an opinion on the Yamaha equipment and the mics if you don't mind.

As an alternative to the EMX512SC, a KJ buddy is offering to sell me a VocoPro DA9800RV that he says has hardly been used for $250.  It is designed specifically for Karaoke handles both audio and video, and has the ability to change keys.  Power is 300 watts per channel.  Here is a link to the specs.

http://www.vocopro.com/frm_product.html

Any thoughts on this alternative?

Here are two additional questions.  
1.  If I'm taking thr lyrics directlly off the computer, why would I need to feed the video into the VocoPro?  If I don't that would seem to cancel one of the VocoPro advantages.
2.  I'm assuming I would only want to apply the pitch change to the music coming off the hard drive.  If so, couldn't I find KJ software that would provide the same functions?

I'm a newby.  Be gentle !!!    LOL  :no:

Tom

Sounds ok to me.  The Yamaha 512 would be a better choice with the S115 speakers.  If you are going to use the computer as the karaoke player, then with the correct programs, you wouldn't need any external key changer - the VocoPro unit would be a huge waste of money.  Your player (computer) & mics will plug into the Yamaha mixer.  That's all you'd need.

BTW that "300 watts per channel" on the VocoPro mixer/amp is a MAXIMUM rating into 4 ohms.  It's continuous rating into 4 ohms is only 150 watts, 75 watts into 8 ohms.

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Lonman,

Thank you for the advice.  One thing I am concerned about is sound quality coming out of the notebook.  I did some digging today and came across the Sound Blaster Audigy® 2 NX sound board that provides upgraded sound theough a USB connection.  Here's a link to information on the SoundBlaster site.

http://www.soundblaster.com/products/pr ... oduct=9103

Does anyone have any experience with this board?

Tom

I don't have any personal experience, although several have said that they use the stock sound card with no probs.  I believe Matt uses the external USB card you mentioned & LOVES it.  I have also heard that sometimes the internal sound card can produce a hum (which can be eliminated with a hum eliminator) which the external won't.

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For my laptop setup I use the Soundblaster PCI card and it works great!

http://www.soundblaster.com/products/pr ... duct=10769

I have an NX USB as well but I use this because it makes the setup quicker, just place the card in the PCI slot on your laptop and plug your 1/8 mini into it and connect to your mixer and you are good to go.

I saw it at circuit city a couple of days ago for $89

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

Flipper,

Thank you for the tip.  After checking it out, I think I agree that the PCMICA card makes more sense than the USB version.

Tom

yep, I love usb! The soundblaster mp3+ usb is just fantastic.

Just got the Numark mixer with USB connections... just wow'd me last night!

IMHO...stay away from the Addigy ZS 2 card.  I originally started out using the built in card on my Dell (sigma Tel).  I was starting to notice some distortion with song with a heavy bass line.  So I went to the local Walo-Mart and picked up the SoundBlaster MP3+ USB sound card, which fixed my problems.

Then my freind bowwored my SB MP3+ and lost it, so I went baclk to Walmart to get a new one.  No longer availble.  Went to Best Buy, bought the Audigy ZS2, took it to the show that nit, tried it.  After about 4 songs I switched back to the internal card on my Dell.

IMHO on the ZS2.....I found the highs were very tinny, and there was no good bass response at all.  So I went to Ebay and bought 3 SB MP3+ for about $15 a peice.  Got them in a couple days, and did a side by side comparison, and IMHO, and others at the bar, the Mp3+ was better!

your welcome Tom!

I have been using the Audigy ZS 2 PCI for over 1 year with no problems at all.

It's neat for recording singers as well.

USB will work fine for a home hookup but I prefer to have less cords and items to hookup.

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FlipSide Karaoke
Scott

I suggest using any of following pro soundcards:

Echo Indigo DJ
Gigaport USB
Maya 44 USB

They all are a step up from any soundblaster product and not much more in price.

CEO

Just go a Dell laptop myself using the GIGAPORT USB sound card - Really Nice
and not to expensive.

I agree that a powered mixer for your needs is ideal and the Yamahas are really nice.  One suggestion would be to look at  a set of PEAVEY PR15  speakers,
They are VERY LIGHT and less expensive then the Yamahas.  They are perfect for HOME or occasional party type music.  I use the 12" speakers at small parties and they sound great.  I do use  the YAMAHAS at my weekly bar gig  as the bass and depth of sound are a little better ....just a little.  Choice is yours  But if your planning to mover them often...get the lite-weights

Folks,

Thanks for the additional feedback.

After scouring the Web for reviews and such, I'm leaning toward one of the two Indigo cardbus products.  I like the portability.  Also, I travel frequently on airlines and would really value the ability to plug a card into my notebook, hook up headphones, and enjoy ...

I'm debating the two Indigo cards.   Both products have received multiple very positive reviews.  In many respects, they are identical.  But there are some differences.  Here's a link to the specs for both.  List price is identical.

http://www.echoaudio.com/Products/CardBus/

Indigo DJ - Delivers audio out two output ports.  One can be used to monitor output via headphones with a dial that controls gain.  The other can simultaneously feed a mixer/amplification/speaker system.  While I can see the value to a DJ, in my application, I see pushing output to one or the other, but not both at the same time.

Indigo I/O - Rather than two output ports, has an input port and an output port.  The input port can be used to provide mic input while the PC is delivering the sound.  The output port could be used to feed the mixer/amp/speakers or to the headphones.  I find this option appealing as I could record voice via mic over a Karaoke disc.  I've always woudered how good I really sound.    :yes:  LOL

Am I missing anything?  If not, I'm inclined to go with the Indigo I/O.

Tom

The Indigo appears to be the way to go, But Isn't it also on the discontinued page?

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I'm Not Dead yet...... But every day Im getting Closer !

Doc,

The Indigo PCMICA at $160 retail is discontinued.

The Indigo IO and the Indigo DJ are both currently available and retail for around $230.  Street price is in the $160-$190 range.

Tom