yeah we are looking for the cheapest route. We dont want it to be terrible cheap where it was a waste of money but we definitely don't need the same stuff you pros use... The bar is a small and low income bar so im not real worried about impressing to many people. We want it for birthday parties and graduation etc etc.
Like I said on the price we want to be able to use it, and not be static/noise where it hurts your ears. We are all novice karaoke people so we dont need equipment we wont know how to use.
To tell you the truth I think she just wants to hook it up, pick the songs and leave it alone. Meaning she wont be sitting at the dj stand tweaking and adjusting settings.
We also need a montior/tv for the singer to sing from. What is the best setup when using a laptop.
So based on the above information I would be very happy if you could put something together for me :-).
What software would you suggest. I was going to get compuhost but now im not sure. I think we only need features where we can have singers and cue the songs.
Thanks so much!
Another noobie needs help. Please Help.
Well the system you're looking at then in the Behringer is pretty good. For what you've described, not having seperat volume controls for the two microphones may not be a big deal. If wireless microphones aren't a requirement, Musicians Friend has a similar kit with wired mics (you could always add wireless later if you wanted): http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=482975
However, if you can make the jump in price, I think this one would be a much better option. More powerful (you'd be surprised even in a small club how strong of an amp you need to compete with crowd noise) and also has built in effects that would make vocals sound a lot better. http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=482984
As far as the TV/Monitor to use, a lot depends on your laptop. If it's got S-Video out, you'll want a TV that has S-Video input or you'll need a converter. Some older laptops came with RCA Video out (the yellow round plug), if that's the case it's pretty easy to find TV's that have RCA inputs. Flat panel TV/monitors are obviously very nice if you're going to be moving it around a lot. If it's going to be in a static location, then I'd say get a regular CRT TV as that will be your cheapest route. 13-19 inch should be plenty large enough.
As far as software, I use WinAmp with the AutoKDJ plugin and it suits me very well. The cool thing is both WinAmp and AutoKDJ are software that you can download for free. However they are not the easiest of the software available to setup and the only support is an online forum. So if you're not real good with computers, I'd look at some of the commercial options where you'd get more formal support.
However, if you can make the jump in price, I think this one would be a much better option. More powerful (you'd be surprised even in a small club how strong of an amp you need to compete with crowd noise) and also has built in effects that would make vocals sound a lot better. http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=482984
As far as the TV/Monitor to use, a lot depends on your laptop. If it's got S-Video out, you'll want a TV that has S-Video input or you'll need a converter. Some older laptops came with RCA Video out (the yellow round plug), if that's the case it's pretty easy to find TV's that have RCA inputs. Flat panel TV/monitors are obviously very nice if you're going to be moving it around a lot. If it's going to be in a static location, then I'd say get a regular CRT TV as that will be your cheapest route. 13-19 inch should be plenty large enough.
As far as software, I use WinAmp with the AutoKDJ plugin and it suits me very well. The cool thing is both WinAmp and AutoKDJ are software that you can download for free. However they are not the easiest of the software available to setup and the only support is an online forum. So if you're not real good with computers, I'd look at some of the commercial options where you'd get more formal support.
Actually I would spend $29 at musician's friend for the behringer U-Control 202. It is an usb soundcard that has RCA outs. From there you can use a standard rca cable to connect to your mixer. I use it and it sound so much better than if you went straight from your laptop. You'll want to disable the onboard sound out because that will gain you speed on your processor.
Personally for software I would either go with CompuHost(which I use) or Siglos karaoke professional which has a lot of the features that Compuhost has without the dongle. I would still get a cdg player for outside discs.
Personally for software I would either go with CompuHost(which I use) or Siglos karaoke professional which has a lot of the features that Compuhost has without the dongle. I would still get a cdg player for outside discs.
I have to add this to the subject.
If you want to attract a serious karaoke crowd that will return week after week you need to be serious with the system and those that are going to operate it.
Most bartenders can't even keep the glasses full let alone worry about acting like a KJ.
Serious singers won't stand for someone that doesn't have a clue about anything, trying to mix their song. And if the system sounds like crap the bars reputation for karaoke will be in the toilet. So this idea could actually cause more harm than good.
If you just want people clowning around that's what you will get (including the income potential.) Good serious singers will avoid it like the plague.
If it's to be a money making deal (I'm talking about good steady money) then just hire a KJ with a track record to do the job. It will be done correctly from the get go.
I have seen too many crappy KJs kill bars. And a crappy system run by people that don't know anything will do the same.
I would seriously consider what you are trying to achieve. Make money or kill the business...
If you want to attract a serious karaoke crowd that will return week after week you need to be serious with the system and those that are going to operate it.
Most bartenders can't even keep the glasses full let alone worry about acting like a KJ.
Serious singers won't stand for someone that doesn't have a clue about anything, trying to mix their song. And if the system sounds like crap the bars reputation for karaoke will be in the toilet. So this idea could actually cause more harm than good.
If you just want people clowning around that's what you will get (including the income potential.) Good serious singers will avoid it like the plague.
If it's to be a money making deal (I'm talking about good steady money) then just hire a KJ with a track record to do the job. It will be done correctly from the get go.
I have seen too many crappy KJs kill bars. And a crappy system run by people that don't know anything will do the same.
I would seriously consider what you are trying to achieve. Make money or kill the business...
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xfactornos
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Nov 05, 2008 10:44 pm
Well like I said its not to promote business or to even get business in. its for family parties and events. They dont want to pay/hire anyone thats the reason they want to do it themselves. The only thing she wants to do is make a playlist and let them sing.
Plus the club is members only so people just cant come in to sing they would have to become a member.
Bigdog I understand you do this a lot and I understand what you are saying, but I dont see how its going to hurt anything. They dont want to be known for karaoke as it will only be operated on special events.
This isnt a 24/7 karaoke setup.
Thanks for you input though!
Thanks for all the help everyone!
Plus the club is members only so people just cant come in to sing they would have to become a member.
Bigdog I understand you do this a lot and I understand what you are saying, but I dont see how its going to hurt anything. They dont want to be known for karaoke as it will only be operated on special events.
This isnt a 24/7 karaoke setup.
Thanks for you input though!
Thanks for all the help everyone!
Around 15 years ago I played an Eagles (members only) club. The night because so successful people came 1- 2 hours early to get seats. People were actually becoming members because they heard everyone was having so much fun. The kitchen added staff and an extra bartender.
Don't underestimate the power (income wise) of a successful karaoke night. With the economic climate today what's wrong with (trying) making more money? Bill Gates is only semi-retired....
Don't underestimate the power (income wise) of a successful karaoke night. With the economic climate today what's wrong with (trying) making more money? Bill Gates is only semi-retired....
BigDog
Not everyone is in it for the money. Heck if that was the reason I did it then I would not bother with karaoke as the hacks have already dug a hole so deep that One has to have three shows to equal the pay one had about five years ago. I do it because it's fun for me to see others come out of their shell.
Not everyone is in it for the money. Heck if that was the reason I did it then I would not bother with karaoke as the hacks have already dug a hole so deep that One has to have three shows to equal the pay one had about five years ago. I do it because it's fun for me to see others come out of their shell.
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xfactornos
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Nov 05, 2008 10:44 pm
Making money is fun....
Doing it with karaoke is even more fun.
I only mention it because that club was making thousands of dollars a night...
Now if that doesn't get your attention in a recession then so be it.
Have "fun" and being broke paying for all of the karaoke music & equipment that isn't cheap.
Most of the profitable bars I play in are getting very worried about the present economic situation (talking to bar owners.) Many bartenders are considering looking for other jobs. Many KJs won't have jobs by the time this is over because many bars may be closed.
Money isn't everything but it's sure nice to have while you're here (on earth.)
Doing it with karaoke is even more fun.
I only mention it because that club was making thousands of dollars a night...
Now if that doesn't get your attention in a recession then so be it.
Have "fun" and being broke paying for all of the karaoke music & equipment that isn't cheap.
Most of the profitable bars I play in are getting very worried about the present economic situation (talking to bar owners.) Many bartenders are considering looking for other jobs. Many KJs won't have jobs by the time this is over because many bars may be closed.
Money isn't everything but it's sure nice to have while you're here (on earth.)
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xfactornos
- Posts: 11
- Joined: Wed Nov 05, 2008 10:44 pm
