I am looking at getting a Karaoke system, I played music 30 years ago and want to do some singing, however there is a possibility of entertaining and doing weddings where I do most of the singing, my brother has done the same, I want to get all my music onto an external harddrive.
I am looking at JBL 450 watt powered speakers or separate components advice here, I initially wanted separate cdg players and mixing board, however my brother bought the combined mixer and 2 players, which has the change key option. I have purchased the sm58 mike, I know all the other stuff I need, I don't want to over kill if I don't need to, but want great quality and if the need arises have some power for larger groups, in a room of about 3000 sq ft. I understand if it came to that I could rent or purchase other speakers, if you were in my shoes how would you start this, I'm not on any budget but am frugle, so far without music I was planning on about $2500, can I get descent quality for less than this?
looking for some direction
If I understand this, you want to be the major singing entertainment at a wedding and also do karaoke.
Doing weddings would reguire you to also DJ along with everything else. This requires DJ music. Meaning you will need to know how to DJ somewhat, too.
Weddings are running up to tens of thousands of dollars today. That makes you responsible for anything that goes wrong, entertainment wise. Possibly leading to a law suit for the cost of a ruined wedding. If your all in one mixer and player combo craps out where is your back up? Separate componants offer more security. With separate componants if one player stops working you at least have the other one. Most receptions will require more DJing than karaoke, normally. You only get referrals if you do a good job.
I say all this just to make sure you understand the implications.
Now about being cheap. How good do you want to sound at these weddings?
As a singer for 30 years I hope you have a good ear and know the difference between good quality sound and something less. You can buy $1000 systems, but don't expect much quality. Sounding good, as an experienced singer, also requires a decent microphone.
That will determine how much you want to spend. Good or bad???
Do you have karaoke music? DJ music? Any experience with mixing the sound? How much do you expect to charge at a wedding? Are you going to use lighting at these receptions? Most places don't have lighting.
Doing weddings would reguire you to also DJ along with everything else. This requires DJ music. Meaning you will need to know how to DJ somewhat, too.
Weddings are running up to tens of thousands of dollars today. That makes you responsible for anything that goes wrong, entertainment wise. Possibly leading to a law suit for the cost of a ruined wedding. If your all in one mixer and player combo craps out where is your back up? Separate componants offer more security. With separate componants if one player stops working you at least have the other one. Most receptions will require more DJing than karaoke, normally. You only get referrals if you do a good job.
I say all this just to make sure you understand the implications.
Now about being cheap. How good do you want to sound at these weddings?
As a singer for 30 years I hope you have a good ear and know the difference between good quality sound and something less. You can buy $1000 systems, but don't expect much quality. Sounding good, as an experienced singer, also requires a decent microphone.
That will determine how much you want to spend. Good or bad???
Do you have karaoke music? DJ music? Any experience with mixing the sound? How much do you expect to charge at a wedding? Are you going to use lighting at these receptions? Most places don't have lighting.
Thanks
I should have been more specific,
I was dj for 10 years in a local radio station, and if I was to do weddings it would be for people I know and nothing fancy, I use to do weddings all the time with my band, as well as be the master of cerimonies, the reason I said weddings, when I went to purchase equipment, the salesperson was not listening to me and kept telling me what problems I would encounter in bars and night clubs, I have no desire to do either one of those gigs,really all I want to do is get back to singing in my home, my family is grown and my daughter and granddaughter have a descent voice as well, so I would say 75% of the time it would be me and my family, 20% of the time entertaining at home, I have a 3200 sq ft finished basement and a large patio around a huge pool, I agree with the separate components and that was the way I kept leaning, buI was told to keep it simple for the family, I could just buy a basic system, but if the opportunity was to arise, i would like to have something pretty descent.
Thanks, I have read many of your posts and it has helped me and I knew you would respond and point me to components
I should have been more specific,
I was dj for 10 years in a local radio station, and if I was to do weddings it would be for people I know and nothing fancy, I use to do weddings all the time with my band, as well as be the master of cerimonies, the reason I said weddings, when I went to purchase equipment, the salesperson was not listening to me and kept telling me what problems I would encounter in bars and night clubs, I have no desire to do either one of those gigs,really all I want to do is get back to singing in my home, my family is grown and my daughter and granddaughter have a descent voice as well, so I would say 75% of the time it would be me and my family, 20% of the time entertaining at home, I have a 3200 sq ft finished basement and a large patio around a huge pool, I agree with the separate components and that was the way I kept leaning, buI was told to keep it simple for the family, I could just buy a basic system, but if the opportunity was to arise, i would like to have something pretty descent.
Thanks, I have read many of your posts and it has helped me and I knew you would respond and point me to components
I learned the value of components from my dad. It also makes more sense whenever you need to upgrade. You can do it one piece at a time.
Look at some music equipment sites. They have some decent PA system packages. They include speakers, speaker stands, amplifiers/mixers and cables and microphones.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=630609
I like this except the mixer/amp combo thing bugs me. If the amp blows you lost the mixer too. I like "everything" by itself. You end up wasting less money. Individual pieces may cost a little more in the beginning but less in the long run.
I don't like the idea of powered speakers because if the amp blows you lost the amp and the speaker.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=630133
I run this for several reasons. I run my computer left and right sound into separate channels. This lets me see an individual signal input light for each channel. If I have a bad wire there will be no light indicating which wire is bad. If you use 2 players that would need 4 channels. Another channel for my announcing microphone. 3 channels for wireless microphones. and I use 2 for my effects. That still leaves open channels as backup or extras in case you blow a channel. I have had it happen more than once. Just move the input wires to a different channel and keep going.
If you only buy a mixer that has exactly enough inputs and you blow a channel you need another mixer right now. With extra open channels you still don't need a new one yet.
I just replaced my 10 year old mixer. The sliders were getting dead spots. But I used it a lot longer because I had open channels to switch to.
I also use this mixer because of the way you can change the input configuration. I have a short rack box. If you use the mixers that have the inputs coming out of the back you need a 24 or 28 inch long rack box. I don't like the look of the ones that have the wires sticking out of the top of them. Too junked up.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=480827
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=600427
The Yamaha amp is matched and built especially for their speakers but you could use their amp with other speakers.
I had 3 different systems all with Yamaha speakers and never blew one in 16 years. For a year and a half I ran one system with the exact same PV speakers and I blew 4 Black Widow 18" subs in that time at $200 a pop to replace.
Today if you had a set of new PVs to give me I would tell you to keep them. I replaced the PVs with these Yamaha linked speakers.
If you want to upgrade some you could add subs.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=600458
The above amp will power all 4 speakers. I have this exact setup in my living room.
Now you need speaker wires and microphones. You could play anywhere with this set up and never need to upgrade.
Most people run compressors on their microphones and reverb effects. Then you need to protect your equipment with rack boxes.
I know.... $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.....
Boxes will be about $800 depending upon how you mount everything. You have to be able to move everything. My mixer rack box is too heavy for me to dead lift. 
It weighs about 150 pounds. Then I have the computer box and an amplifier box. Weight is going to be a slight problem. The speakers weigh 55 pounds the big ones weight 85 pounds. Transportation is another issue.
http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/Con ... TID=229400#
This link shows how the tops and subs work together. The pole eliminates the need for a speaker stand. You could go with the 12" tops and the 15" subs or the 15" tops and the 18" subs. Yamaha makes different quality speakers and some with cheaper horns. I linked you to the better speakers. Check the ID numbers carefully.
I see I went slightly over your budget, 
but you won't be happy with the way you sound with cheap stuff. I only say this because you are an experienced singer. And you are use to hearing band equipment. Trust me most local KJs are embarrassing.
Do some home work and visit your local karaoke clubs and sing on many different systems. Then go to your local music store and sing on the equipment I listed. Try different microphones and speaker combinations before you buy anything. Remember cheap is never good. There are many different equipment grades and configurations that you can do.
Before I get crucified... The above links are just my suggestions based on "my" experience and "some" of your budget requirements. They may not be suitable for every KJ.
I like doing things right the first time. Then again it's me.
Thinking back on this I have replaced many pieces over the years from wear and tear but never a speaker. I had a magnet fall off one, but never a blown Yamaha speaker.
One more thing. I bought one of my systems used. The music store that I deal with sold an almost identical system to another KJ. They split up and sold it on consignment. The music store called me first and the speakers from that system are in my livingroom. I replaced some of the equipment and added some things to bring it up to my standards but the price was right. And it had a nearly complete Pioneer Laser disc set with it. The stuff was all rack mounted. You could look in pawn shops right now. People are dumping everything. But check everything good before you buy. Most music stores have used equipment and rental stuff to get rid of. Everytime I go to the music store I check out all the used stuff. I found many speakers that I have just for extra parts. In case.
Look at some music equipment sites. They have some decent PA system packages. They include speakers, speaker stands, amplifiers/mixers and cables and microphones.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=630609
I like this except the mixer/amp combo thing bugs me. If the amp blows you lost the mixer too. I like "everything" by itself. You end up wasting less money. Individual pieces may cost a little more in the beginning but less in the long run.
I don't like the idea of powered speakers because if the amp blows you lost the amp and the speaker.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=630133
I run this for several reasons. I run my computer left and right sound into separate channels. This lets me see an individual signal input light for each channel. If I have a bad wire there will be no light indicating which wire is bad. If you use 2 players that would need 4 channels. Another channel for my announcing microphone. 3 channels for wireless microphones. and I use 2 for my effects. That still leaves open channels as backup or extras in case you blow a channel. I have had it happen more than once. Just move the input wires to a different channel and keep going.
If you only buy a mixer that has exactly enough inputs and you blow a channel you need another mixer right now. With extra open channels you still don't need a new one yet.
I just replaced my 10 year old mixer. The sliders were getting dead spots. But I used it a lot longer because I had open channels to switch to. I also use this mixer because of the way you can change the input configuration. I have a short rack box. If you use the mixers that have the inputs coming out of the back you need a 24 or 28 inch long rack box. I don't like the look of the ones that have the wires sticking out of the top of them. Too junked up.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=480827
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=600427
The Yamaha amp is matched and built especially for their speakers but you could use their amp with other speakers.
I had 3 different systems all with Yamaha speakers and never blew one in 16 years. For a year and a half I ran one system with the exact same PV speakers and I blew 4 Black Widow 18" subs in that time at $200 a pop to replace.
Today if you had a set of new PVs to give me I would tell you to keep them. I replaced the PVs with these Yamaha linked speakers.If you want to upgrade some you could add subs.
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=600458
The above amp will power all 4 speakers. I have this exact setup in my living room.
Now you need speaker wires and microphones. You could play anywhere with this set up and never need to upgrade.
Most people run compressors on their microphones and reverb effects. Then you need to protect your equipment with rack boxes.
I know.... $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$..... Boxes will be about $800 depending upon how you mount everything. You have to be able to move everything. My mixer rack box is too heavy for me to dead lift. It weighs about 150 pounds. Then I have the computer box and an amplifier box. Weight is going to be a slight problem. The speakers weigh 55 pounds the big ones weight 85 pounds. Transportation is another issue.http://www.yamaha.com/yamahavgn/CDA/Con ... TID=229400#
This link shows how the tops and subs work together. The pole eliminates the need for a speaker stand. You could go with the 12" tops and the 15" subs or the 15" tops and the 18" subs. Yamaha makes different quality speakers and some with cheaper horns. I linked you to the better speakers. Check the ID numbers carefully.
I see I went slightly over your budget,
but you won't be happy with the way you sound with cheap stuff. I only say this because you are an experienced singer. And you are use to hearing band equipment. Trust me most local KJs are embarrassing.Do some home work and visit your local karaoke clubs and sing on many different systems. Then go to your local music store and sing on the equipment I listed. Try different microphones and speaker combinations before you buy anything. Remember cheap is never good. There are many different equipment grades and configurations that you can do.
Before I get crucified...
The above links are just my suggestions based on "my" experience and "some" of your budget requirements. They may not be suitable for every KJ. I like doing things right the first time. Then again it's me.
Thinking back on this I have replaced many pieces over the years from wear and tear but never a speaker. I had a magnet fall off one, but never a blown Yamaha speaker. One more thing. I bought one of my systems used. The music store that I deal with sold an almost identical system to another KJ. They split up and sold it on consignment. The music store called me first and the speakers from that system are in my livingroom. I replaced some of the equipment and added some things to bring it up to my standards but the price was right. And it had a nearly complete Pioneer Laser disc set with it. The stuff was all rack mounted. You could look in pawn shops right now. People are dumping everything. But check everything good before you buy. Most music stores have used equipment and rental stuff to get rid of. Everytime I go to the music store I check out all the used stuff. I found many speakers that I have just for extra parts. In case.
ALL OF THEM......?????
I'm on latop now and all my music is on external hard drives. The way I wanted to do it is to have the computer completely stripped of all the unused, unnecessary programs and stuff that could interfer with the system operation. The only thing on the laptop is the OS, and Sax, and the key changer plug in and Win amp. I wanted the music to be a serarate component. If my laptop HD craps out I don't lose the music. If the music HD craps I don't lose the laptop. I have 2 identical laptops, one is back up. 6 back up hard drives. Back up video processor. And a lot of help from an excellent computer guru.
I'm coming home each night with a full pocket.
I also have an external Plextor 760 drive to play discs.
Key changer is used a good bit. I have Sax & Dottys for my hoster and it comes with a key changing plug in.
I'm on latop now and all my music is on external hard drives. The way I wanted to do it is to have the computer completely stripped of all the unused, unnecessary programs and stuff that could interfer with the system operation. The only thing on the laptop is the OS, and Sax, and the key changer plug in and Win amp. I wanted the music to be a serarate component. If my laptop HD craps out I don't lose the music. If the music HD craps I don't lose the laptop. I have 2 identical laptops, one is back up. 6 back up hard drives. Back up video processor. And a lot of help from an excellent computer guru.
I'm coming home each night with a full pocket.
I also have an external Plextor 760 drive to play discs.
Key changer is used a good bit. I have Sax & Dottys for my hoster and it comes with a key changing plug in.
he has to be using software to play it as just the disc drive itself isn't enough to play the discs. Personally I carry an outside player because I don't want to wear out my computer's drive playing discs when I might need it to import songs from discs. But then again I have never had anyone bring in their own discs so I pulled that player after the first six months of carrying it in my rack.
Thanks, So
I currently have a dvd burner player on a new laptop, I buy an external cd or dvd player and buy software that will read cdg and mp3g formats, what is the best software to buy, right now with Bigdogs, advice I am going strictly separate componenets, will want to play disks, the key changer for disks being played would be controled from where? so to sum it up
buy my missing components including an external cd player?
buy software?
copy my disks to an external hard drive and I'm good to go?
I know there is more but that will at least get me close.
I currently have a dvd burner player on a new laptop, I buy an external cd or dvd player and buy software that will read cdg and mp3g formats, what is the best software to buy, right now with Bigdogs, advice I am going strictly separate componenets, will want to play disks, the key changer for disks being played would be controled from where? so to sum it up
buy my missing components including an external cd player?
buy software?
copy my disks to an external hard drive and I'm good to go?
I know there is more but that will at least get me close.
I don't understand why you are focusing on a karaoke disc player when you are planning on playing your songs from an external hard drive. Once you import your karaoke song tracks to the hard drive you really have no need for a disc player unless you plan on letting others bring their own discs to your performances.
It sounds like what you are looking to do is set up a laptop karaoke system. The laptop in this instance is simply replacing a karaoke disc player. Your laptop will need to be capable of dual-display which allows you to display the workstation on the laptop while displaying the karaoke (singer's) screen on another monitor or TV.
You will need three types of software. One to import the songs from your karaoke discs to the external hard drive in a compressed format. Then hosting software that will organize and play the song files with features like digital key control, automatic singer rotation, singer history, and others depending on the application you choose. Finally song book software to create and print your song books.
There are several hosting applications available and you'll find that each of us has their favorite. As Bigdog mentioned, he uses Sax & Dotty's that uses Winamp as the actual player. Personally, I prefer the Video Hoster with Song Book Creator as it is all three applications in one.
You will need a CD or DVD drive that is capable of reading karaoke CD+G discs for importing the song tracks and playing them with the hosting software (if necessary).
I think you've already covered the rest of your sound system.
It sounds like what you are looking to do is set up a laptop karaoke system. The laptop in this instance is simply replacing a karaoke disc player. Your laptop will need to be capable of dual-display which allows you to display the workstation on the laptop while displaying the karaoke (singer's) screen on another monitor or TV.
You will need three types of software. One to import the songs from your karaoke discs to the external hard drive in a compressed format. Then hosting software that will organize and play the song files with features like digital key control, automatic singer rotation, singer history, and others depending on the application you choose. Finally song book software to create and print your song books.
There are several hosting applications available and you'll find that each of us has their favorite. As Bigdog mentioned, he uses Sax & Dotty's that uses Winamp as the actual player. Personally, I prefer the Video Hoster with Song Book Creator as it is all three applications in one.
You will need a CD or DVD drive that is capable of reading karaoke CD+G discs for importing the song tracks and playing them with the hosting software (if necessary).
I think you've already covered the rest of your sound system.
Normally I don't get too many people that bring their own discs. But I have at least 10 that when they show up they have their discs and want me to play them. They seem to travel in pack, so I'm forced to do my rotation accordingly.
Since I only have one external drive (which I think is plenty) I have to space them out to give me time to load and unload these discs without a musical interuption. (This can be a pain depending upon how many I have to fit in.) So you will need to decide whether you want to offer this option. Many KJs don't. Some singers won't patronise them.
I do not use my internal disc drive to play discs. I won't us anyones jump drive. And my karaoke laptops are strictly for karaoke, NOTHING else. They will never see the internet.
You need a drive that specifically says in their specs that it will play CD+G. If it doesn't say it, don't trust it.
I have 3 external drive hooked up. One to play discs and 2 for music. These are all controlled with Sax & Dottys.
As Wiseguy says duel screen display to play the lyrics on bar TVs. Check in the Display folder of Windows. If you can not set the duel display for 2 different screens, you can't use that computer. Check this before you buy one.
Since I only have one external drive (which I think is plenty) I have to space them out to give me time to load and unload these discs without a musical interuption. (This can be a pain depending upon how many I have to fit in.) So you will need to decide whether you want to offer this option. Many KJs don't. Some singers won't patronise them.
I do not use my internal disc drive to play discs. I won't us anyones jump drive. And my karaoke laptops are strictly for karaoke, NOTHING else. They will never see the internet.
You need a drive that specifically says in their specs that it will play CD+G. If it doesn't say it, don't trust it.
I have 3 external drive hooked up. One to play discs and 2 for music. These are all controlled with Sax & Dottys.
As Wiseguy says duel screen display to play the lyrics on bar TVs. Check in the Display folder of Windows. If you can not set the duel display for 2 different screens, you can't use that computer. Check this before you buy one.
OK
So I have gotten my equipment and bought some disks, now I am confused as what software I need, to simplify it for now let's say I want to:
1. copy my Disks to a hard drive
2. Create a song book
3. have the software detect the info?
I have the Dual monitor capability
4. Just want to be able to build a playlist and practice for now, i have downloaded every trial version of software, but not sure which does what
I got Dot and Saxxy, which downloaded win amp etc. but here when I played my disks I got no lyrics
I got Microsudio, it displayed lyrics, had key changer, but when I used it it did not display name of songs etc.
I got fast tracks, changed all the info to correspond, but could not get it to talk to the other programs, I'm sure it's just my not understanding how it all works,
Hopefully someone can help me, for now let's assume I'm not going to perform in night clubs but in my garage with my family,
I don't mind paying what Holster and song creator wants, is that my best option for all of the above or is there a better value with other software
So I have gotten my equipment and bought some disks, now I am confused as what software I need, to simplify it for now let's say I want to:
1. copy my Disks to a hard drive
2. Create a song book
3. have the software detect the info?
I have the Dual monitor capability
4. Just want to be able to build a playlist and practice for now, i have downloaded every trial version of software, but not sure which does what
I got Dot and Saxxy, which downloaded win amp etc. but here when I played my disks I got no lyrics
I got Microsudio, it displayed lyrics, had key changer, but when I used it it did not display name of songs etc.
I got fast tracks, changed all the info to correspond, but could not get it to talk to the other programs, I'm sure it's just my not understanding how it all works,
Hopefully someone can help me, for now let's assume I'm not going to perform in night clubs but in my garage with my family,
I don't mind paying what Holster and song creator wants, is that my best option for all of the above or is there a better value with other software
