Microphone mixers for Karaoke

[Ryu]

Hi,

I'm just in the process of developing a laptop karaoke setup, and wanted to know....

I currently use the Laptop for Disco's and can play CDGs via Virtual DJ, will be connecting the laptop via a TV out to a TV monitor and the sound will go, as normal, through the DJ I/O and then into the amp.

At current we are using the Mic input of the I/O for Disco's, but wanted to know, is there a mixer you could recommend, which can sit between the Mic/s and the I/O, which is around the £100 mark and can take 3 or more mic inputs, which you can level and eq a bit, and then have an out put which can go into the I/O.

Basically...a Microphone mixer...as the title suggests!! :o

[UltraBeat Entertainment]

I have never heard of such a thing (yet again it's not something I've tried to find) but could you not use EQ levels on your mixer? i know most brands have mic EQ's that should do what your asking.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mixers/numark/FX_200

A bit more than your budget, but it might be what you are looking for?

[soundtracker]

I bought A RCF MX-8 Mixer off some dodgy geezer on E-bay about 3 years ago!(Its still going strong Daz!) which is absolutely ideal for my karaoke requirements! Don't know if you can still get them, but may be worth a search!!

[Ryu]

Thats a good piece of kit Mr Solitaire, thanks.

to clarify, My set up is Laptop controlled by Total Control, into I/o, mic through I/O Mic channel

I figured I could find a 3-4 channel mixer, which the Mics all plug into, and output directly into the Mic input on the I/O? Judging by the spec, that piece of kit can do that, judging by the Pics, it looks like its Red and White audio inputs, not phono jacks...could be wrong though

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I know what I/O stands for, but am not sure the way you have things set up - can you explain more?

[Ryu]

Sorry, Thats a Numark DJI/O external soundcard all connected and powered via Laptop USB.

One of these...http://www.numark.com/djio

[DazzyD]

I had a 4 channel mic mixer from Realistic/RadioShack about 15 years ago when I got in to home karaoke. I know it's an el-cheapo bit of kit but it did the job you are on about. At the time, it cost about £20 (second-hand) and worked using sliders on each channel. If you have good EQ's and FX on your main mixer, and you can track down such a mixer, I think it will suit you well.

[DazzyD]

http://www.decks.co.uk/products/mixers/numark/FX_200

A bit more than your budget, but it might be what you are looking for?

I've had a look at this one, Darren, and I'm not 100% sure it would suit Ryans needs. This is because it only has one dedicated mic channel and Ryan was looking for 3 mic channels. Would you be suggesting to use the mics with jack connectors on the other channels? I always prefer XLR connections for my mics. There are a number of 4 channel mic-mixers out there where you can adjust levels for each channel independently but I'm not sure about EQ capabilities.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

I've had a look at this one, Darren, and I'm not 100% sure it would suit Ryans needs. This is because it only has one dedicated mic channel and Ryan was looking for 3 mic channels. Would you be suggesting to use the mics with jack connectors on the other channels? I always prefer XLR connections for my mics. There are a number of 4 channel mic-mixers out there where you can adjust levels for each channel independently but I'm not sure about EQ capabilities.

Actually it has more Dazzy - have another look! Yeah, if you only need 2 mic channels that would be fine. The faders have switches for mic or line and eq for every channel as well as assignable FX. I have one I use for karaoke and it's very simple to use and has everything you need as long as you are using 2 mic channels or are prepared to sacrifice one music channel, which wouldn't necessarily be a problem if you are jst doing karaoke.

[Ryu]

Thanks for the continuing advice.

I have been on the hunt, but can only find bits of kit that are too simple (see Maplins website...literally 4 inputs, 1 output, 4 volume knobs for a tenner or so) or needlessly complex and suitable to mic up an orchestra.

Do you have any ideas of how else I can get round this...we have 1 mic input, and need, ideally, 3 mics that need levelling and where possible, a bit of eqing etc.

I would use XLRs, would just mean investing in 3 xlr mics as our current is jack.

[DazzyD]

Actually it has more Dazzy - have another look! Yeah, if you only need 2 mic channels that would be fine. The faders have switches for mic or line and eq for every channel as well as assignable FX. I have one I use for karaoke and it's very simple to use and has everything you need as long as you are using 2 mic channels or are prepared to sacrifice one music channel, which wouldn't necessarily be a problem if you are jst doing karaoke.

My apologies, Darren, didn't read the review properly. I saw it said "5 inputs plus mic" and didn't realise that under that it said "5 mic inputs" (bit confusing that review - if you're me anyway!)

For pro karaoke I just use a powered mixer with 10 mic inputs each with variable EQ, levels and FX. I like to keep things simple (like me!)

[Boogie Boy]

If you just need a small microphone mixer, you can't go far wrong with any of them from any of the major brands that do 'em. They'll all do a good enough job, but £100 isn't going to buy you anything other than a basic mixer.

Would something like http://www.djkit.co.uk/product.php?id=1715 be what you're after?

Or maybe this?
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/8541

[DazzyD]

Thanks for the continuing advice.

I have been on the hunt, but can only find bits of kit that are too simple (see Maplins website...literally 4 inputs, 1 output, 4 volume knobs for a tenner or so) or needlessly complex and suitable to mic up an orchestra.

Do you have any ideas of how else I can get round this...we have 1 mic input, and need, ideally, 3 mics that need levelling and where possible, a bit of eqing etc.

I would use XLRs, would just mean investing in 3 xlr mics as our current is jack.

You could try using duo radio mic set. A good radio mic set will have separate controls for each mic and then feed this through to a line input on one of your mixer channels. This leaves you with your leaded mic to go in to your dedicated mic input on the mixer. Hey presto, three mics!

Are you saying that your mics are permanently leaded? If so, I would suggest you invest in mics with removable cables then it's up to you whether you choose jack or xlr plugs. You can get decent Shure PG48s which are good for the old karaoke for less than £30 each with lead included.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

For pro karaoke I just use a powered mixer with 10 mic inputs each with variable EQ, levels and FX. I like to keep things simple (like me!)

I'm not sure what you mean by 'pro' karaoke, but that mixer has more than enough FX, variable eq and separate levels for any karaoke night. I have a Behringer powered desk with about 12 channels and loads of different fx and stuff and the Numark is just as good if not better.

[DazzyD]

I'm not sure what you mean by 'pro' karaoke, but that mixer has more than enough FX, variable eq and separate levels for any karaoke night. I have a Behringer powered desk with about 12 channels and loads of different fx and stuff and the Numark is just as good if not better.

By pro karaoke, I mean the karaoke I do that I get paid for. I also have a load of kit left over from my home karaoke days which I wouldn't consider up to the job of being taken out on the road with me.

The point I was making was simply that I have no need to take extra mixers out with me when I'm working as my kit does everything I need it to. I wasn't putting down the numark mixer but just saying that I don't know too much about it because I don't need to.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Crossed wires.

I have a separate console built for karaoke which includes the mixer, 2 x radio mics, leaded mic, DAC-2 and SDJ1 for back up, which means there is nothing separate to take.

[DazzyD]

I'm looking at putting everything in to one console but, TBH, I don't know too much about casing things up (although I do use a lot of gear that's already flightcased but not by me!). The main karaoke unit consists of a 300+1 disc jukebox player that holds (most) of the discs. It also has a few units from VocoPro including the CG+G decoder, output selector (for multiple inputs/outputs) and other effects as well as a single CD player for inbetween music. Everythings wired internally so it's just a case of taking the power cable out to the mains and the audio jacks over to the mixer.

I'm looking to buy/build a new karaoke console (after I've sorted out my next lighting rig) which will probably be made up of the Kam Pro1500 mixer (ideal for karaoke apparently!), 2 x KAM Pro 5000 MKII CD+G/DVD players, a dual radio-mic system and some sort of amplifier (having always used powered mixers I know very little about amps so I'll have to swot up on this subject!). I know I can buy a console like this ready made but I'm wondering if I can save by doing it myself. Anyway, this is some way off yet.

[Ryu]

If you just need a small microphone mixer, you can't go far wrong with any of them from any of the major brands that do 'em. They'll all do a good enough job, but £100 isn't going to buy you anything other than a basic mixer.

Would something like http://www.djkit.co.uk/product.php?id=1715 be what you're after?

Or maybe this?
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/8541

Both are ballpark what I'm looking at.

So would you suggest going laptop--I/O--1 Mixer channel AND Our Mic and two other mics going to the mixer in the other channels, then mixer to amp (obviously)

[Excalibur]

I'm looking at putting everything in to one console but, TBH, I don't know too much about casing things up (although I do use a lot of gear that's already flightcased but not by me!). The main karaoke unit consists of a 300+1 disc jukebox player that holds (most) of the discs. It also has a few units from VocoPro including the CG+G decoder, output selector (for multiple inputs/outputs) and other effects as well as a single CD player for inbetween music. Everythings wired internally so it's just a case of taking the power cable out to the mains and the audio jacks over to the mixer.

I'm looking to buy/build a new karaoke console (after I've sorted out my next lighting rig) which will probably be made up of the Kam Pro1500 mixer (ideal for karaoke apparently!), 2 x KAM Pro 5000 MKII CD+G/DVD players, a dual radio-mic system and some sort of amplifier (having always used powered mixers I know very little about amps so I'll have to swot up on this subject!). I know I can buy a console like this ready made but I'm wondering if I can save by doing it myself. Anyway, this is some way off yet.


I've got one. Three mic channels, three band EQ on each mic channel, on/off switch on each. Four other channels. I don't do karaoke ( once every two years maybe) but if I did it would be my second choice mixer. ( My first choice is receding further and further into the distance, due to the cost of the Digital Switchover. Did I mention what it was costing me? :eek: :D )


If you just need a small microphone mixer, you can't go far wrong with any of them from any of the major brands that do 'em. They'll all do a good enough job, but £100 isn't going to buy you anything other than a basic mixer.

Would something like http://www.djkit.co.uk/product.php?id=1715 be what you're after?

Or maybe this?
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop/flypage/product_id/8541


Both are ballpark what I'm looking at.

So would you suggest going laptop--I/O--1 Mixer channel AND Our Mic and two other mics going to the mixer in the other channels, then mixer to amp (obviously)


Unless I'm missing something here, you would now be looking at ditching your existing mixer, and using one linked to above, instead of adding a Mic mixer ? If so, take a look at the one mentioned earleir, a bit dearer, but one extra mic channel.
http://www.ukdj.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=10440

There used to be another way round it, but the one I had has died, and I haven't found anything else with the same facility.

[DazzyD]

I've got one. Three mic channels, three band EQ on each mic channel, on/off switch on each. Four other channels. I don't do karaoke ( once every two years maybe) but if I did it would be my second choice mixer. ( My first choice is receding further and further into the distance, due to the cost of the Digital Switchover. Did I mention what it was costing me? :eek: :D )

I can pick one of these up for less than £190 so it's something I'm considering. So, Peter, I know you said you don't do karaoke but I'm just wondering if you've tried the echo effects on the mic channels and, if so, are they any good? My current mixer has onboard DSP effects which do the job but I'm thinking of making the next one a KAM console. My theory is that all same-branded components should work well together and KAM gear is well within my budget at the moment. I already have a few KAM bits and bobs and one of my best mics for karaoke is a cheap KAM £15. Though not quite as clear sounding as the Shure PG48s/SM58s, I seem to get less feedback trouble with the KAM one (BTW I'm not looking for tips to help with feedback - we've done that one already!)

[Excalibur]

I can pick one of these up for less than £190 so it's something I'm considering. So, Peter, I know you said you don't do karaoke but I'm just wondering if you've tried the echo effects on the mic channels and, if so, are they any good? My current mixer has onboard DSP effects which do the job but I'm thinking of making the next one a KAM console. My theory is that all same-branded components should work well together and KAM gear is well within my budget at the moment. I already have a few KAM bits and bobs and one of my best mics for karaoke is a cheap KAM £15. Though not quite as clear sounding as the Shure PG48s/SM58s, I seem to get less feedback trouble with the KAM one (BTW I'm not looking for tips to help with feedback - we've done that one already!)


The extent of my trial has been to turn on the switch, and turn up a dial. I didn't know what I was doing, so the short answer is " I have no idea." Sorry. :( :o

I have no knowledge of it, but the new digital 1750 might be worth a look if you were so inclined. The downside is I think it has one less mic channel. :confused:

[DazzyD]

Thanks for that, Peter. I didn't even know there was a 1750 model - I usually get booklets from Images but I've had nothing for a while. Got a new brochure today from DiscoWorld (not too far away from me) but there's no karaoke mixers worth having in there.

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

Thanks for that, Peter. I didn't even know there was a 1750 model - I usually get booklets from Images but I've had nothing for a while. Got a new brochure today from DiscoWorld (not too far away from me) but there's no karaoke mixers worth having in there.

They used to sell a Studiomaster karaoke mixer which looked fairly good?

[Excalibur]

Thanks for that, Peter. I didn't even know there was a 1750 model - I usually get booklets from Images but I've had nothing for a while. Got a new brochure today from DiscoWorld (not too far away from me) but there's no karaoke mixers worth having in there.

I've got a scabby old KAM catalogue in the van I got from DFB's open night. KAM's website is way out of date, I know for sure there's a 1600 replacement for the 1500 where all the mic faders are rotary, big aid in my book. Can't help more than that, sorry. Look around, good luck.

[Boogie Boy]

Both are ballpark what I'm looking at.

So would you suggest going laptop--I/O--1 Mixer channel AND Our Mic and two other mics going to the mixer in the other channels, then mixer to amp (obviously)

It all depends on how YOU want to configure YOUR system, but bviously, that would be one way of doing it. It's really up to you to decide what facilities are important to you and whether or not the sysyem allows for a certain amount of 'future proofing'.

Anyway, I'm glad the two mixers I flagged are roughly what you're looking for and I could be of some help.

[Ryu]

Again, to clarify, to mix at current I use a USB controller (Numark total control)

so my new set up goes....deep breath

Total Controller - Laptop - DJI/O - Mixer - Amp

The Microphones going straight to mixer, and disregarding Mic input of the I/O.

The 4 channel mixer would be
Channel 1 - Laptop - Volume set to max, use Total Control for volume control
Channel 2 - Our Mic
Channel 3 - Karaoke Mic
Channel 4 - Karaoke Mic


Would that make sense?

[scottrdj]

A Kam ka 50 would be ideal for this and its only £60.

[DazzyD]

Well found, Scott. I remember these units being aimed more at the home karaoke market but it could be ideal solution for Ryan.

[DazzyD]

They used to sell a Studiomaster karaoke mixer which looked fairly good?

In all their karaoke & disco consoles they're now using the StudioMaster Fusion. It used to be the Kam Pro 1500, which was good enough, but the new Fusion looks better still. I'm thinking of checking this one later in the year and it could find itself on my list to Santa this year!

[Solitaire Events Ltd]

In all their karaoke & disco consoles they're now using the StudioMaster Fusion

That's the one I was on about.

[Ryu]

http://www.peavey.com/products/browse.cfm/action/detail/item/115024/PV(R)%206.cfm

Hey, got it sorted, went for this one in the end, sounds pretty sweet and, considering its only for Mic Control, has more than enough tweakage to cover us.

Tested it all out, along with a monitor via my Laptop video out (that was about 45 minutes of headscratching) its all ready to go!

Cheers for the help and advice :D

[welby]

http://www.peavey.com/products/browse.cfm/action/detail/item/115024/PV(R)%206.cfm

Hey, got it sorted, went for this one in the end, sounds pretty sweet and, considering its only for Mic Control, has more than enough tweakage to cover us.

Tested it all out, along with a monitor via my Laptop video out (that was about 45 minutes of headscratching) its all ready to go!

Cheers for the help and advice :D

Looks good and a good price.

Does anyone know of anything similar, but with effects, such as pitch control, reverb etc?

[DazzyD]

Looks good and a good price.

Does anyone know of anything similar, but with effects, such as pitch control, reverb etc?

Like we mentioned earlier in the thread, the KAM Pro1500 mixer is supposed to be really good and it has onboard DSP effects and separate controls for each input. It's now under £200 so well worth a look.

[welby]

Like we mentioned earlier in the thread, the KAM Pro1500 mixer is supposed to be really good and it has onboard DSP effects and separate controls for each input. It's now under £200 so well worth a look.

Hi Dazzy,

I was thinking more of a simple microphone mixer. I have a main mixer. Just wanted to add some pitch contol, reverb etc when doing the occaisonal karaoke.

Thanks :beer1:

[501damian501]

so why not intergret karaoke into your system with a good mixer and cdg/dvd player ?

[welby]

so why not intergret karaoke into your system with a good mixer and cdg/dvd player ?

I think has something to do with plain old fashioned money or the lack of it!

1. Purchase Kit
2. Purchase DJ Licence
3. Purchase PLI
4. PAT Test Kit
5. Buy CDs
6. Website
7. Business Cards
8 Fur Coat for the misses.. oops we can't say that any more! :eek:

All without the aid of a single CREDIT CARD. :rolleyes:

See what I mean.....cash going out>>>>>>>>>>>>

I'm just starting up and things are a tad tight, but hopefully when in full swing I can put some money back into the kit.

Thanks for your help.

[Cj_The_Dj]

any mixer from bheringer i would recommend them.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Behringer-UB1204FX-Pro-Mixer_W0QQitemZ160273334026QQcmdZViewItem?hash=ite m160273334026&_trkparms=72%3A985%7C39%3A2%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C2 40%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

its not a mic mixe the same thing

[DK Karaoke]

HI,

I just bought the Alesis Multimix 16 USB2 mixer, and going to use it for mixing straight from computer with the Denon HC4500.

what you really need for mixing karaoke mics is a PA mixer, as opposed to a DJ mixer. The PA mixer has the microphone controls and fx etc., for the mics.

The Alesis also looks like its a Newmark brand, but under Alesis, as when you go to their site, its exactly the same as the Numark site.

Heres a link to the mixer
http://www.andertons.co.uk/acatalog/info_MM16USB2.html

Its a bit out of your budget however, but still worth a look. Its also rack mountable, but you have to buy the rack ears to go with it.

[djsteve10]

HI,

I just bought the Alesis Multimix 16 USB2 mixer, and going to use it for mixing straight from computer with the Denon HC4500.

what you really need for mixing karaoke mics is a PA mixer, as opposed to a DJ mixer. The PA mixer has the microphone controls and fx etc., for the mics.

The Alesis also looks like its a Newmark brand, but under Alesis, as when you go to their site, its exactly the same as the Numark site.

Heres a link to the mixer
http://www.andertons.co.uk/acatalog/info_MM16USB2.html

Its a bit out of your budget however, but still worth a look. Its also rack mountable, but you have to buy the rack ears to go with it.

Being a USB mixer i take it you have decided to go down the digital route then.

[DK Karaoke]

Being a USB mixer i take it you have decided to go down the digital route then.

Yep, especially seeing as I paid for the ProDub:eek: