Where do I begin?

[Shaun]

I have a regular client wanting karaoke. Really just looking for any help with sourcing what I'll need to provide this.

A relatively inexpensive mixer, something that has some sort of limiter / feedback reducer?
A source for karaoke files. Maybe subscription based streaming might be an option?
Sound card suggestions?
Microphone suggestions?

As a complete luddite when it comes to karaoke (and even working with a laptop at gigs) any help and assistance would be appreciated. :)

[Excalibur]

I have a regular client wanting karaoke. Really just looking for any help with sourcing what I'll need to provide this.

A relatively inexpensive mixer, something that has some sort of limiter / feedback reducer?
A source for karaoke files. Maybe subscription based streaming might be an option?
Sound card suggestions?
Microphone suggestions?

As a complete luddite when it comes to karaoke (and even working with a laptop at gigs) any help and assistance would be appreciated. :)

Please bear with a befuddled Old GFit, but rather than starting from scratch yourself, might it not make sense to sub this part of the process out to someone? Karaoke always goes better with two people.

I must point out that the initial outlay could be considerable. £250 for a sensible mixer, £300 for VDJ ( although cheaper options exist ) £300 for a cheap controller ( or did you ever get an MC6000)? £200 for a pair of decent radio mics, £300 for cheaper quartet radio mics, and a lot of money for Karaoke collections.

[ppentertainments]

Cheapest option for something that will 'do the job', and be perfectly adequate :

https://www.gak.co.uk/en/citronic-csd-6-compact-mixer-with-bt-receiver-and-dsp-effects/951381?gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiAjs2bBhACEiwALTBWZQEPHabES96-GXo2FdQrAsN5bTuSsvoxKqF1iUqVXlEMS_nIKPxz6RoCZGkQAv D_BwE

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TONOR-Microphone%EF%BC%8CMetal-Professional-Microphone-TW-820/dp/B07RKN9FF6/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3RMAD7EN4GERQ&keywords=wireless+microphones&qid=1668538292&sprefix=wireless+micro%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-7

https://www.karafun.co.uk/subscribe.html


That is assuming you have a laptop. You will also need a TV screen for the words - any second hand Cheapo and a stand will do, you don't need anything fancy,

There are better alternatives to everything, depends what you want to spend but for the cost the above would be ok to start then make a decent backup.

[Excalibur]

Blimey Chris, there's basic, and then there's Basic! :eek:

Still think I'd either sub the karaoke bit out, or at least shadow an established operator first.

[mattydj50]

Still think I'd either sub the karaoke bit out, or at least shadow an established operator first.

And that's where you come in.

[ppentertainments]

Blimey Chris, there's basic, and then there's Basic! :eek:

Still think I'd either sub the karaoke bit out, or at least shadow an established operator first.

What more do you need ?
Thing with karaoke is often operators over complicate things, yeah there are maybe some bigger professional nights, but (not being cheeky) they’d hire a professional host

For general karaoke it’ll do the job, I actually used similar for quite a number of years before stopping doing it.

[rth_discos]

What mixer/controller do you currently use?

My Denon MC6000mk2 has 2 mic inputs - so would work best with just 1 wireless mic, leaving me to have the "main mic". The controller has built in reverb too.

There are some wireless units that will output up to 4 mics on one channel output, which would work fine.

As a cheap and cheerful starting point - https://www.djkit.com/q-audio/qwm-11v2-microphone-system.html

Add on the Karaoke "content unlimited" option on Virtual DJ and you're away - only screens left to worried about.

So could be done as a very low-cost add on if something only being done very infrequently.

[ppentertainments]

As a cheap and cheerful starting point - https://www.djkit.com/q-audio/qwm-11v2-microphone-system.html
.

Bit of a bargain they are

[rth_discos]

Bit of a bargain they are

I bought a Thomann special a few years ago - it was €48 for a wireless mic. My main, expensive wireless mic is rackmounted, and comes with me to weddings etc when speeches are required, or any other planned event. The Thomann one, the receiver sits under the MC2000mk2 and is there more as a backup or if someone suddenly needs to do an announcement etc. And I *love* it. The mic capsule on it surpassed any expectations I had. I actually really enjoy using it, and it works great for making announcements in front of the booth.

So yeah, those cheap and cheerful bits of kit can sometimes be a good surprise!

Ah, they still sell it! I recommend this as a cheap backup/something small that's easy to carry around... https://www.thomann.de/gb/the_t.bone_tws_one_c_vocal.htm

[Shaun]

Cheers for all the replies guys. Very helpful.

I'll reply in a bit more detail to all later.

[Shaun]

Sorry for the late reply.

This add-on is for a regular gig at a regular venue. They've asked me to source information on what is needed to provide a few karaoke songs (one or two just spattered throughout the night) between my set. It's not really a situation I could sub out, as it's a may or may not happen during any given night, just something to have on hand really.

I currently use RX2's, so my thinking is if I got a FOH mixer I could just hook it into the RX2's and PA system. The venue owner (hirer) plays a bit music and he had a spare Mackie DFX-12 mixer to donate to the karaoke cause, so mixer sorted. As a stop gap I'll just use my own radio mics till I come across a decent set for karaoke second hand. For the music I've opted for a subscription based streaming service. We have great wifi in the venue and during testing it had pretty much all I searched for. So we're ready to roll at this point (almost) for around a cost of approx 30 quid P/M for the subscription service.

The main issue during testing is feedback from the mics. The layout in the venue isn't the best, and the speakers are not far enough away from the performers and their screens (which are fitted on the walls already of the venue). Anyone have any experience of feedback destroyers (behringer), do they work quite well?

As always, thanks in advance for your wisdom.

[rth_discos]

The layout in the venue isn't the best, and the speakers are not far enough away from the performers and their screens (which are fitted on the walls already of the venue). Anyone have any experience of feedback destroyers (behringer), do they work quite well?


Sorry if I'm teaching you to suck eggs, but feedback is all based on frequencies.

If it's a high-pitched squeal, turn down the high frequencies - if it's a low rumble, turn down the bass. For something more advanced to really get on top of it, a multiband EQ gives you a lot more control over the specific frequencies.

Sadly, the Behringer feedback destroyer unit isn't quite the magic wand you'd hope it is.

Having the right mic helps too - a dynamic mic is important in this situation, over a condenser mic. Along with the correct placement of the mic (close to the mouth)

[Excalibur]

Along with the correct placement of the mic (close to the mouth)

:bang::bang::bang::bang::bang:

Singer/speaker/numpty holds mic around groin level,or stick hand over grille like a rap star. Mic isn't loud enough to hear themselves, forcing DJ to turn it up into the danger zone. Never mind the fact that they've seen you use it loud and clear because you put it near your mouth. :mad:

[Shaun]

Sorry if I'm teaching you to suck eggs, but feedback is all based on frequencies.

If it's a high-pitched squeal, turn down the high frequencies - if it's a low rumble, turn down the bass. For something more advanced to really get on top of it, a multiband EQ gives you a lot more control over the specific frequencies.

Sadly, the Behringer feedback destroyer unit isn't quite the magic wand you'd hope it is.

Having the right mic helps too - a dynamic mic is important in this situation, over a condenser mic. Along with the correct placement of the mic (close to the mouth)

Yep, the wireless I have is a dynamic. I've pretty much tweaked the the high frequency eq right down to minimum but it just sounds terrible. Managed to pick up a feedback destroyer for 40 quid on ebay. Worth a punt. I'll let you know how I get on.

[Shaun]

:bang::bang::bang::bang::bang:

Singer/speaker/numpty holds mic around groin level,or stick hand over grille like a rap star. Mic isn't loud enough to hear themselves, forcing DJ to turn it up into the danger zone. Never mind the fact that they've seen you use it loud and clear because you put it near your mouth. :mad:

Gaffa tape the mic around their head. Could be a solution.

[Zog]

Gaffa tape the mic around their head. Could be a solution.


https://www.bing.com/search?q=bad+karaoke&cvid=94d7d8ed230f474c9d45bc911ff7573d&aqs=edge.0.0l7j69i64.4656j0j9&FORM=ANAB01&DAF1=1&PC=ASTS

Zog

[geanny667]

:bang::bang::bang::bang::bang:

Singer/speaker/numpty holds mic around groin level,or stick hand over grille like a rap star. Mic isn't loud enough to hear themselves, forcing DJ to turn it up into the danger zone. Never mind the fact that they've seen you use it loud and clear because you put it near your mouth. :mad:

Depending on the type of the microphone, the placement also changes