Questions for starting up
 

Hey gang,

I just finished ordering an MTU portable PC with Hoster software and would like a couple tips before it arrives. What cable or cables will I need to connect the PC to my mixer? I currently run an RCA from the left and right outputs of my player to the 1/4" phone inputs of my mixer. Does anyone have a preference on monitor size. Is the 17" really needed? Also, I have read that there are certain Sound Choice CDG's that are copyright protected. Does anyone have a list of these? Is Sound Choice the only company that did this? I truly appreciate your help.

Dbl_Trbl

Re: Another newbie
 

Depending on your computers sound card, whatever kind of output you have on it. Probably 1/8" jack or possibly RCA left & right outputs. It's pretty simple. Radio Shack would have whatever cables you'll need.

If your mixer is 1/4" phone jack and your computer is 1/8" phone jack, then all you'll need is an adapter to step down your 1/4" jack on one end to 1/8". Just make sure it's all stereo not mono.

Hope this helps, Good Luck!
Wally :g

Re: Another newbie
 

Hey Dbl! This is JJ!

There's a thread somewhere in this forum that has the model of the cable from Hosa that you need. I bought 2 of them. They are nice because you aren't messing with adapters then, like $7 a piece.

Glad you finally took the plunge!

Let me know if you need any help getting started with getting your music onto the PC. I can stop by some night and walk you through it.

Oh, and go buy yourself a stack of blank CD-R's (decent ones). You'll need them for the multi-session discs.

The 17" monitor (LCD) is what we bought, and works for us. In LCD monitors, brightness is as (or more) important.

Take care!

Re: Another newbie
 

Go to a pro audio shop, and get a cable to go from 1/8" stereo to (2) 1/4" shielded cable. they are better than the radio shack cables. I use a 13" video monitor from wal mart, and have been using it for a couple of years now with no complaints. I also have a splitter, so I can plug into the large screens in the sports bars, etc.

If you should have a hum from the laptop, you will need to get a "hum eliminator" from the guitar center they do have a 2 channel, or stereo model. this will eliminate hum, hard drive whine etc. I very much doubt this would be a problem with an MTU Laptop, but it was with my own.

Re: Another newbie
 

I think Dbl_trbl was referring to the monitor for the PC.

Re: Another newbie
 

In that case, I am running a 15" NEC lcd monitor, I cant see a need for a larger one, and I wouldnt recommend a Cheapie, altho the NEC I bought was only $249 at circuit city. a lcd is really a lot less weight, and the NEC is the most durable/dependable of the one's I have seen.

Re: Another newbie
 

Assuming this is a shuttle, and assuming you've got stereo inputs on your mixer and that's assuming you want stereo then yes a 1/8 trs to 1/4 trs is what you want.
I beleive the shuttle will come with an s-video to rca adaptor, but I think it would be wise to pick up a backup. There not easy to find in a pinch sometimes - RS is the only local source I've found and they charge $20 and good luck finding them open at 9pm when you boot up and discover it ain't working. I've seen them on line for $3-$4.
I'm using a 14in proview lcd, works great. I think LCD is the way to go for size, weight and cool factor, it's only drawback is it's tough to read if you're sitting or standing at an angle.
Good Luck.
Sam

Re: Another newbie
 

That's where brightness is key. I can see my monitor fine from the side. 17" Samsung LCD. Picked up the brightest one Best Buy had. Definitely worth the money to me.

Re: Another newbie
 

I appreciate all of your help in getting me started. I received my portable PC with Hoster last week. So far, I have imported around 90 discs. I am quickly learning about the Media Cloq and Multisession discs from Sound Choice. Almost half of the discs I have imported are multisession. I have a very large library of Sound Choice discs, so I am expecting many more of these protected discs. I understand from reading the forums that the multisession problem can be worked around using the Microstudio software. Because these protected discs can be a huge problem for some of us, I feel this software should be included in a Hoster package, or at least recommended when ordering. When I order the software do I download it on the portable PC I purchased from MTU? Will this affect my warranty? Is the CDRW burner that MTU supplies with their portable PC all I need to do the copying and burning?

Thanks all,

Al

Re: Another newbie
 

If you have the extra dollars you may want to purchase the Karaoke Suite 4 I wish I would have purchased all of the software in this bundle when I started.

I just purchased my second system from MTU (Portable PC) and this time I had them install the package on my unit. It saves you plenty of dollars. Once you start looking at the prices separately you will see that the suite is a bargain.

Purchasing and downloading MTU's Software will not affect your warranty. You can download everything online. Just call Doug in sales and he will set you up.

Also the plextor burner that comes with your portable pc is exactly what you need to burn discs. It is MTU certified.

Right now it may seem like alot of work getting everything imported. Trust me you will never regret the time you invested. Running and working with hoster is pure pleasure. Be sure and make a testimonial post when you do your first show!

Good Luck
Flipper
Flipside Karaoke

Re: Another newbie
 

I believe someone stated to make sure you run stereo and not mono. I would have to disagree. I think it's important that regardless where you situate your speakers, that you would want all patrons to hear the same thing at the same time. Stereo is fine if you are at home but I have found it doesn't work as well in the karaoke grill/bar setting inviroment.

Just my 2 cents.

Kelly

Re: Another newbie
 

I think the reference replies to the cable. But I Run stereo in at my gigs, and have never had a problem getting the sound throught the place evenly. You really need to keep the stereo type hookup into the mixer, and don't use just one channel. Duplex cdg's put the vocals on one channel or the other, and mtu is working on the duplex issue right now to make it selectable for us, so we can mute the vocals.

a lot of DJ/Kj types argue both ways on the issue, but You cant get some of the effects I have if you go mono only. also If you are using Peavey speakers, they warn you against bridging outputs, as they can fry a speaker.

Re: Another newbie
 

Dbl_Trbl,
This will not void the warranty at all. You can download the software on any computer, then move it or transfer it to a CD and then load it on your MTU Portable PC.

Re: Another newbie
 

Thanks everyone, and Bryan, does this also hold true to upgrading the software? Can the software upgrades be dowloaded onto another computer and then transferred to the MTU PC or will I need to connect the portable PC to the internet?

Al

Re: Another newbie
 

Dbl_Trbl,
Yes, this is correct for any of our software. When you do an upgrade, make sure that you NEVER do Remove and you won't have to connect the system to the Internet to Reinstall it.

All you will need to do is select the Upgrade selection, instead of Remove.

If you do select Remove, you will have to Reinstall and create a Floppy disc, then take the Floppy to another computer and run it on the Internet.

Re: Another newbie
 

Allways, Allways Allways Run Karaoke In Mono. Stereo is for dj music. Bob

Re: Another newbie
 

Hey Bob,
What is the difference between DJ'ing KJ'ing that makes you think that the KJ should be mono? If the singer is on both channels and the music is stereo isn't that the same "sound" as a DJ?

I'm just really curious as the why you think this way? I've been running my system as I described for the two years I have been KJ'ing and people tell us we have the best sound in the area by far.

Best,

Roger

Re: Another newbie
 

I have been running sound systems for a very long time, i have been a KJ for almost 6yrs, have read every book i can find on sound, talked to a lot of prof sound techs. also JVC and Pioneer recemends you run karaoke in mono.but to each his own.whatever works for you. :) :)
Keep on hostering, BOB :g

PS. There is a big diff between KJ & DJ.

Re: Another newbie
 

Bob is right. It basically comes down to how the source material was recorded. I've found that you you get more sonic value in the mono mode. As far as out board processing, it all works equally as well. I'm sure you can drum up an array of differing opinions, but it basically comes down to what sounds best. The fact remains though, most karaoke is not recorded in stero, that's why the multi-plex format lends itself so well to it. JMO. :)

Re: Another newbie
 

Basically, if you are just KJ'ing, mono is probably fine. If you are DJ'ing & KJ'ing you're probably best to run stereo for the best effect for DJ stuff recorded in stereo. Then again, it's probably all going to sound good as long as you have good recordings and you know how to tweak your system for whatever venue are playing.

Just remember that if you're coming out of a stereo jack (e.g. headphone jack) and youre going to mono, you should always use a stereo jack that converts to mono jack. Gotta go!

Wally :g