Echo/Reverb

[gregvinlv]

Is there a software solution to adding echo to the microphone input, assuming I'm using a laptop? If not, is there a small, portable unit available with two mic inputs, volume and echo control? I am trying to travel with the minimum equipment.

[nreel]

Don't know of any Software Controlled Effects, other than with your Sound Card, but you are not hooking your Microphones to your Sound Card...I hope.

So here are some hardware suggestions:

If you use a Powered Mixer, you can either replace the Powered Mixer with one that has BUILT-IN Effects or obtain an EFFECTS PROCESSOR (about $100 - $300) and connect it to your Mixers Effects OUT and Effects RETURN, assuming you have an Effects OUT and Effects RETURN on your Powered Mixer.

If you are using a separate Mixer with a separate AMP, you can either replace the Mixer with one that has BUILT-IN Effects or obtain an EFFECTS PROCESSOR and hook it up as stated in the above paragraph.

Be aware that, unless your Mixer has an Effects STEREO OUT, even though most Effects Processors have Stereo IN/OUT's, you will not be able to utilize Stereo.

I use a Yamaha Emx5000 Powered Mixer (about $750.00), for small shows. It has TWO Effects Channels Built-In with TWO 500W Amplifiers/Channel@ 4ohms, Stereo.

Plenty of Power and I do not have to keep switching between Effects to accommodate a Song Genre or Singing Style. One Effects Channel is set on Echo and the other Effects Channel is set on Reverb.

To smooth most Singer's voices I use Both Effects, at the same time.

It is hard to know how to advise because there are many unknowns, other than monetary, concerning your application.

Hope this provides a ray of hope,

Norm

[mlepine]

MTU should look at that possibility?

There is in fact a Karaoke software that uses a very good sound engine and it does have the option of adding some reverb on the selected input like Line if your Mic is connected to a mixer.

Another excellent option is to use the EAX software that comes with most Sound Blaster product, believe me it does an excellent job & it could perform better than some external device.

The best option would be for Hoster to offer this reverb plug in so this way you don't depend on any other device!!

[gduns - with the Lord]

a computer only has limited capabilities for good sound from the mic. I suggest the mackie dfx12 mixer at about $265.00. it has the built in effects, and is a small package. It has separate pic preamps, for each channel.

after investing in a great system like the hoster I'm sure you will want to also have great sound. that is what keeps the people knocking on your door.

[mlepine]

Quote by gduns:
a computer only has limited capabilities for good sound from the mic.

I have to disagree with this comment! In a studio recording the effects for the mics comes from the plugins included in a pro software. A computer could give you better results than some external device, it's just a question of knowing what to use & how to calibrate.
First, a mic should always be connected to a Mixer that has a mic preamp built in and of course with an XLR connection. Never use the mic in from the audio card but the line in!!

The EAX Audio HQ (Sound Blaster) could give you better results than any Vocopro digital echo device!

[gduns - with the Lord]

APPLES TO ORANGES........
He is talking using a laptop, and you are talking

In a studio recording the effects for the mics comes from the plugins included in a pro software

and soundblaster EAX HQ