Host without Hoster?

[Lonman]

Well no that is not the reason I use Hoster, I use it for convenience. My discs are still with me every show & can go back to running them under a minute of shutting the computer down if needed be.
Besides having 'discs', unless the kj absolutely did not know how to run a show, or only had one player so dead air was rampant between songs while he tried to cue up another, a disc based show CAN in FACT be run just as smooth as a computer based - again sometimes even faster as I have been to shows where the kj had let the 'auto' feature play so it would play entire song outros no matter how long, try Comfortably Numb & FreeBird back to back, that about a songs worth of non singing right there.
That is all I am getting at. Other than 'no discs', a computer run show is not going to make a show that much better.

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Well no that is not the reason I use Hoster, I use it for convenience. My discs are still with me every show & can go back to running them under a minute of shutting the computer down if needed be.
Besides having 'discs', unless the kj absolutely did not know how to run a show, or only had one player so dead air was rampant between songs while he tried to cue up another, a disc based show CAN in FACT be run just as smooth as a computer based - again sometimes even faster as I have been to shows where the kj had let the 'auto' feature play so it would play entire song outros no matter how long, try Comfortably Numb & FreeBird back to back, that about a songs worth of non singing right there.
That is all I am getting at. Other than 'no discs', a computer run show is not going to make a show that much better.

Since you started using Hoster have you ever HAD to use your disc?

Jim

[bryant]

Originally Posted by madjim

Since you started using Hoster have you ever HAD to use your disc?

Jim

Not one disc has been touched on this end, evah!

[kjunkies]

Sorry guys - this is totally unrelated but where do I go to submit a new thread...??? I can't remember what I did last time..... Doh

[capnvic]

Changing the subject a little. I had the unique experience several months ago. A competitor of sorts was hosting her Karaoke Show at my American Legion Post. Fortunately or unfortunately her Hoster laptop's audio out connection completely failed. She had her disks, but no player to play them. She knew that I always carried my Hoster laptop and disks with me, well I bailed her out. (BTW this is not the first time I have pulled her out of the fire). She went on to use my system and books for her show. ( I was compensated for my trouble).
Give me your opinion of how I should have handled this problem. You have to understand that this situation happened at my post.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by capnvic

You have to understand that this situation happened at my post.

A little confused:

My Post = 1) you own it?

2) Your regular gig place?

OR 3) You're simply a member and/or officer of the post?

OR both 2 and 3

OR you are neither an officer or a member but frequent there regularly?

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by capnvic

Changing the subject a little. I had the unique experience several months ago. A competitor of sorts was hosting her Karaoke Show at my American Legion Post. Fortunately or unfortunately her Hoster laptop's audio out connection completely failed. She had her disks, but no player to play them. She knew that I always carried my Hoster laptop and disks with me, well I bailed her out. (BTW this is not the first time I have pulled her out of the fire). She went on to use my system and books for her show. ( I was compensated for my trouble).
Give me your opinion of how I should have handled this problem. You have to understand that this situation happened at my post.

I think you did the right thing, you allowed the show to go on. Your club had entertainment and your Karaoke Host didn't lose a gig.

Did you ""bail her out" using your Hoster system or did you use disk?

Jim

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by kjunkies

Sorry guys - this is totally unrelated but where do I go to submit a new thread...??? I can't remember what I did last time..... Doh

Go to the MTU Community and select the place that is relevent to your question like "Hoster Help". Click on the "New Thread" button in the top left hand corner.


Jim

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by madjim

Since you started using Hoster have you ever HAD to use your disc?

Jim

Yes as a matter of fact it has 4 times in the last 3 months my computer has crashed out where I needed to reboot. Instead of taking 5+ minutes of reboot time away from my singers, I grabbed the disc & got the song back up & running. Now no I didn't HAVE to use my discs, I could of looked like one of these companies that have nothing hooked up for backup & have dead air, looking dumb. But other than the song that was playing stopping, nobody even knew there was a problem since all my discs are readily available. Once the computer was back up. I put the disc away & went back to the computer. No downtime in singers whatsoever.

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by Lonman

Yes as a matter of fact it has 4 times in the last 3 months my computer has crashed out where I needed to reboot. Instead of taking 5+ minutes of reboot time away from my singers, I grabbed the disc & got the song back up & running. Now no I didn't HAVE to use my discs, I could of looked like one of these companies that have nothing hooked up for backup & have dead air, looking dumb. But other than the song that was playing stopping, nobody even knew there was a problem since all my discs are readily available. Once the computer was back up. I put the disc away & went back to the computer. No downtime in singers whatsoever.

Cool!

My clubs have PA systems so I don't have to bring an amp or speakers. I bring:

!. Rack mount computer in a hard shell carring case

2. A small TV monitor

3. A cord bag

4. Two mic stands

5. Six books

(and a small sound monitor at one place)

I like to travel light.

Your system sounds like it's way above anything I've seen around here. No downtime is awsome! Just for the sake of comparison:

1. How much does your rig weigh?

2. Do you need a van or a trailer to tote it around?

One time in three plus years I had to reboot due to crash (I istalled a freeware mp3 player that I quickly removed when I got home). I have hit the restart button on the keyboard with my sleeve a few times but that would fall under KJ error.


Jim

[Lonman]

Originally Posted by madjim

Cool!

My clubs have PA systems so I don't have to bring an amp or speakers. I bring:

!. Rack mount computer in a hard shell carring case

2. A small TV monitor

3. A cord bag

4. Two mic stands

5. Six books

(and a small sound monitor at one place)

I like to travel light.

Your system sounds like it's way above anything I've seen around here. No downtime is awsome! Just for the sake of comparison:

1. How much does your rig weigh?

2. Do you need a van or a trailer to tote it around?

One time in three plus years I had to reboot due to crash (I istalled a freeware mp3 player that I quickly removed when I got home). I have hit the restart button on the keyboard with my sleeve a few times but that would fall under KJ error.


Jim

What does the system weight have to do with anything?
That has nothing to do with anything. Your system is still your system, this wouldn't change if you were using a computer or discs. But if you want to know what I have for equipment
Mackie 1642VLZ3 16 channel mixer - in mixer case
In processor 10 space rack:
2 Symetrix 501 compressor/limiters
1 dbx 166 dual channel compressor/limiter
1 Lexicon MPX110 effect
1 Alesis Midiverb 3 effect
1 dbx 131 31 band eq for the monitors
1 dbx 231 dual 31 band eq for the mains
1 BBE 482 Sonic Maximizer
In amp 10 space rack:
2 Peavey VSX crossovers - 1 is set mono 3 way, the other is set stereo 2 way - 1 channel for the back main speaker, the other for the stage monitor
1 Peavey CS200X power amp for monitor
1 Carvin DCM600 for highs
1 Carvin DCM 1000 for mids
1 QSC RMX1450 for subs
Speakers:
3 Peavey SP5 for mains - 2 triamped with the sub the other biamped.
1 Peavey DJS18 sub
2 12" 2 way bi-amped floor monitors
DJ computer tower for fill music, dj music (or background fill), recording, rotation program & misc other goodies.
Books, pens & misc.
TV monitors

This is what I would carry in to every show regardless of computer or not.
Discs are in a coffin with casters, no big strain there.
Players are in there own case, just get added to the rest of the gear on the cart. All fits into the back of a Dodge Caravan.
Then the karaoke computer tower!
Traveling light to me is not an issue, good sound is key for me. I have only worked on one club pa that I thought sounded decent.

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by Lonman

What does the system weight have to do with anything?

Lonie,

That's a quite an impressive sound system that you have. From your choice of gear I can see you are a seasoned professional sound man.

I mean no disrepect because your PA system will always rock the house and I commend you for your comitment to making your singers sound as good as possible.

As far as the sound goes, system weight means nothing (these days the light compact "mixer/compressor/eq's/effects/duel amps" are almost as good as the heavy stuff) so I choose to use the light stuff and load it into my small SUV. I just turned 50 and I wish equitment had been this light twenty years ago.

For somebody like yourself who has everything build into racks and doesn't mind the load in/out I can see where throwing your discs in the van is no big deal.

Thanks for sharing your equitment list! Keep On Rockin'!

Jim

[muzicman144]

[quote=Lonman;70368]What does the system weight have to do with anything?
That has nothing to do with anything. Your system is still your system, this wouldn't change if you were using a computer or discs.

I will have to agree with Jim on this one. Weight may not mean much to you now, but wait a few years. you will get rid of those old Peaveys, spend a little money and go to a modern lightweight system that will kick just as much as what you have now. The stuff used today doesn't require everything we used in the old days. But I know how hard it is to let go of the old ways. Technology changes much faster than we are willing to.
muzicman

[Lonman]

[quote=muzicman144;70383]

Originally Posted by Lonman

What does the system weight have to do with anything?
That has nothing to do with anything. Your system is still your system, this wouldn't change if you were using a computer or discs.

I will have to agree with Jim on this one. Weight may not mean much to you now, but wait a few years. you will get rid of those old Peaveys, spend a little money and go to a modern lightweight system that will kick just as much as what you have now. The stuff used today doesn't require everything we used in the old days. But I know how hard it is to let go of the old ways. Technology changes much faster than we are willing to.
muzicman

Why would I get rid of something that sounds good to something that sounds mediocre? I have heard & even used the lightweight stuff (speakers) & IMO it doesn't compare to good wooden built boxes - never will. I'm sorry the lightweight plastic box speakers do not sound as good and no I will never have them in my arsenal - even when i'm old & decrepit!
The only new lightweight pieces I may consider is in the amp factor. The Crown XTi series or the QSC PLX series. Amps HAVE come along way since the 200 pound boat anchors!

[madjim- with the Lord]

Originally Posted by Lonman

a computer run show is not going to make a show that much better.

Maybe not for the singers but it is better for the host.

!. NO DISC TO HANDLE (I'd hurt my back carring around all of my discs)

2. NO PAPER (if the host chooses)

3. NO PENCILS, PENS OR MARKER BOARDS (the songlist is on your computer monitor)

4. NO BOOKS (if the host chooses like at a wedding or small party)

You know, being able to look over the Karaoke Host's shoulder to see the playlist is nice along with seeing who's sings next on the TV screen. Hum, maybe it's better for the singsers as well.

Lonnie, since you started using Hoster I'd be willing to bet that you have never been forced used your disc again to run a show. (Unless you hired somebody to use your disc to do a show on the same night you are using Hoster. Remember, to be legal you have to buy two sets of disc to make money with two rigs on the same night but that's a personal decion.)

I'm in the same boat with Bryant, I haven't touched a disc since I started using Hoster and (Good LORD willing and the creek don't rise) I NEVER WILL!.

It's like a person who has a remote for their televison (which is convinent) but won't use it because it doesn't make the picture look any better.

HOSTER IS AN AWSOME PROGRAM and in my opinion there is no comparison to running a show with disc verses using Hoster. Yea we could leave that TV remote on the table and walk across the room every time the channel needs to be changed but once you use it, you'll sure buy bateries for it when it stops working.

If you choose to not back up your hard drive and choose to carry your discs to evey show (Maybe you have a closet to lock them in at the club where you work which I do not have. Wouln't leave them anyway in case of a fire and to prevent them from being stolen) well, that's your call and more power to you but my experience makes me agree with Bryant, DICS - DON'T TOUCH 'EM DON'T WANT TO TOUCH 'EM.

Jim

[bryant]

Originally Posted by madjim

well, that's your call and more power to you but my experience makes me agree with Bryant, DICS - DON'T TOUCH 'EM DON'T WANT TO TOUCH 'EM.

Jim

Jim,
Did you put a NO vote in the poll?
Bryant

[madjim- with the Lord]

Bryant,
I could not participate in this poll.

I could not choose the first answer because I would never cancel a show. If my both of my computers went down (very unlikly) and I couldn't buy one (Wal-Mart has plenty) I would pull out my guitar and entertain for the evening.

I could not choose the second answer because most of my discs were purchased after I started using Hoster and are not cataloged so I have no way to access the library. I could pull out my player and use the discs that I cataloged before I stared using Hoster but my song selection would be reduced to the point where my show would be disapointing, not a good thing.

If the client insisted on Karaoke I would find another Karaoke host and give them the gig. I would never bail on a client.

I've been making a living recording/entertainig with computers for over eight yers now and never canceled a gig or lost a job due to computer failure. I work hard to keep my computers in top working order. If something starts acting strange, I jump on it and fix it ASAP.

My discs do nothing but gather dust and I like it that way.


I hope this is a better answer than I gave here:

http://forum.mtu.com/showpost.php?p=67523&postcount=46

Stay Warm! (62 degrees & overcast in "The Big VD")

Jim

[bryant]

Originally Posted by madjim

Bryant,
I could not participate in this poll.

I could not choose the first answer because I would never cancel a show. If my both of my computers went down (very unlikly) and I couldn't buy one (Wal-Mart has plenty) I would pull out my guitar and entertain for the evening.

I could not choose the second answer because most of my discs were purchased after I started using Hoster and are not cataloged so I have no way to access the library. I could pull out my player and use the discs that I cataloged before I stared using Hoster but my song selection would be reduced to the point where my show would be disapointing, not a good thing.

If the client insisted on Karaoke I would find another Karaoke host and give them the gig. I would never bail on a client.

I've been making a living recording/entertainig with computers for over eight yers now and never canceled a gig or lost a job due to computer failure. I work hard to keep my computers in top working order. If something starts acting strange, I jump on it and fix it ASAP.

My discs do nothing but gather dust and I like it that way.


I hope this is a better answer than I gave here:

http://forum.mtu.com/showpost.php?p=67523&postcount=46

Stay Warm! (62 degrees & overcast in "The Big VD")

Jim

I see. So essentially, you would not be doing a show with the discs. That's sort of what I meant as a "NO" vote. Feel free to drop in a no.

[capnvic]

To answer Bryant's earlier questions:

1. I am an officer of that particular American Legion Post. I also have at least one event a month at the post, whether its Karaoke night or DJ night, or a combination of both or I simply make it an open mike night with me and a few folks singing and playing our guitars.

I guess I am a bit selfish or possessive of the AL post that I am member.

I feel that it was my responsibility as an officer of that post and make sure that we still have some form of entertainment.

[bryant]

Originally Posted by capnvic

To answer Bryant's earlier questions:

1. I am an officer of that particular American Legion Post. I also have at least one event a month at the post, whether its Karaoke night or DJ night, or a combination of both or I simply make it an open mike night with me and a few folks singing and playing our guitars.

I guess I am a bit selfish or possessive of the AL post that I am member.

I feel that it was my responsibility as an officer of that post and make sure that we still have some form of entertainment.

I see, as an officer you seem to have handled it quite well.