Karaoke with Laptop only???

[Rockrz]

OK, any recommendations on a full featured mixer that is
reasonably priced, simple to us, and as small as possible?

[kod]

Originally Posted by Rockrz

OK, any recommendations on a full featured mixer that is
reasonably priced, simple to use, and as small as possible?

If you will be a little more specific as to what you call reasonably priced, we may be able to help you.

Also, are you looking for a small home type system or a larger system for professional use?

[Rockrz]

It will be for public use, but starting out I wouldn't want to spend
more than around $1000 or so for mixer, speakers, and mic.

I already have the laptop and the MTU software.

Also, does brass tipped connectors mach alot of different in sound quality?
I hear brass is superior to chrome plated connectors.

[Lonman]

I would go with something like the Yamaha MG124CX. Great board, compression on mic channels, decent effects built in.
For speakers you could go with a couple Mackie Thump TH-15A. Decent sounding speakers for the price.
I would also highly recommend adding a separate USB sound card interface like the Lexicon Alpha. It will make a night & day difference in the music coming from the laptop over the build in headphone jack.

Misc cords would be needed but all above (minus cords and mics) would run around $1000.
Might even consider adding the program Breakaway Audio Enhancer (you can demo test it for 30 days). A handful of people have sadi they experienced problems, but I think it has to do with wrong settings myself, I run it on all my computers without any problems. It helps normalize the volume of anything coming out of the computer - since different manus (and even sometimes within the same manu) don't record at the same volumes or have different finalizing processes, it really can make a difference as well and it's cheap!

With a $1000 budget system, the brass tips aren't going to make a huge audible impact over standard connectors. Save your money. I do recommend buying cords with a lifetime warranty though - you don't have to go as far as expensive as say Monster cords. I haven't paid for new cords in over 15 years. Bring them straight back to Guitar Center & exchange for new.

[Rockrz]

Sounds like good advice, thanx!

[kod]

Lonman has some good suggestions, but each of us operate a little differently.

I do no use an external USB sound card. That is a personal preference. I use a Yamaha EMX 512 SC mixer/amp.

I have tried Breakaway twice with disasterous results. It doesn't work for everyone.

As far as cables, I've always used chrome plated with no problems at all...

[Rockrz]

Originally Posted by kod

I have tried Breakaway twice with disasterous results. It doesn't work for everyone.

So, what is Breakaway?

[Rockrz]

Originally Posted by Lonman

I would go with something like the Yamaha MG124CX.

So, how does the Yamaha MG82CX compare?

I'm kinda thinking I'd like something smaller in size, yet I do like the idea of a board like this versus one of those all in one type units that provide alot less control.

And, is there someplace to get a smal-as-possible box to bolt this board in to along with maybe a wireless mic setup?

I guess I'd just set my laptop right in front on a table...

Just trying to imagine how all this will work out before I start throwing cash around.

And, what's the deal with BMI / ASCAP membership? Also, I heard if you play Christian music, there's yet another similar membership that is required... anybody know the name of that organization? I hear it's a membership that churches pay to join for playing published music.

[Lonman]

The Yamaha MG82CX is a smaller choice.
It only has 2 mic channels with built in compression, but the same effects. Knobs vs sliders.
Boxes for this board aren't readily available, more custom stuff. But you can certainly get one that the mixer goes on top & your wireless can be built into a rack unit.

[kod]

Originally Posted by Lonman

The Yamaha MG82CX is a smaller choice.
It only has 2 mic channels with built in compression, but the same effects. Knobs vs sliders.
Boxes for this board aren't readily available, more custom stuff. But you can certainly get one that the mixer goes on top & your wireless can be built into a rack unit.

Lonman,

The Yamaha MG82CX has four mic channels...