So I am looking at investing in Karaoke!

To many ads? Support ODJT and see no ads!
D

DJMN

New DJ
Feb 6, 2007
4,533
1
45
Northern Minnesota
Low end budget $2000- High end budget $5000



Sell me a system and tell me why I should buy it!

I am not really smart when it comes to speakers and such, and I prefer powered speakers.

I currently own 2 Mackie 1530s...Two Mackie 1501s....and two Mackie 450s....


Will any of this work for Karaoke, or should an upgrade be considered??

I got the option of buying another company for $5000...but Joe got me thinking on this one, and I want to make sure I make an investment.




1yr and a half old Karaoke/DJ System for Sale includes:

2 used CAVS Super CDG Players (mounted in road case)
1 Brand New DVD-203G USB Super CDG Players still in box.
1 3.5" External Data Storage USB 2.0/eSATA Mobile Disk, new still in box.
2 Pyle 3-way speakers with cords and stands.
Elation Professional 4-Channel Relay Pack Remote lighting control with Light Stand.
NADY Audio 1400watt Stereo Power Amplifier mounted in carrying road case.

Roadcase including:
Peavey Soundboard/Mixerboard and Microphone.
Gemini Professional UHF Microphone System with 2 Cordless Microphones.
Light bar with voltage/amp meter.

CDG and Super CDG Music CDs.

All cords, stands, and miscellaneous equipment (songbook creator, etc.) sold with complete package.



In this deal, and I already talked to the bar...I would get 4 thursdays a month for $300 a gig.....I would also get a $600 booking in September.


Again, I dont know too much about karaoke equipment....but from what I understand this is a cheaper set up?? What would some of you offer for this equipment....considering you will get a regular booking on thursdays at a bar. I have already talked to bars about getting karaoke, and some of them will do something regular in the fall, and the other bars will offer it once in a while. So I already have something else to look forward to.

Any thoughts from anyone would honestly be appreciated, as I want to purchase karaoke right, and not waste too much money in trial and error.

There was something I read a while back ago, about a digital karaoke system in which you select a song on a screen, and you can pay to have your song bumped up. Anyone know about this??

Oh yea...and when and if I enter the karaoke scene, I want to have a system that is easy to run. The easier, the better.

I have watched and participated in a karaoke show, and the kj...took a lot of time gettiing songs ready. She was a great singer, but the down time she had was very unreasonable! We probably wasted more time in between songs, than we did with singing songs.

So again, whatever anyone can throw into this mix would be greatly appreciated! Thanks, in advance...and I'll be listening!
 
Adam

you've got a great mix of people here to answer those questions. Talk to Joe C he is a big time Karaoke guy. May get shot in the face here but I really think there are KJ's there are DJ's and there are KJ/DJ's im a dj because i hate karaoke (i dont hate the kjs just the karoke) because i dont think it works very well in incorporated shows. We have one guy here who does karaoke with VDJ and does it well on Karaoke shows but trying to offer it as an add on is a pain, at least for us.

You go through all this extra work organizing your karaoke library, printing lists and those darn little pieces of paper (ok maybe im old school) and then get like 3 people that actually want to do it, in a mixed gig we tend to loose the dancers when the karaoke people take over.

however if you're talking about offering Karaoke as a separate thing more power to you.

Now on the question of buying out your buddys stuff for $5000 i think its way over priced

Im not going to knock the brands and i think Joe C said in a post a while back that those gemini dual mic systems are decent but i dont think you have $5000 worth of gear there NEW
Now I dont know how long the bar commitment is but bar owners can be fickle. Ask Cam about this one but he just lost a regular karaoke night and he's established and knows his stuff.

As a building block the system described seems decent for $1500-$1800 tops

I dont know about minnesota but it seems like in NC theres a Karaoke guy either going out of business or a dj selling their karaoke rig and cds for Much less on Craigs list at leas t once per month.

Kyle
 
1cdj said:
however if you're talking about offering Karaoke as a separate thing more power to you.

Now on the question of buying out your buddys stuff for $5000 i think its way over priced

Im not going to knock the brands and i think Joe C said in a post a while back that those gemini dual mic systems are decent but i dont think you have $5000 worth of gear there NEW
Now I dont know how long the bar commitment is but bar owners can be fickle. Ask Cam about this one but he just lost a regular karaoke night and he's established and knows his stuff.

As a building block the system described seems decent for $1500-$1800 tops

IKyle
Click to expand...


I PMed Adam with a bunch of info, but I have to say that Kyle is right on the money right down to what the hard goods are worth.

You can't buy a venue, only a shot. They can fire you the next day.

Kyle also made a BIG point. If you want to be a Karaoke Host, you have to make the commitment to learn how. The mindset and skills are VERY differnt!


Aside to Kyle: I'm just the opposite of you. I love Karaoke, or even mixing Karaoke and DJ, but straight DJing puts me to sleep..:sqlaugh:
 
Thanks Joe, that's why I let you pros do the karaoke. I can't sing nor dance that's why I dj.

Kyle
 
I have been doing both for a long time and my take on it is.

If you are going to do a DJ show then DJ if you are going to do a karaoke show then do karaoke.

Yes I have had some shows that were a mix of karaoke and DJing that were very sucsessful for a while but generally one or the other will take over completely with a lot of hard feelings by the dance crowd or the Karaoke crowd.

So basically I take gigs wanting to be one or the other but not both, either one can work well but together it generally sucks and nobody ends up happy.

Now the equipment and take heed! CAVS is ok for a home system but really shouldn't be depended on for a profesional show, it is overpriced and too slow to funtion as a show unit (I tried one of these unit when they first came out and was highly disappointed) As for VOCOPRO I stay as far away from them as I can BUT and you will notice that is a big But, I have not tried any of their gear in at least 15 years so the quality may have come up as well as their customer service.
 
With the future of Karaoke production I wouldn't waste any money on players.
If have a computer use it if not buy one.

Your speakers are fine, you will want to pick up at least 2 Shure wireless mics. Buy shure they will last the longest, are good for novice singers and You can have the handhelds refurbished for $120.

You will want a decent mixer. I run a 16 channel board and there are times I use 14 channels. that will be a decision but I would say you want 12 min. Also effects will be needed you can buy a mixer with effect but I find you will get better effects buying an outboard processor.

Music the best method will be to buy a DJ getting out of the business or selling off a systems collection. They come around from time to time, just make sure you are getting originals.

$300 a night is hard to believe in the best of markets. I run some killer shows and the max here is $200 to $250 and I have been at the places 4 or more years.

It's not easy running karaoke. I put alot of hard work and preparation into my shows. I write games, contest, and endlessly search for new ideas.

What works for one doesn't work for all. I play filler music in-between singers and usually put a 3 song dance break at the top of every order.
 
Thunder said:
I have been doing both for a long time and my take on it is.

If you are going to do a DJ show then DJ if you are going to do a karaoke show then do karaoke.

Yes I have had some shows that were a mix of karaoke and DJing that were very sucsessful for a while but generally one or the other will take over completely with a lot of hard feelings by the dance crowd or the Karaoke crowd.

So basically I take gigs wanting to be one or the other but not both, either one can work well but together it generally sucks and nobody ends up happy.

Now the equipment and take heed! CAVS is ok for a home system but really shouldn't be depended on for a profesional show, it is overpriced and too slow to funtion as a show unit (I tried one of these unit when they first came out and was highly disappointed) As for VOCOPRO I stay as far away from them as I can BUT and you will notice that is a big But, I have not tried any of their gear in at least 15 years so the quality may have come up as well as their customer service.
Click to expand...

See Steve you probably do a Karaoke/ DJ show vs a DJ/Karaoke show. which go much better.
 
Keep in mind with your budget to separate the cost of the PA from the cost of the music. If the music comes with the deal, factor in the number of songs, and what manufacturer they come from, NOT TO MENTION whether you are getting original music or pirated copies. If you do not have documented original music, it is worthless to you really if you plan to go into the business. Legitimately obtained music is going to cost you as much or more than the PA depending on the number of songs. This is where buying out an existing host helps get things going.
 
Just to touch on what others have mentioned. With Karaoke you have to be well established, pull a large following and maintain that in a venue to even begin to command $250 or $300 per show these days. There are many "New KJs" who are pulling down $150, $100, $75 even $50 per show, it takes a lot of those to pay off a KJ rig.

Kyle,

Actually, I try to keep the two entirely seperate all KJ or all DJ, but if a DJ set is required by the venue I limit it to one 30 minute set later in the evening. People can and will dance to karaoke songs but they can't karaoke on a DJ rig!
 
Back over 15 years ago I worked for a Karaoke show. We ran a big show and to this day in this area no one has surpassed the kind of show we ran. We were running a full Peavey tri amped FOH system, effects generators, Tascam board etc. The major problem with this is we were mobile and thats alot of gear to be moving 5 nights a week. We even did some small arena shows and outdoor festivals. Mind you we were getting $1500/ show minimum and this was back in the early 90s

If I was going to do it and had a permanent venue for a year or so I would go big simply because no one in this area is big anymore it would garner attention. The more arses you put in the seats the more you're worth. A big system would give you better sound than the plastic lollipops. I would also use all wired Sure SM 58s except for the host mic just for durability sake

The down side is at $300/week it would take you almost a full year without paying yourself to pay the gear off but you would have a heck of a sound system for your DJ trailer

Just my opinion
 
Thunder said:
Kyle,

Actually, I try to keep the two entirely seperate all KJ or all DJ, but if a DJ set is required by the venue I limit it to one 30 minute set later in the evening. People can and will dance to karaoke songs but they can't karaoke on a DJ rig!
Click to expand...



Though I will sell myself and do straight DJ work or mixed at private events, It's straight karaoke only in bar venues. Period. Why? Because I want to, that's why!
 
Just my humble two cents

Well I'm no where near as successful as some of the people who frequent this forum, but I still manage to get by.


My take on karaoke is that most people who frequent karaoke bars are either too drunk to care about how good the music sounds, or lack the necessary training to tell the difference. Plus karaoke is a different beast. The majority of places a KJ will play simply does not need a heavy duty sound system.

If you have a decent DJ rig that serves your current needs as a dj, then I would take the money you're willing to invest and sink it all into some QUALITY karaoke music and some microphones. Most people seem to agree that soundchoice is the best bet in general. Get yourself some high endurance microphones like the Sure 58's that Jeff suggested.


If you have any money left, invest in some training to learn how to properly mix live vocals. In my experience, the best way to distinguish youself from all the other people doing karaoke is to make the average person who gets up sound/feel like a superstar.

The three years I've spent learning about this from the professionals I've met have been the best time investment I have ever made, period.

hope this helps

-James
 
jclaydon said:
Well I'm no where near as successful as some of the people who frequent this forum, but I still manage to get by.

My take on karaoke is that most people who frequent karaoke bars are either too drunk to care about how good the music sounds, or lack the necessary training to tell the difference. Plus karaoke is a different beast. The majority of places a KJ will play simply does not need a heavy duty sound system.

-James
Click to expand...


James,

What you stated here is a self fullfilling prophecy. As long as you look at karaoke this way those are exactly the people your show will attract. The people coming to your show will consider it a joke and treat it as such, by supplying a great sound system and making the singer sound as good as possible better quality singers will seek out your show.

As the better singers come in those really interested in hearing them will follow and then you will have a venue who won't mind paying better for the show.
 
Thunder said:
James,

What you stated here is a self fullfilling prophecy. As long as you look at karaoke this way those are exactly the people your show will attract. The people coming to your show will consider it a joke and treat it as such, by supplying a great sound system and making the singer sound as good as possible better quality singers will seek out your show.

As the better singers come in those really interested in hearing them will follow and then you will have a venue who won't mind paying better for the show.
Click to expand...

Actually I didn't mean to downplay the importance of sound. Even if the average person I've met doesn't know the difference, I do. I care a great deal about trying to run the most entertaining/professional show I am capable of.

What I really meant to try and convey is that with the training I've picked up, I can make the average person sound better with a DECENT/mid range sound system, than a non professional could do, even if they had bought something like a BOSE.

I spent about $1000 on the current sound system I use for karaoke. i've added to it over the years, and finally have the money to invest in a better system.

Even tho I am not playing at many venues at the moment, I have NEVER had a single complaint about the sound quality. And most people are amazed at my ability to make even an average singer sound almost professional.

My point is that 90% of it for me is knowing how to mix, when to use effects, how to blend two singers etc - the equipment is secondary.



-James
 
jclaydon said:
I spent about $1000 on the current sound system I use for karaoke. i've added to it over the years, and finally have the money to invest in a better system.
Click to expand...

Nothing from nothing, but $1000? I have more than that invested in just speakers ...along with a 300 dollar player, a $400 mixer, a $500 amp, a $400 rack, $300 in efx and processing, $500 in mics, not to mention all the hardware and cables (hundreds of dollars) and backup equipment.

I could get away with less, and I would probably sound like it. If you wanna be a quality show, use quality product. I agree about the self fulfilling prophecy. I pull up to the show with a full size van with my gear filling it. People wonder why I sound better than the guy who shows up with his show in the back of a Taurus.

Yes, most people dont know the difference, but they do know it when they hear it. My greatest complement is when someone says they have been to a LOT of show, and mine blows the others away sonically. I really have nothing special, just didnt skimp on the expense when I assembled it.

What % of what you earn from karaoke is $1000? Spend more and earn more and gain a great rep for your effort, and make karaoke look good.
 
actually the $1000 was just for the speakers. Still an inssignificant amount compared to what wass available when I started, but it has served my needs faithfully. I still had to buy stands, a tv, mixing board, karaoke machine, all the relivant cords, a case for the music and of course all the music itself. When all was said and done, it was probaly closer to $8000 total *i spent a LOT on discs*

The speakers came with two microphones, but I quickly bought new ones that I liked better. I certainly won't tolerate having crappy equipment.

Since then I would say I've re-invested about 80% of the money I make into trying to make improvements. I have gotten a an effects machine, a monitor, lights etc. It wasn't until recently that I could afford better speakers.

My philosophy has always been "Buy the absolute best you can afford, and work around the shortcomings". My way of over coming the shortcomings of the equipment I have, has been to excel in what I do. I have had the priveledge of learning from some EXCEPTIONALLY talented people.

I realize you can't ignore the factor your equipment plays in how successful you can become, I still maintain that there are even MORE important factors.

As to what I earn.. I earn enough that I can pay all my bills AND feed myself without having to work at anything else. This is how I suport myself.
 
Adam -

I truly think with that kind of money on the line a short trip over to Bemidji is a good investment. We can discuss all kinds of options and educate you on the things that you self-admittedly don't know much about. I think our track record for education stands for iteself, we are here to educate and assist. Obviously we hope that you will then buy the system from us, but there are no strings attached. At Mobile Beat during the Pro Academy, I actually saw competitors employees in the classes but I answered their questions with as much integrity and enthusiasm as I did anyone else's.

Ben
 
jclaydon said:
1) My take on karaoke is that most people who frequent karaoke bars are either too drunk to care about how good the music sounds, or lack the necessary training to tell the difference. Plus karaoke is a different beast. The majority of places a KJ will play simply does not need a heavy duty sound system.

2) If you have a decent DJ rig that serves your current needs as a dj, then I would take the money you're willing to invest and sink it all into some QUALITY karaoke music and some microphones. Most people seem to agree that soundchoice is the best bet in general. Get yourself some high endurance microphones like the Sure 58's that Jeff suggested.


3) If you have any money left, invest in some training to learn how to properly mix live vocals. In my experience, the best way to distinguish youself from all the other people doing karaoke is to make the average person who gets up sound/feel like a superstar.
-James
Click to expand...

1) No offense James, but WRONG on all counts. Most die hard karaoke enthusiasts care greatly how the music sounds, and DO know the difference. As a matter of fact, true enthusiasts watch their liquor intake because they want to sound their best. If, by heavy duty, you mean wattage, you're probably right. If you mean quality equipment, you'd be wrong

2) If you have a decent DJ rig I'm happy for you, but it won't be good enough for karaoke. You need a different setup with more abililty than any DJ rig. A karaoke host with a good set up can run a straight DJ show, but a DJ with a straight DJ rig doesn't have the equipment for a good karaoke show.

3) Sound Choice is fine, but don't pray to them. Other brands such as Zoom, Priddis, and in some instances SuperCore are just as good.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top Bottom
Back