How to start Karaoke, music wise?

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Papa Deuce said:
Wow! And excuse my ignorance, but Karaoke seems like it costs way more to get started and pays less than most mobile DJ events.... is that true? If so, you guys who do it must have a real love for it.
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It cost alot more to do it correctly. I'm into year 12 it might not pay great but it is more money than I would make working a day job. I don't know too many people that can say they work 20 hours a week and make $1000.

Upkeep isn't bad on the karaoke side once your established you figure about $1200 a year for music $600 a year to print new books. $300 a year for batteries slips and pens, and about $6000 every 3 years for a new system.

$4100 a year to make $52000 not too bad in my book. Plus you only have to work 9:30 to 1:30 or 2:00.
 
I will agree for the most part with Cam, except that he is paying way too much for new systems and way to often.
 
Thunder said:
I will agree for the most part with Cam, except that he is paying way too much for new systems and way to often.
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It only makes sense to me The average pice of equipment has a 3 year warrenty once the warrenty is expired, I replace it.

I moved from crown to qsc amps. I still plan to sell them after 3 years they hold their value quite well.

My speakers are due to be replaced next year. I don't know what is in store for my new system.

I don't know how a complete system can be much less than $6000 and sound even slightly decent.

My last speakers and amps for karaoke were $4500 you add 2 mics and a mixer there is $6000 that's not counting wires a new fx unit stands and new cases.
 
While I think you have the right idea, just looking at it wrong, equipment last much longer than it's warranty period, if properly cared for. and frankly if I were you I would move to Peavey their warranty is 5 years on their amps and you never have to use it LOL.

The newest gear I am running right now is 5 years old, the oldest is +20 years old. That is not to say I am not looking to buy another system but that is exactly what it is "another system"

I use Shure wireless mics which I rotate in and out of service when they are out of service I pack them up and send them off to shure to be refurbished it cost me $117 per unit and they come back working and looking like brand new, out of 16 Shure wireless I always have 4 sitting after repairs and on average just have four done per year so we are talking about less than $500 for mics per year (but that goes into the taxes as repairs not purchases)

Purchase a decent dependable mixer and you have a mixer that will last at least 10 years but should last 20 if cared for and cleaned on a regular basis.

Speakers well what can I say I have a set of SP4s and SP118s that have been with me since I was 23 years old (how old does that make them, oops damn that is old) but they were well cared for, they have always been powered correctly and have never had a speaker replaced! Yes I have newer speakers because I simply don't like carrying those monsters anymore than I have too. But even those units are at a minimum of 5 years old some over 10. They still look, sound and function like new.

So why resell something that can continue to make you money for many more years? It is already paid for!
 
Cam, let's see if I can add it up for you in one sentence.

Decent sound is not about price or brand, it is about the operator.

Damn I did it in one sentence. Let me sum that up in one word!

Peavey! :sqbiggrin:
 
Thunder said:
So why resell something that can continue to make you money for many more years? It is already paid for!
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Some people buy a new car every year.

While my Turbosound speakers will last for years I rather buy a new pair than spend my time repainting them. But that is going to happen.

The real reason to buy new equipment every 3 years is to create business expenses. That and I depreciate my equipment to a 0 value over 3 years so when I sell it the money goes right in my pocket.

As far as Peavey I don't think there is enough processing gear in the world to make them sound even average.
 
I guess you have never heard them run properly! That is a pity though!
 
I won't get between Cam and Steve, but I will add this- again:

I happen to be an EE, but some knowledge of electronics and repair can be gained quickly and cheaply- even a mail order course would be of great benefit.


I have repaired expensive units in 5 or 10 minutes for a buck or two's worth of material that would have cost hundreds of dollars or more to replace.

I have modified and upgraded equipment to perform at levels comparable to units worth much more.


I have also used this knowledge to solve problems on the fly resulting in NEVER missing a show due to equipment failure.

Spend the money, and TAKE some sort of course. It will save you thousands over the length of your career...
 
Thunder said:
I guess you have never heard them run properly! That is a pity though!
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Your funny sometimes. I guess we will agree to disagree on this one.
I work at a bar that has a complete setup and I load in my own speakers every night. Why? They sound terrible and I have done everything possible to make them sound good.

I have even tried new Peavey Speakers. I own a 2 pair of Black Widow 18"s I can't make them come close to my Turbosound 18" output. I have a friend that has SP4's I think and they are terrible also. I have used them for an event.
 
:sqlaugh:Well hehehe Like I said it is all about the operator! :sqlaugh:

They are not supposed to come close to the Turbo's output, but then they didn't come close to costing nearly as much as the Turbos either.

Now how much output do you really need for a bar gig? or for that matter any venue gig other than a concert hall?
 
Well it appears either your DB meter is broken or you need to hold on to the gear you have and add more.

I did a high school dance with 800 plus kids and was asked (by the kids) to turn it down! using 4 peavey 118's 2 Peavey 215's 2 Peavey SP4's and 2 Peavey SP2's. and wasn't anywhere near being up to full power.

Go figure, perhaps the owner is deaf!

Of course it could be the operator. :sqbiggrin:
 
I have been claiming just that!! Cam needs a meter. His ears are wrecked. I must say though the boy can sing some bad assed Karaoke though.
 
Although I love my modified EV's ( 2 way now 3-way), for a factory produced 3-way, the Peavey SP3 kicks butt. I used to sell passive components to the NJ and Miss. plants and they do buy the top end.

They don't top the modified EV's for karaoke, or the unmodified for DJ though....


I am on the opposite end of the volume spectrum than Cam and Steve. If I ran 130db in the bar\restaurant venues I would get several plates tossed at my face. They like it lower....:sqcool:


Event venues are another story......:sqeek::sqwink:
 
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