Setting up your karaoke equipment isn't all that difficult. (Ok... slightly more difficult than programming the VCR) The following examples are for basic karaoke setup only. The different types of equipment you buy may allow for much more flexability, giving you room to experiment for better sound. Once your done getting the basics finished, why not go grab some GOOD MUSIC!!!

Basic Setup

Things you'll need for this configuration -

• Microphone(s) - (Dynamic Mic's)
• TV or Display
• Mixer
• Karaoke Disc System (CD+G)
• Power Amp
• Two Club Speakers
• Various Cables

A simple configuration for those that are on a budget. Our example above show's the core components to build a common, fully functional karaoke system.

First, run the mics into the mixer. Then connect the audio outputs of the CD+G system into the mixer. If possible, try to connect this audio to an actual mixer channel, instead of using auxilary ports. This gives more control over sound levels, while leaving your system open for robust upgrades. Then line-out from the karaoke CD+G to the T.V.. Tip - If you only have one port for video on your CD+G system, then we advise buying a splitter. This will allow you to plug right into big screen T.V.'s that some establishments already have, giving the overall audience the opportunity to sing along with the lyrics as well. Finally, connect the outputs of the mixer to the amplifier, and then from the amplifier to the club speakers.

A basic system like this can cost around $1,500 USD, and you can get most equipment at Musicians Friend.

Advanced Setup

In our example we show the same equipment being used, however this time we'll add monitors and effects units to really flesh out the sound.

Everything gets hooked up in the same manner as before, except for the speakers. Line out from channel 1 on your power amp to a single club speaker. Then line out from that speaker, to the next club speaker. You will then use channel 2 on the power amp for the monitors. Utilizing monitors will allow the singers to hear themselves while singing. Using this type of setup allows you to control the volume on the monitors, separate from the mains, which will be very important when dealing with feed-back issues.

The effects units here will be run in a chain style fashion, and your selection of effects are nearly unlimited. Utilize limiters to help control singing volume automatically, or use chorus and reverb boxes to breathe life into what would typically be a 'dry' performance. In our example, we've connected the effects boxes through the auxillary ports. On some mixers, using these ports will allow you to control which channels on the mixer recieves benefit from the effects, and exactly how much saturation those channels will receive. This is also very important, because effects such as reverb can cause feedback when dealing with overly hot microphones. However, a setup like this can allow you to deny effects to the monitors, adjust effects volumes for any mic on the fly, and still keep a steady stream of quality sound going to the main speakers.

A set-up like this can cost anywhere between $1500 and $2000 USD. The amount of money you spend will entirely depend on the quality of the equipment you buy, which usually is more money. As before, you can find most of this equipment at Musicians Friend.

Layout

Planning and executing your floor plan is crucial to a well delivered show. Wrong speaker placement will have negetive affects on your overall sound and audience experience. Pictured below is a basic karaoke layout.

Take note that the image shows the main speakers forward, in FRONT of the singer. Some people don't do this, as they have the resources to buy some really expensive equipment. However, the average system out there is so-so. Thus, we're going to setup the karaoke so that we minimize potential feedback issues.

Granted, there are those that prefer a line up with the main speakers even with, or behind the singer, so that they may adjust EQ settings on the fly. Well, my experience tells me that your sound should be set up correctly the first time, and then left alone (aside from natural tweaking to perfection).

Also note that the illistration above shows that our layout includes monitors for the singer. Since you're standing right there, you can use those monitors to adjust your EQ as needed. But since your monitors are more than likely to have a different sound quality, it's highly recommended that you take a walk out front to hear what it really sounds like to the audience. If you're good enough, you'll be able to make a couple minor changes, only one time, and still avoid feedback issues.

Optional Stuff

There are many ways to set up and layout a karaoke party, and I won't be able to cover them all here. So I'll just post some links extra tidbits of info that cross my mind from time to time....

• Using The Club's House Speakers - How to go about running your audio output to the main house speakers.
• Running Background Music - More important that you might think. Every DJ service should have this type of setup.