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Building a KJ Kit

Do you own a lot of CDGs? Have you ever considered becoming a part-time Karaoke Jockey? The following question is an example of many emails readers have sent me concerning what equipment is needed to become a KJ.

"Dear Dr. Karaoke, I would like to know what equipment is necessary to run a portable karaoke show. I have an extensive collection of CD+Gs (almost 300) and would like to hire out for private parties, school functions, etc. I am very fussy about sound quality, so I need equipment that is easy to move, sounds perfect, and has some cool effects."

As this reader has mentioned, the ideal Karaoke system is both portable and produces a high-quality performance. Let’s begin by looking at the suggested components of a professional Karaoke system, and some of the factors relating to portability and performance.

Microphones & Stands

In a perfect karaoke world I believe that there should be 3 microphones in the setup, including a wireless microphone for the KJ and two chord microphones for the performers. A wireless microphone is convenient because it allows the KJ to walk around the floor and add a little animation. Chord microphones are better for performers and serve two important functions. First, chord mic’s are less expensive than wireless mic’s, and therefore less expensive to replace. Second, the performers will be restricted to a specific area, allowing for an element of control over your performers, however limited. Finally, having microphone stands is a necessity as performers will be less likely to drop the microphones and your microphones will be protected when not in use.

CD+G Player

If you’re looking to go the portable route, I recommend a rack-mountable dual deck CD+G player. These units are designed for optimum flexibility and portability.

Mixer/Effects

The mixer component offers the most flexibility in choice, performance and price.

A mixer is responsible for taking all the audio signals, vocals and music, and allows the KJ to balance the level of each. Mixers can also have built-in effects such as echo, reverb and chorus that can be applied to each source independently. For maximum portability, you should look at mixers that are rack-mountable and have enough inputs to cover all your needs.

Note that some mixers can be bought with a built in power amp. These mixer/power amp combos are usually contained in a portable unit and can even include a set of speakers.

Power Amplifier

This unit amplifies the sound from the mixer before sending it out to the speakers. A good power amp is usually heavy and gets very hot during operation. Again, for portability, you can get rack-mountable power amp, just be sure that there is enough space between units in the rack to provide air circulation.

Of course the required power you need depends on the size of the room you will be playing in, but having a little more power is better than not having enough. A power rating of 300W RMS should be good enough to cover the minimum needs while a power rating of 600W RMS should cover most rooms and small halls.

Speakers & Stands

The type and power rating of speakers should depend directly on the requirements of the power amp you will be using.

Advances in speaker technology have been considerable over the past few years resulting in much smaller speaker sizes while increasing the quality of performance. However, in my opinion 12” woofers in a speaker system is a necessity and not an alternative.

One of many new features in speaker technology is the bi-amplified self-powered speaker. Just plug the lineouts from your mixer into these speakers and your ready to go. There are a lot of advantages with this kind of set-up, specifically your speaker and amplifier will be perfectly matched.

Speaker stands are great! No matter where you are working you can set your speakers in a relatively good place and also high enough so as not to be directly pointed at anyone.

TV monitor

This is the tricky part. There are TV monitor stands that can hold a small TV. Although they look good once installed, you need to be careful when transporting the television. An alternative is to build a monitor into a roadcase. This method is not for everyone, however it will provide the most durability and protect your equipment from the occasional stage stumbler.

Lights

If you want your karaoke evening to be a hit, I highly recommend a small lighting system. The most basic would be a couple of floodlights on a stand on each side of the stage area. Carrying your own set of lights assures you that there will always be a focus on the singers.

Roadcases

The standard roadcase is built to accept rack-mount hardware that is 19” in width. These cases can be opened from the front or rear allowing easy access to hardware. They can be made from a number of different materials including wood, aluminum and plastic. If necessary the interior can be lined with protective foam. Not only are they fitted with carrying handles, if big enough, you can easily install a set of wheels.

Always be prepared

At one time or another you will need to fix or adjust something. The following is a list of items that will surly come in handy.

Building a portable karaoke system is one thing but it must also be easy to install and pack up. Have a separate road case for all the extra parts. Once the evening is over, carefully roll up all the wires and put everything in its place. Keeping your equipment in order will help make every installation a breeze.

You can find reasonably priced portable karaoke starter kits for KJs at Shop Karaoke.

Until next time, get up and SING!

Dr. Karaoke