Karaoke Jockey/Disc Jockey Using Desktop Computer

[kenya]

I am a full-time female karaoke jockey/disc jockey looking for a better way!

Right now I lug around very heavy equipment, for the most part, my husband always has to be there to at least get me set up and then come back to help me tear down. It's exhausting and it's ridiculous for him to have to be there helping me with my job after he just gets done with his full-time job.

I am in the process of purchasing a Dell Dimension 4400. Here are its specs:
2.0GHz Pentium 4 Processor
120G Hard Drive
512Mb DDR Ram
64Mb NVIDIA GeForce2 MX AGP Graphics Card w/ TV-out
Integrated audio sound card
Samsung CDRW
Windows 2000 Pro OS
That's the PC

Now here is a list of my current DJ/Karaoke Equipment:
QSC 2450 RMX Power Amp
2 Peavey SP2G Speakers
Professional Dual CD Player w/Next! NCD 5000 Controller
Gemini PS 812 Stereo Preamp Mixer (similar to new PS900i)
Gemini 30 (2 Channel) Graphic Equilizer
2 SM58 Shure Wireless UHF Mics (nothin' but the best)
1 Gemini wireless mic (ok, so this isnt the best)
JVC Triple Tray Karaoke Player
RSQ 100 Watt Digital Echo Karaoke Mixing Amplifier

OK, here's my dilema. I want to just be able to use my new computer with its flat screen monitor, a power amp, my 2 speakers, and my TV monitor to DJ/KJ with. IS THIS POSSIBLE???

If it is not possible, what else do I need?

I was contemplating on purchasing the following:
Numark DMC 1 Controller (with PCDJ Red Software) for $379(do i really need this? does it make djing easier by not having to use a mouse + keyboard?). Here are Numark Controller specs:
Dual Player
Automatic beat match any song on the fly
Easy to use interface for any kind of DJ
Create samples on the fly, perfectly synced every time
Create loops as easy as setting a cue point
Create cue points on the fly
Play any sample or loop in reverse
Auto sync the pitch for both player
Displays for each Player A and B
Jog wheel to search for songs and easy loading
Lockable Pitch for both players, makes sure you are never out of Sync
Plays loops in reverse
Make Samples
Rack mountable, standard rack
12 volts power supply
Weighs 7 pounds

Here are the PCDJ Red Software Specs: See www.pcdj.com (too many to list)

Right now for my onscreen karaoke aplication, I use Winamp with the CDG Plug-In [works great, but is there something better and just as cheap (free?...lol)] What about the sound card? It was suggested to me by www.pcdj.com that I go with a Maya 44 Sound Card.

Here are the specs for Maya 44 Sound Card:
4 In/ 4 Out Analog Digital Audio
1 S/PDIF Digital Out (Optical or coaxial)
1 Mic In with Phantom Power
3ms Latency
Active Filtering for extensive dynamic range
Windows 98SE, ME, and 2000 compatibility...XP Ready

I have a small mic mixer already. It's function is only to add more mics. It does not give me any effects at all (reverb,echo,delay,etc.) I would like to get a sound card that allows me to plug in my power amp using 1/4" jacks and also plug in my mic receivers using 1/4" jacks. I also need to be able to adjust mic echo,delay,reverb,etc... without using my 100 Watt RSQ Digital Echo Karaoke Mixing Amplifier (too big + heavy). CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME? All this computer jargon and technical stuff is driving me CRAZY! There is sooooo much out there, I just don't know what to get or even what I need.

Finally, at some point in my DJ career, I would like to be able to record my karaoke singers (with their selected karaoke song, obviously). Please steer me in the right direction for that task.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.... for any and all info you can provide.

Confused, indecisive, and destraught
Kenya

 

[darrin_h2000]

If you are using CD-Gs recorded to HD, Ascap will come and confiscate your gear and fine you. Best to have the software on hand. One thing that I may suggest is getting smaller speakers.

Powered floor monitors will be a good choice. You wont have to lug arround Power amps and set up speakers on stands. In a small pub that will be ample sound.

I have the JVC deck myself, couple that with a cd player and go through a mackie mixer going out to the monitors. that should make for an easier setup and tear down.

 

[LooneyTunez]

Kenya,

I too am a Karaoke/DJ host...not full-time, but a couple times a week. I work for a friend and just use his equipment. I have a plan in the works that will make things much easier for us. Currently we use the the CD+G discs in a 110 disc CD changer, and use the optical output to encode the graphics on another piece of hardware. Trouble is, we have basically run out of room for discs. Here's the plan. We're going to put together a computer based set up. We're going to build a computer (from scratch) into a rack mount case, and equip it with a couple of removable hard drives, a DVD rom player, a CD Rom that's capable of playing CD+Gs, a dual head video card, and probably a M-Audio Delta 44.

Now, the cool part is how the CD+Gs will be stored. We are going to convert all of the CD+G dics to MP3+G format and play them through a software program made by 'Tyrannosoft' (http://www.tyrannosoft.com). It's called 'WinCDG Pro'. They also have a few other variations of programs like 'Mimic Audition' which may work out better, but we'll see what happens. Anyway, what this program can do is convert your existing CD+G discs to .mp3 and a .cdg files. These two files work together - the .mp3 is just the audio and the .cdg is only the graphics. So, you can basically store and play as many songs as you have hard drive space. Also, there's almost no cue time, as it's just loading files off your hard drive vs having to exhcange discs. We will also be using Winamp for playing what we call 'bumper music' (regular songs in between singers). We will take advantage of the the Delta 44 Sound Card by running the audio for the CD+gs through one set of outputs and Winamp through the other set. This way we can run them separately to the mixer just like you would with the 'hardware' counterparts.

Now, we don't have a real huge issue of downsizing equipment, so I don't really have too many suggestions there, but you could easily get away with a powered mixer the like the Mackie that we use (which has built in effects, eq and has plenty of power), a couple of speakers, a powered floor monitor, a TV, your mics and cables, and of course the computer.

A note on making copies of your CD+Gs. As long as you have your originals with you, it's perfectly legal to have copies. Just leave the originals in your vehicle where you can get to them if you get audited.

Not sure how much help this has been for you, but that's my solution to my problems and I thought maybe it might help you out. If you think this might work for you, private message me, and I'll give you some more details and specifics on how all of this gets integrated.

Cheers.