The power amplifier and audio mixer combination is the most complicated option as it requires matching the two components, wiring them together, and typically requires a rack mount system. The novice or home user would be better off selecting one of the other two options.
A powered mixer is a single unit that contains both the power amplifier and the audio mixer. This component would be matched to passive (non-powered) PA speakers. The compact design and easy setup makes these units a good choice for the home karaoke system.
A audio mixer and active (powered) PA speakers combination is probably the best option for the home user. Active PA speakers each contain their own amplifier and will work with virtually any audio mixer. Audio mixers are typically small units that require very little setup space.
If you will be using a computer as the karaoke player you will want to opt for an audio mixer with USB connectivity. This allows you to connect the computer to the mixer with a single USB cable. This also creates a bidirectional connection that will let you send the main mix back to the computer for recording and saving your singing performances.
A good quality audio mixer combined with a pair of good quality powered PA speakers makes for a great sounding system. Below are some of the most popular audio mixers being used today.
| Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX | 8-Channel Mixer with Effects & USB Audio Interface |
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| The Alesis Multimix 8 USB FX is a compact mixer with built-in effects that doubles as a computer recording interface so you can mix, record, or do both at the same time.
Features Include:
$160.13
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| Mackie ProFX6v3 6-Channel Professional Effects Mixer w/USB ProFX6 v3 |
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| The ProFX6v3 provides you with great sound and features found in larger mixers while remaining portable. This mixer is equipped with two Onyx preamps that provide top-notch sound for your keyboard, mics, and guitars.
Features Include:
$189.99
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| Phenyx Pro PTX-10 Audio USB Mixer with Effects |
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| The PTX-10 is a 4-Channel 4-Input USB mixer for home recording and podcasting. The mixing console includes phantom power as an option, balanced line inputs, XLR input, 3-band EQ, built-in effects, and USB to computer connection.
Features Include:
$109.99
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| Yamaha MG10XU 10-Channel Mixing Console w/Effects |
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| The MG10XU boasts an intuitive interface with capacities suitable for a diverse range of users and applications. For installed, recording, or live music settings, the solid construction and flexible design of these consoles lets you shape your sound with confidence, continually delivering peak performance and a level of sound quality and reliability that has made it a leader in its class.
Features Include:
$267.99
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Below are some of the most popular portable PA systems being used today.
| Fender Passport Conference S2 Portable PA System Bundle with Compact Speaker Stands |
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| With Bluetooth audio streaming, its full-range speakers, versatile features, friendly front-panel controls and 175 watts of power provide clear and reliable Fender sound ideal for a wide range of uses—educational, sporting and worship events; meetings, seminars and presentations; and musical performances at parties, small clubs, coffeehouses and much more.
Features Include:
$599.99
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| Yamaha STAGEPAS 400BT All-In-One Portable Bluetooth 400W PA System |
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| The STAGEPAS features two sleek, lightweight speakers and a detachable powered mixer, along with one pair of speaker cables and a power cord, giving you a complete, extremely portable sound solution that can be set up quickly and easily in a variety of configurations and environments. By combining new high-efficiency amplifiers, newly designed speakers, and high performance DSP, the new STAGEPAS delivers a significant increase in power output.
Complementing the boost in performance, the addition of iPod/ iPhone Bluetooth connectivity, SPX digital reverbs, an onboard feedback suppressor and more versatile EQ, has improved functionality and ease of use considerably, allowing STAGEPAS to meet the demands of a much wider range of applications and users. Features Include:
$899.99
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