Microphones and Mixers
Wired or Wireless
The only real difference between similar quality wired and wireless microphones is the wire. While the home user can usually get by fine with a wired microphone, the wireless type can be much more accommodating in a crowded room or when the microphone(s) is passed around often like at a karaoke party. Wireless microphones come in either UHF or VHF frequency bands. UHF models, because of less radio traffic on UHF frequencies, are less prone to interference. This is more of a concern to those in heavily populated urban areas. In most cases VHF models are perfectly fine for home users.Dynamic vs Condenser
Most handheld wired and wireless microphones are dynamic. They are much more rugged than condenser microphones and are the type that are used on stage, by bands, and by karaoke hosts. Condenser microphones are typically mounted on a stand and are used for recording. They are much more sensitive than dynamic microphones and also require a power source. The power source is generally supplied by an audio mixer through an XLR microphone cable (referred to as "phantom power) or a computer via a USB cable with USB microphones.Performance Recording
Making recordings of karaoke singing performances, either at online websites like SingSnap or on a computer, is very popular. The problem is that many singers are using inferior equipment which produces inferior recordings. A good condenser microphone can make a world of difference. A USB condenser microphone can be directly plugged into virtually any computer. You could go a step further with a USB audio mixer and XLR powered condenser microphone combination that will allow for fine tuning the sound of the microphone and adding effects like reverb.Hot Item This Year!
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Acesonic Mic Master Dual Wireless Microphone System, Media Player, Audio Mixer & Digital Recorder As an entertainment system, this one device can be used for karaoke, media files, recording and for audio mixing. This allows you to host a few activities such as singing, sharing videos or simply playing music for your party. Performances can be saved with the recording features so you can share them with all your friends! Play all your MP3+G karaoke tracks, MP4 videos, or MP3 music tracks from a single SD card to keep the party going. $99.00 |
Below are some popular wired dynamic microphones.
Can be plugged into an audio mixer or computer depending on the cable or cable adapter used. |
Audio 2000 APM175 - Professional Dynamic Microphone The Audio2000'S APM175 microphone is a versatile professional dynamic microphone of exceptionally high quality. A super efficient magnetic circuit design utilizing twin AlNiCo magnet elements provides maximum output level for an improved signal-to-noise ratio for all vocal and sound reinforcement applications. $60.00 |
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Shure PGA48 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphone The PGA48 is a professional quality vocal microphone with an updated industrial design that features a black metallic finish and classic silver ball grille. Legendary Shure quality construction ensures exceptional performance in rigorous environments. $39.99 |
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Shure SM58S Legendary Vocal Microphone Consistently the first choice of performers around the globe, the SM58 vocal microphone is a genuine world standard and a true audio legend. The Shure SM58 is a unidirectional (cardioid) dynamic vocal microphone designed for professional vocal use in sound reinforcement and studio recording. $104.00 |
Below are some popular wireless dynamic microphones.
Can be plugged into an audio mixer or computer depending on the cable or cable adapter used. |
ATNY AT-50HT UHF Dual Wireless Microphone System $109.00 Features:
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Audio 2000 AWM6112 Rechargeable VHF Wireless Microphone System A dual VHF wireless microphone system with the recharge mechanism right on the top of the receiver and on the microphone. The AWM6112 system has been engineered to have a wide audio frequency range, high S/N ratio, and outstanding performance. $78.93 |
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Audio 2000's AWM6002U Dual Handheld Wireless Microphones The advanced circuitry of the AWM6002U wireless microphone system provides reliable RF transmission and reception with a transmission range of 100 feet. With exceptional RF transmission and reception, the AWM6002 system fully delivers all the reception and audio quality features that allow you to really enjoy the freedom of wireless without any of the problems. $149.99 |
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Audio 2000's AWM6547DU UHF Diversity PLL 100 Frequency Handheld Wireless Microphone System With the exceptional RF transmission and reception of the dual diversity circuitries, the AWM6546DU system, with a transmission range of more than 250 feet, fully delivers all the reception and audio quality features that allow you to really enjoy the freedom of wireless without any of the problems. $299.00 |
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Samson Stage 200 Dual-Channel Handheld VHF Wireless System A dual-channel wireless microphone system that provides two handheld dynamic microphones that transmit to a single rugged metal receiver. Each handheld features Samson's Q6 mic element, providing crisp, clear sound and reliable VHF wireless performance for home karaoke. $149.99 |
Below are some popular USB condenser microphones.
Best used for recording, these will plug into the USB port of a computer. |
Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone - Silver Create unparalleled recordings directly in your computer with Blue Microphone's Yeti USB Microphone. The Yeti uses Blue Microphone's proprietary tri-capsule technology to produce pristine, studio-quality recordings. $126.99 |
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MXL USB 006 USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone Anyone can record quality music anywhere with the MXL USB.006! Designed with ease-of-use in mind, the MXL USB.006 features a large gold diaphragm that delivers a big, rich sound characteristic of studio and broadcast microphones. $79.57 |
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Samson C01U USB Condenser Microphone This classic USB microphone bridges the gap between mid-level USB audio adapters and pro-line products that require additional drivers, special software, and/or excess cabling. The C01U is USB compatible with any Mac or PC, as well as most DAW software programs, including GarageBand. $84.18 |
Below are some popular XLR powered condenser microphones.
Best used for recording, these require the the phantom power from an audio mixer. |
MXL 770 Cardioid Condenser Microphone This is a perfect piece for seasoned pros or newbie musicians who want a quality condenser mic that won't break the bank. The patented MXL 770 Condenser Mic is wired with Mogami for exceptional sound quality. $74.34 |
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Shure PGA27-LC Large Diaphragm Side-Address Cardioid Condenser Microphone The PGA27 is a professional quality microphone with an updated industrial design that features a black metallic finish and grille offering an unobtrusive visual presence. Legendary Shure quality construction ensures exceptional performance in rigorous environments. $199.00 |
Audio mixers are used to mix the karaoke music with the vocals from the microphones. They also allow the use of various kinds of microphones by providing both TS and XLR inputs and supplying power to condenser microphones via an XLR cable connection. When equipped with onboard effects you will be able to add effects such as reverb to your vocals producing a more professional sound. Audio mixers are used in conjunction with a power amp or powered speakers.
Below are some popular USB audio mixers.
If you are using a computer as your karaoke player it is highly recommended that you use a USB audio mixer. This allows for a preferable digital connection between the computer and the mixer. It also creates a bidirectional connection that will allow you to send the final mix back to the computer for recording. |
Alesis MultiMix 4 USB FX 4-Channel Mixer with Effects MultiMix 4 USB FX is a four-channel desktop mixer with a USB digital audio interface that lets you mix live, in the home studio, and record audio directly to a computer. This compact mixer is perfect for using in computer-recording setups, intimate live-sound environments, video-editing and production studios, and portable podcasting setups. $90.95 |
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Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX 8-Channel Mixer with Effects 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. Whether you are mixing a band or sub-mixing a group of inputs, such as a drumset, the MultiMix 8 USB FX is easy to use, rugged, and packed with features. $129.99 |
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Yamaha MG10XU 10-Input Stereo Mixer with Effects 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. $199.99 |
Below are some popular standard audio mixers.
These mixers do not offer a USB connection and are connected to the audio source with either RCA or TS cables. |
Mackie PROFX4V2 4-Channel Professional Effects Mixer The latest development in Mackie's small format mixers, the ProFX series v2 sounds better than ever and supplies convenient features at every knob, fader, input and output. This is the ProFX4v2, the smallest of the ProFX line. It features 2 extremely low-noise Mackie Vita mic preamps designed to add life to any input, as well as the all-new ReadyFX effects engine with 16 great-sounding effects including reverbs, delays and choruses. $125.99 |
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Mackie MIX12FX 12-Channel Compact Mixer with Effects The Mix12FX represents Mackie's current 12-channel option in the inexpensive, low-profile mixer marketplace, and like all of their small format mixers from the past, the Mix12FX is a winner. It features Mackie's signature "built like a tank" construction care of its rugged metal chassis, and four of Mackie's legendary preamps $129.99 |
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Yamaha MG06X 6-Channel Mixing Console w/Effects The MG06X 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. $124.99 |
