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maxim/Excellent Karaoke Setup Guide.md

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  1. maxim revised this gist Jun 10, 2022. 1 changed file with 16 additions and 14 deletions.
    30 changes: 16 additions & 14 deletions Excellent Karaoke Setup Guide.md
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    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -9,16 +9,14 @@ How to use this setup once it's ready:

    This guide assumes that you already have a TV with HDMI ARC or Optical/Coaxial audio output, and that you have WiFi at home. First thing is that you don't need 5.1, 7.1, 10.1 or anything else. We embrace stereo. Karaoke is stereo.

    Disclaimer: I put my affiliate code into these Amazon links. This does not affect your price, just helps me.

    ### Devices you need

    | What you need | Recommended item | Link | Why you need it |
    |-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
    | Quality stereo speakers | JBL Studio 530 | [$250 (on sale)](https://www.jbl.com/STUDIO+530BK.html) | Insane quality for the price. Sound is clean and powerful. |
    | Amplifier | Aiyima A07 | [$80 (on sale)](https://amzn.to/2UmH7NG) | Easily powers Studio 530s with included power brick. |
    | YouTube box* | Nvidia Shield (or Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire Stick, Roku, any smart TV) | [$150](https://amzn.to/2SN8Vu9) | A quick/convenient way to cast Youtube from your phone to TV. |
    | Mixer with effects | Pyle Pro | [$67 (on sale)](https://amzn.to/2Uc3kxK) | 2 microphones, equalizer on 3/4, vocal effects, records into USB stick. |
    | Mixer with effects | Alesis MultiMix 4 | [$99 (on sale)](https://www.amazon.com/Alesis-MultiMix-USB-FX-Eight-Channel/dp/B00IPF9DX2) | 2 microphones, equalizer on 3/4, vocal effects |
    | HDMI audio extractor** | Soucor HDMI ARC Audio Extractor | [$21](https://amzn.to/3zEnhxv) | Extract audio from whatever's playing on TV. |
    | Dynamic microphone | Shure SM58 Stage Kit | [$130](https://amzn.to/3zDtwBI) | Industry standard mic, mic cable, sturdy stand in one box. |

    @@ -30,11 +28,15 @@ Disclaimer: I put my affiliate code into these Amazon links. This does not affec

    | What you need | Recommended item | Link | Why you need it |
    |----------------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
    | 2 HDMI cables | Monoprice HDMI Cable 6ft (x2) | [$14 for 2](https://amzn.to/3cWrVxa) | `YouTube Box ➔ TV`<br>`TV ➔ HDMI audio extractor` |
    | 2 HDMI cables* | Monoprice HDMI Cable 6ft (x2) | [$14 for 2](https://amzn.to/3cWrVxa) | `YouTube Box ➔ TV`<br>`TV ➔ HDMI audio extractor` |
    | 2 speaker cables | Amazon Basics Speaker Cable 6ft (x2) | [$26 for 2](https://amzn.to/2UhcOI5) | `Amplifier ➔ Left Speaker`<br>`Amplifier ➔ Right Speaker` |
    | 2 RCA to 1/4" stereo | Tisino Dual 1/4 inch to Dual RCA 3.3ft (x2) | [$34 for 2](https://amzn.to/3cX8tjQ) | `HDMI audio extractor ➔ Mixer`<br>`Mixer ➔ Amplifier` |
    | 2 RCA to 1/4" stereo** | Tisino Dual 1/4 inch to Dual RCA 3.3ft (x2) | [$34 for 2](https://amzn.to/3cX8tjQ) | `HDMI audio extractor ➔ Mixer`<br>`Mixer ➔ Amplifier` |
    | 1 power strip | Amazon Basics Power Strip | [$15](https://amzn.to/2Sh0CGM) | Amplifier (power plug), Youtube box (power plug), mixer (power plug), HDMI audio extractor (USB plug) |

    \* If you already have YouTube box or smart TV, you only need 1 cable.

    ** If you didn't need to buy HDMI audio extractor, you only need 1 cable.

    ### Now that you have everything, time to connect it

    1. Setup your YouTube Box so that you can open YouTube app on your phone, and cast any video to your TV.
    @@ -43,16 +45,16 @@ Disclaimer: I put my affiliate code into these Amazon links. This does not affec
    2. Plug in the power strip into nearby power outlet.
    3. Plug in the HDMI audio extractor's power (USB).
    4. Take HDMI cable, plug one end into HDMI audio extractor, the other into your TV's HDMI (ARC) slot. (Make sure it's the one that says ARC on it.)
    5. Take the first RCA to 1/4" cable. Plug the big end into the "3/4 (L/R)" ports on the mixer. Plug the small end into the "L/R" outs on the HDMI audio extractor.
    5. (If you skipped HDMI audio extractor, plug your audio cable from TV audio out into the "3/4 (L/R)" on the mixer, and go to next step.) Take the first RCA to 1/4" cable. Plug the big end into the "3/4 (L/R)" ports on the mixer. Plug the small end into the "L/R" outs on the HDMI audio extractor.
    6. Turn the tiny switch on the HDMI audio extractor to "ARC" mode (left) if you're using HDMI ARC as suggested here.
    6. Now take the 2 speaker cables and plug them into the amplifier on one end, and speakers on the other. It doesn't matter if you use top or bottom ports on the back of your speakers, they're connected. Just make sure to color match the wires, and to make L / R actually correspond to your left and right speaker.
    7. Take the second RCA to 1/4" cable. Plug the big end into the "Main Out" (top right) of your mixer. Plug the small end into the "inputs" of the amplifier.
    8. Plug the amplifier into the power strip.
    9. Plug the mixer into the power strip.
    10. Take the XLR cable that came in the microphone stage kit. Plug it into 1 (left top) on the mixer, and into the microphone. (Make sure +48V button is NOT pressed).
    11. On the top/middle of the mixer make sure that 3/4 USB button is NOT pressed.
    12. Turn on your TV, amplifier (make sure the volume is at the bottom), mixer.
    13. On your TV, check settings to make sure that it outputs the sound via ARC. If there's an audio format choice somewhere, set PCM.
    7. Now take the 2 speaker cables and plug them into the amplifier on one end, and speakers on the other. It doesn't matter if you use top or bottom ports on the back of your speakers, they're connected (DO NOT REMOVE THE BRACKETS THAT CONNECT THEM). Just make sure to color match the wires, and to make L / R actually correspond to your left and right speaker.
    8. Take the second RCA to 1/4" cable. Plug the big end into the "Main Out" (top right) of your mixer. Plug the small end into the "inputs" of the amplifier.
    9. Plug the amplifier into the power strip.
    10. Plug the mixer into the power strip.
    11. Take the XLR cable that came in the microphone stage kit. Plug it into 1 (left top) on the mixer, and into the microphone. (Make sure +48V button is NOT pressed).
    12. On the top/middle of the mixer make sure that 3/4 USB button is NOT pressed.
    13. Turn on your TV, amplifier (make sure the volume is at the bottom), mixer.
    14. On your TV, check settings to make sure that it outputs the sound via ARC. If there's an audio format choice somewhere, set PCM.

    ### Test it

  2. maxim revised this gist Jun 21, 2021. 1 changed file with 2 additions and 2 deletions.
    4 changes: 2 additions & 2 deletions Excellent Karaoke Setup Guide.md
    View file
    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -4,8 +4,8 @@ For my Vietnamese wife a good karaoke setup is serious business. Problem is, I n

    How to use this setup once it's ready:

    1. You find any song on your phone and cast it to your TV
    2. You pick up the microphone, start singing, and it all just sounds surpringly beautiful
    1. You find any song on your phone's Youtube and cast it to your TV
    2. You pick up the microphone, start singing, and it all just sounds surprisingly beautiful

    This guide assumes that you already have a TV with HDMI ARC or Optical/Coaxial audio output, and that you have WiFi at home. First thing is that you don't need 5.1, 7.1, 10.1 or anything else. We embrace stereo. Karaoke is stereo.

  3. maxim revised this gist Jun 21, 2021. 1 changed file with 4 additions and 0 deletions.
    4 changes: 4 additions & 0 deletions Excellent Karaoke Setup Guide.md
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    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -77,3 +77,7 @@ At this point you should have a hot mic, just need to turn up a few knobs.
    | Add another mic | Shure SM58 | [$109](https://amzn.to/2UkZ5QG) | Sing together with someone. |

    As mentioned in this table, you could also splurge $200 on the Xvive U3, and get rid of that XLR microphone cable. Quality remains the same, but feels freeing.

    -----

    If you have any advice on how to make this guide better, leave a comment. Would love to iterate on it.
  4. maxim revised this gist Jun 21, 2021. 1 changed file with 2 additions and 1 deletion.
    3 changes: 2 additions & 1 deletion Excellent Karaoke Setup Guide.md
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    Original file line number Diff line number Diff line change
    @@ -65,7 +65,8 @@ At this point you should have a hot mic, just need to turn up a few knobs.
    5. Start slowly turning the amplifier's volume knob and talking into the mic. You should start hearing the speakers. Success!
    6. Cast something from your phone's YouTube app to play on the TV.
    7. Mess with the Gain and Level knobs on the 3/4 strip until you hear the music from your speakers.
    8. Sing and enjoy.
    9. Sing and enjoy.
    10. Bonus: try adding some lows on the mixer to the 3/4 channel, these speakers can surprise you.

    ### Optional upgrades

  5. maxim created this gist Jun 21, 2021.
    78 changes: 78 additions & 0 deletions Excellent Karaoke Setup Guide.md
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    @@ -0,0 +1,78 @@
    # Excellent high quality karaoke setup for under $1000

    For my Vietnamese wife a good karaoke setup is serious business. Problem is, I noticed that some people spend thousands of dollars on unnecessary stuff like gigantic receivers and speakers, only to end up with hiss, clipping, and clunky operation. Smart/consistent home setup should definitely fit under $1000, and that's with speakers and expensive Nvidia Shield box. You could definitely cut it to under $500 and still have a great setup. I did some research and put together a convenient setup for amazing quality at-home karaoke that isn't worth thousands, isn't a chore to operate, and passes Asian quality standards with flying colors.

    How to use this setup once it's ready:

    1. You find any song on your phone and cast it to your TV
    2. You pick up the microphone, start singing, and it all just sounds surpringly beautiful

    This guide assumes that you already have a TV with HDMI ARC or Optical/Coaxial audio output, and that you have WiFi at home. First thing is that you don't need 5.1, 7.1, 10.1 or anything else. We embrace stereo. Karaoke is stereo.

    Disclaimer: I put my affiliate code into these Amazon links. This does not affect your price, just helps me.

    ### Devices you need

    | What you need | Recommended item | Link | Why you need it |
    |-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------|
    | Quality stereo speakers | JBL Studio 530 | [$250 (on sale)](https://www.jbl.com/STUDIO+530BK.html) | Insane quality for the price. Sound is clean and powerful. |
    | Amplifier | Aiyima A07 | [$80 (on sale)](https://amzn.to/2UmH7NG) | Easily powers Studio 530s with included power brick. |
    | YouTube box* | Nvidia Shield (or Apple TV, Chromecast, Fire Stick, Roku, any smart TV) | [$150](https://amzn.to/2SN8Vu9) | A quick/convenient way to cast Youtube from your phone to TV. |
    | Mixer with effects | Pyle Pro | [$67 (on sale)](https://amzn.to/2Uc3kxK) | 2 microphones, equalizer on 3/4, vocal effects, records into USB stick. |
    | HDMI audio extractor** | Soucor HDMI ARC Audio Extractor | [$21](https://amzn.to/3zEnhxv) | Extract audio from whatever's playing on TV. |
    | Dynamic microphone | Shure SM58 Stage Kit | [$130](https://amzn.to/3zDtwBI) | Industry standard mic, mic cable, sturdy stand in one box. |

    \* If you already have this, or you have a smart TV, you won't need it.

    ** If you have stereo (headphones) output on your TV, you could skip HDMI audio extractor, and get [this cable](https://amzn.to/3iTaX6E) to plug your TV straight into the mixer.

    ### Cables you need

    | What you need | Recommended item | Link | Why you need it |
    |----------------------|---------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
    | 2 HDMI cables | Monoprice HDMI Cable 6ft (x2) | [$14 for 2](https://amzn.to/3cWrVxa) | `YouTube Box ➔ TV`<br>`TV ➔ HDMI audio extractor` |
    | 2 speaker cables | Amazon Basics Speaker Cable 6ft (x2) | [$26 for 2](https://amzn.to/2UhcOI5) | `Amplifier ➔ Left Speaker`<br>`Amplifier ➔ Right Speaker` |
    | 2 RCA to 1/4" stereo | Tisino Dual 1/4 inch to Dual RCA 3.3ft (x2) | [$34 for 2](https://amzn.to/3cX8tjQ) | `HDMI audio extractor ➔ Mixer`<br>`Mixer ➔ Amplifier` |
    | 1 power strip | Amazon Basics Power Strip | [$15](https://amzn.to/2Sh0CGM) | Amplifier (power plug), Youtube box (power plug), mixer (power plug), HDMI audio extractor (USB plug) |

    ### Now that you have everything, time to connect it

    1. Setup your YouTube Box so that you can open YouTube app on your phone, and cast any video to your TV.
    **Important:** If you plan on using HDMI ARC to export audio from your TV (not optical or coaxial cables), then DO NOT connect this box to the HDMI (ARC) port. Use any other HDMI port.
    * Or if you have smart TV and you can cast youtube to it, ignore step one.
    2. Plug in the power strip into nearby power outlet.
    3. Plug in the HDMI audio extractor's power (USB).
    4. Take HDMI cable, plug one end into HDMI audio extractor, the other into your TV's HDMI (ARC) slot. (Make sure it's the one that says ARC on it.)
    5. Take the first RCA to 1/4" cable. Plug the big end into the "3/4 (L/R)" ports on the mixer. Plug the small end into the "L/R" outs on the HDMI audio extractor.
    6. Turn the tiny switch on the HDMI audio extractor to "ARC" mode (left) if you're using HDMI ARC as suggested here.
    6. Now take the 2 speaker cables and plug them into the amplifier on one end, and speakers on the other. It doesn't matter if you use top or bottom ports on the back of your speakers, they're connected. Just make sure to color match the wires, and to make L / R actually correspond to your left and right speaker.
    7. Take the second RCA to 1/4" cable. Plug the big end into the "Main Out" (top right) of your mixer. Plug the small end into the "inputs" of the amplifier.
    8. Plug the amplifier into the power strip.
    9. Plug the mixer into the power strip.
    10. Take the XLR cable that came in the microphone stage kit. Plug it into 1 (left top) on the mixer, and into the microphone. (Make sure +48V button is NOT pressed).
    11. On the top/middle of the mixer make sure that 3/4 USB button is NOT pressed.
    12. Turn on your TV, amplifier (make sure the volume is at the bottom), mixer.
    13. On your TV, check settings to make sure that it outputs the sound via ARC. If there's an audio format choice somewhere, set PCM.

    ### Test it

    At this point you should have a hot mic, just need to turn up a few knobs.

    1. Turn the red Gain knob on the left strip of your mixer to about 90%.
    2. Turn the white Level knob under it to about 70%.
    3. Make sure all blue knobs on the mixer are in the middle (50%) position. We don't want to mess with equalizer yet.
    4. Put the main volume slider on the right to about 80% position.
    5. Start slowly turning the amplifier's volume knob and talking into the mic. You should start hearing the speakers. Success!
    6. Cast something from your phone's YouTube app to play on the TV.
    7. Mess with the Gain and Level knobs on the 3/4 strip until you hear the music from your speakers.
    8. Sing and enjoy.

    ### Optional upgrades

    | What you need | Recommended item | Link | Why you need it |
    |-----------------|------------------|---------------------------------|-------------------------------------------|
    | Speaker stands | Kanto SP26PL 26" | [$120](https://amzn.to/3vNEame) | Great stylish stands, very high quality. |
    | Remove mic wire | Xvive U3 | [$200](https://amzn.to/2SG8kun) | Turn any dynamic mic into a wireless mic. |
    | Add another mic | Shure SM58 | [$109](https://amzn.to/2UkZ5QG) | Sing together with someone. |

    As mentioned in this table, you could also splurge $200 on the Xvive U3, and get rid of that XLR microphone cable. Quality remains the same, but feels freeing.