By Johnny Stewart

What kind of karaoke
equipment do I need for home, a basic professional show, a good show and a great show?

For home there are some very affordable karaoke units costing around $200 - $300. If you are not moving your equipment around a lot and price is not a
hindrance, a carousel is very
convenient. But you need to make up your own karaoke book and buy a separate key changer and decoder to connect to your TV. Total cost around $700. Some karaoke hosts are using carousels. Beware, they do not travel well.

For a basic show you need around thirty five hundred songs, rugged microphones (at least two), Speakers, speaker stands and amplifiers that match, a CD player for music and a reliable karaoke player. Most karaoke players have two microphone connections and include some kind of echo. And don't forget the TV.

For a good show you should add fifteen hundred songs, a sound mixing board, a monitor speaker, a limiter compressor for each mic and a separate effects unit.

For a great Show add larger speakers and amplifiers that match, a second karaoke machine, a good dual D.J. player, lights to light the singers, lights for the dance floor and a wireless microphone. By the way, Bertrand's Music has a great deal on a JVC player and 350 songs, two mics. for only $269.95