It's all a matter of preference and there is NO "single perfect way" to set up a sound system for karaoke.

Except Chip I dont recommend all of that. I recommend stuff that is in people's budget. The Lexicon is a cheap, professional unit that will enhance the sound coming from the computer.

I'm not saying that it won't enhance the sound coming from the computer, but simply that it's another piece of equipment to add in the chain and for the most part, singers and sports clubs really don't notice.
The most critical sound person in that room is usually the KJ.

Like you, I've been running karaoke shows from well before the first day that it was possible to put karaoke on a computer. I know what the lexicon is, what it does, and that it in fact does improve the sound. My point is that for most clubs running karaoke, patrons are not going to be aware of the difference and they are more focused on having fun and singing the songs with their friends. If I had a system like yours, that didn't have to be moved several times a week, I would probably add a lexicon to it and a 44 band equalizer – just for fun. But I don't believe that it would be a requirement nor would it be an absolute necessity.

What I find to be more of a necessity – even in a mobile unit – is to have a compressor/limiter only on the mic channels that will keep drunk patrons from damaging your sound system when they either drop a microphone, scream into a microphone, or otherwise abuse the system. The trade-off is that it might make their voices sound a little "breathy" but even then, patrons don't notice the difference. After all, we are handing a microphone to someone who is usually
(a) not trained to use it properly,
(b) been drinking and
(c) believe your multi-thousand-dollar sound system is just a Play-Skool Toy for them.

Is the compressor another piece of gear? Or is it something I set up in my XR-12?

My Lexicon Alpha arrived today, but UPS delivered it to my neighbor's house, hopefully they will fix the issue so I can get to work setting it up.

Is the compressor another piece of gear? Or is it something I set up in my XR-12?

My Lexicon Alpha arrived today, but UPS delivered it to my neighbor's house, hopefully they will fix the issue so I can get to work setting it up.

LMAO no compression is not 'set and forget', each singer will be a little different. If you don't care about sound and want to leave it alone, then it's set and forget!

Never know with her.....

It's too bad you can't get your hands on a DBX GoRack. They were end-of-life blowing them out all over the place for $30 shipped, now they're $175 on fleabay.

It's basically a jack of all trades little black box. I use mine on only the mic channel for compression, anti-feedback, and just a tad of EQ - it's the best thing since sliced bread. Good mic preamps as well.

If one of these things should happen to fall out of your friends car, stick it under your shirt and play stupid!

Don't connect your laptop via the headphone jack, get a decent USB I/O like the Lexicon Alpha (unless that board has a USB interface already). It will be like replacing a 10 watt light bulb with a 100 watt light bulb.

What is the best way to connect the Lexicon Alpha to my Mixer? Should I use the 1/4" outputs or the RCA jacks?