I have my laptop hooked up to a cheap 4channel Radio Shack mixer, running the audio output into my home stereo receiver. I'm using two cheap Walmart microphones.
I get a lot of feedback from my speakers in the form of a high pitched squeal if the singers go in front of the speakers. I can play with the audio levels a bit usually turning down the volume or the mic volumes, but that requires me making some compromises on volume levels which I don't like.
What's the best way to eliminate this feedback? Do I need more expensive microphones, a more expensive mixer, or both?
Any insight is greatly appreciated.
Eliminating Feedback
Re: Eliminating Feedback
The speakers and the microphones are the two components most responsible for feedback in your system. The receiver and mixer are adequate (smooth in frequency response) while the speakers and the mics are 'peaky in frequency response.(You did say cheap Walmart mics) Frequency peaks are what you hear when something feeds back. An equalizer would also help, but using one wouldn't be the professional way to improve your setup.
Look into some different mics around $100 from Shure, EV, Sennheiser. Try them out in the store if you can, and you'll see how they reject feedback. Hope I was helpful.
Look into some different mics around $100 from Shure, EV, Sennheiser. Try them out in the store if you can, and you'll see how they reject feedback. Hope I was helpful.
Re: Eliminating Feedback
Thanks Tashmoo, I appreciate the advice! I'm off to looking for better mics. 
Re: Eliminating Feedback
Do you ever sleep Dave? Obviously not...you bust your butt on kJams! Altho I guess 12am EST is only 9pm PST, which works well for us kJamheads on the east coast. We are finishing the night and you are just getting started.
Re: Eliminating Feedback
No, i do not sleep. 